Online appointment system continues to cause delays

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Chile’s online appointments system continues to cause delays for immigration-related services, including work permit applications, collecting and stamping visas, visa registration and obtaining police certificates.

What does the change mean? Foreign nationals continue to face delays in securing appointments for immigration-related services because of narrow windows for online booking and limited quantities of available appointments.

• Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
• Who is affected: Foreign nationals requiring immigration assistance and post-entry visa registration in Chile.
• Impact on processing times: Those in need of immigration services should expect delays due to the current restriction in booking online appointments—at least two weeks for the Immigration Department and one week for the International (Border) Police.

Background: The new online appointment booking system, which went live on Nov. 5, was implemented to streamline services, reduce processing times and provide equitable access to appointments. In practice, the online system continues to cause delays for foreign nationals setting appointments at the Immigration Department, since appointment slots are only made available once per week and are usually filled up in a matter of hours. Similarly, slots for appointments at the International (Border) Police office are only available during brief periods twice a month.

Although the authorities have not set specific dates or times when users are able to set appointments, usually the Immigration Department opens the schedule on Tuesdays or Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. while the International Police opens it on Fridays between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Individuals who do not have an appointment are not allowed into the facilities of the Immigration Department and the International Police.

Analysis & Comments: Employers and foreign nationals should account for delays in booking appointments and plan ahead to ensure that necessary appointments are booked far in advance. Employers should also take note that there may be restrictions on the ability of foreign national employees wishing to travel outside of Chile if their immigration status is in process or if a single parent is traveling.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom. with children. Please contact your immigration representative for more information.