Information provided to us by Courtesy of Outlier Legal Client Services:
This morning, April 24th, 2020, the Immigration Department issued Resolution N° DJUR-0069-04-2020-JM, which, in summary, states:
- The Immigration Department WILL NOT receive Residency applications from now on and until May 17th, 2020. This includes all categories. Basically, Residency applications are suspended until May 17th, 2020.
- Consequently, documents which will expire within this period will be deemed valid (meaning their validity will be automatically extended) until July 17th, 2020.
- Terms to answer exigencies will be extended until July 17th, 2020.
- The Immigration Department will continue analyzing applications during this time. It is uncertain whether they continue to work at full capacity, however, they are analyzing files.
- Approvals and rejections will continue to be issued and notified solely via fax or email only.
- The exclusive attorney window used by many professionals to follow up on applications will remain closed until May 17th, 2020.
- DIMEX requests: Will work solely through Banco de Costa Rica and Correos de Costa Rica and by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Appointments at the Immigration Department will be scheduled from May 31st, 2020 onward.
- Entry visas for Restricted Nationalities can only be granted and stamped after April 30th, 2020.
- Tourists (non-Residents) who entered the country after December 17th, 2019, may legally remain in Costa Rica until July 17th, 2020.
- Minor’s exit permit requests and issuance of Costa Rican passports to minors will continue to work as normal.
A few important things to remember:
1. Earlier we announced that Immigration has suspended the penalties and fines for overstaying, when trying to depart the country. Consequently, people who have overstayed their visas and wish to exit the country during the COVID19 crisis, will not face the previously discussed fines and penalties.2. Borders will remain closed until May 15th, 2020.3. Starting March 18th, 2020 at 23:59 and until May 15th, 2020 at 23:59, only Residents and Costa Rican nationals may enter the country as a result of the COVID19 crisis. Those who enter will be obliged to complete a 14-natural day quarantine period at home.4. Residents, people with Special Categories, Estancias or applications in progress who depart the country between March 25th, 2020 at 23:59 and until May 15th, 2020 at 23:59 WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO RE-ENTER until borders reopen.
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