Is U.s. Social Security Considered a Qualifying Pension for the M-type Visa?

Yes, U.S. Social Security is considered a qualifying lifetime monthly pension for the M-11 Migrant Pensioner Visa.

Along with Social Security retirement or disability benefits, other common qualifying sources include VA disability compensation and military retirement pay.

To use Social Security as your qualifying income, we recommend the following steps for your application:

• Obtain a Social Security Award Letter: This is also known as a Budget Letter or Proof of Income Letter. You can typically download this by logging into your My Social Security account.
• Verify the Amount: For the M-11 visa, your monthly pension must equal or exceed 3 SMMLV (Salario Mínimo Mensual Legal Vigente). While this figure is adjusted annually by the Colombian government, it approximates to roughly $1,000 USD per month for 2026, depending on exchange rates.
• Ensure the Document is Recent: Colombian immigration authorities (Migración Colombia) generally require benefit letters to be issued within 30 to 90 days of your application date.
• Legalize and Translate: Because Social Security letters are federal documents, they must be sent to the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Authentications for a federal apostille. Once apostilled, the document must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator recognized in Colombia.

Individual circumstances and outcomes vary — results, costs, and eligibility may differ by person. This information is educational and not a substitute for professional legal or VA benefit advice; we recommend you consult with an immigration lawyer or appropriate professional.

• Minimum Monthly Income for Colombia Pensionado Visa 2026: Full Guide