Following the change of government on July 28, 2026, and subsequent changes in the management and processing of procedures before various Peruvian public administration entities, a period of institutional transition has become apparent, coinciding with various operational issues. For the purposes of this Immigration Alert, we consider it important to highlight the impact of these developments on immigration proceedings before the National Superintendency of Migration of Peru (MIGRACIONES).
In the specific case of MIGRACIONES, over the past few months, we have observed an increase in processing and decision-making delays concerning applications filed under various procedures, as well as a higher frequency of administrative inconsistencies and erroneous decisions requiring subsequent review and/or correction.
These issues have arisen across different types of proceedings, including visa applications, changes of immigration status, extensions of residence permits, issuance and renewal of Immigration Cards, and other procedures related to the regularization and lawful stay of foreign nationals in Peru.
Based on the issues identified, this situation appears to coincide with a period of operational reorganization and a reduction in administrative staff, characterized by changes and turnover among reviewing officers, as well as errors in the assessment criteria applied within MIGRACIONES.
The following sections outline the main issues observed and their implications for applicants.
1. Granting of Residence Periods Shorter Than Those Provided for by Law
We have identified cases in which MIGRACIONES has been granting residence periods shorter than those applicable to the immigration status requested and granted, under the current legal framework.
The cases observed include the following:
- MERCOSUR International Agreement Temporary Immigration Status and Resident Family Member of a Peruvian National: Granting of a one (1)-year residence period, although the applicable regulations provide for a two (2)-year period.
- Permanent Residence Immigration Status, Including under the MERCOSUR International Agreement: Granting of a two (2)-year residence period instead of the permanent residence status applicable to this immigration category.
Where such discrepancies are identified, the filing of an appropriate rectification request should be assessed to ensure the necessary correction is made.
2. Incorrect Interpretation of Documentary Requirements
We have also identified cases in which documentary requirements appear to be interpreted incorrectly, particularly when reviewing employment contracts submitted as part of applications for Resident Worker immigration status.
The applicable regulations require employment contracts for foreign personnel executed in Peru to be approved by the Ministry of Labor and Employment Promotion (Ministerio de Trabajo y Promoción del Empleo — MTPE). Furthermore, when the visa application is submitted to MIGRACIONES, no more than 30 business days must have elapsed since the date of approval.
However, we have observed assessments in which the contract execution date is being used as the reference point instead of the date on which the labor authority approved the contract, despite these being two legally distinct acts. This incorrect criterion results in unfounded objections and delays in proceedings supported by adequate documentation.
3. Insufficient Review of Submitted Documents
Another recurring issue involves objections raised regarding documentation that has been correctly submitted through the MIGRACIONES Virtual Agency.
In these cases, we have noted requirements from evaluators who do not properly review the documentation submitted with the file, or who identify alleged defects that do not correspond to the content of the documents actually presented.
Although issues of this nature occasionally occurred in the past, we are currently observing them more frequently.
4. Expanded Verification Procedures and Referrals for Additional Assessments
We have also observed cases at advanced stages of review in which additional verification procedures are ordered, including referrals for police checks or background assessments. These measures may significantly extend the time required to conclude immigration proceedings.
Although MIGRACIONES has the authority to conduct verifications within the scope of its legal powers, such actions must be consistent with the applicable legal framework and the circumstances of each case. When additional procedures are ordered without sufficient justification, they result in delays that affect the timely conclusion of the proceedings.
5. Increased Processing Times for Immigration Proceedings
One of the main concerns we have noted is the increase in processing times for immigration procedures.
Based on our professional experience, various procedures that could previously be resolved within an indicative period of approximately one to three months are now experiencing delays exceeding that timeframe, despite the regulations establishing a period of 30 business days.
This situation affects visa applications and changes of immigration status, as well as extensions of residence permits and other procedures related to obtaining or updating immigration documentation.
6. Reduced Availability of INTERPOL Appointments in Lima
Finally, for several months, we have observed reduced availability of appointments to obtain the INTERPOL Record at the police station in the city of Lima.
Whereas appointments could previously be obtained within approximately one or two weeks, the waiting period may now be considerably longer and can even reach around one month. Appointments can only be booked on Saturday mornings. This situation adds further delays to immigration proceedings that require the submission of the INTERPOL Record.
Source: AOV Abogados