PERU: New Streamlined Change of Status Process

March 19, 2018


Effective 19th March 2018, a new, simplified process for applications for change of immigration status has been introduced, with in-person attendance at the immigration office, and an online application tracking system.

Previously, several more steps were required, and it was possible to authorize a third-party representative to submit the application at the immigration office.

Procedure

Under the new system, a foreign national requiring a change of immigration status from visitor to resident worker or assignee must first pay a processing fee. Then they must book an appointment online to attend the immigration office to submit their application and biometric data in person.

At the appointment, the applicant will be issued an online account which they can access to track the process of their application.

Once the change of status application has been approved, the applicant will be notified via their online account. They must then pay a further application fee and book another appointment online to collect their ID card (“Carné de Extranjería”) from the immigration office in person.

Our Advice

Companies with foreign national employees in Peru who enter the country as visitors should prepare them to attend the immigration office in person to apply for change of status and collect their ID card.

For advice and information on immigration to Peru in general, please email us at [email protected]