Dealing with Immigration Department
Information Line at Immigration
Dealing with immigration is not for the faint of heart. Hours long waits are typical and it is necessary to move quickly when a number is called. Improvements in recent years have greatly reduced the lines and better organized the facility, however patience is required and those that do not speak Spanish fluently are encouraged to bring an interpretor. Take care to avoid the “assistants” for hire who loiter at the entrance and sometimes within the immigration complex.
Once through the gates and parking lot of the immigration complex the first area is divided into three sections for photocopies, information and those with incomplete residency applications to submit additional documents. The information window is open all day, however the incomplete window closes at 12pm. Anyone who is still in line at this time is given a number and directed to wait in another area.
Typically lines at the information window are longest during the morning when documents are being accepted, however the window is also open in the afternoon.
Reception area at "Area 3"
Proceed to the right of the information window and walk along the perimeter of the complex to arrive at area three, which is divided between two sections, one which handles cedula processing and the other residency applications. All transactions related to cedulas require an appointment, however residency applications are open to all those who check in before 12pm on weekdays.
Beyond area three is the immigration police station, which is where foreigners who have received a police citation but not taken into custody are required to report. Further along at the back of the immigration complex is the post office and branch of the Banco de Costa Rica, which accepts payments for immigration fees.
Apart from patience and an ability to converse in Spanish the most important lesson for dealing with immigration is to follow up. Even once an residency application is accepted it is necessary to return after several months and ask questions.
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Filed Under: Expat Living
