IMPACT – LOW

What is the change? Chile’s Immigration Department is experiencing significant delays in processing and issuance of visas and permanent residence permits because of an upcoming change in government next month and high immigration demand.

What does the change mean? Employers and individuals should factor in an additional two to three months for processing of applications.  

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Visas and permanent residence permits.
  • Who is affected: Applicants seeking services at the Immigration Department.
  • Impact on processing times: Approximately two to three months’ delay.
  • Business impact: The impact on business schedules is low, since employees may work while awaiting approval of their visas either with the special work permit for tourist or special work permit associated with the visa, and they may show proof of residence with the visa application receipt or permanent residence application receipt. However, issuances of Chilean ID cards are impacted by delays in the immigration processes.

Background: The delays are caused by the transition to a new government under President-elect Sebastian Piñera, as well as a high volume of immigration applications and a busy summer travel season from December to February.

BAL Analysis: Applicants should anticipate that immigration authorities are taking two to three months longer than normal to issue documents and process work and residence permits. The delays, however, do not apply to the special work permits for tourists.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Chile. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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