Immigration
The National Superintendence of Immigration (Migraciones) is processing previously-filed applications, and implemented online platforms where foreign nationals can file in-country change of status applications, resident visa renewal applications, student work permit applications, appeals, and requests for special travel permits and permits to sign documents, among others. Services and processing may be delayed due to closures during the past months, implementation of the new online systems and reduced staff. Processing of consular visa applications has resumed. Employers and foreign nationals can now apply for work authorization under the consular process option through the National Superintendence of Immigration’s online platform. Processing may be delayed due to closures during the past months and implementation of the process on the online system. Longer processing times for in-country change of status to Resident Visa applications should be expected: Government processing time is now approximately four and a half months, up from the statutory processing time of three months, due to a continued backlog. Approximately one to two weeks after approval and registration of the Resident Worker Visa approval with Migraciones, foreign nationals can download a digital certificate that serves as their identity card (and allows employers to enroll the foreign national in payroll and foreign nationals to start work). However, some foreign nationals may need to submit additional biometrics in person at the discretion of immigration authorities before they can obtain their digital certificate, which may further delay the work and payroll start date by two to three weeks. Foreign nationals must appear in person at the exact date and time scheduled by Migraciones; appointments cannot be rescheduled. Foreign nationals applying for in-country change of status can submit photographs and sign the application digitally. However, foreign nationals must now retrieve their local identity card in person once it is approved (which can currently take up to three weeks, up from the usual one to five days). Travel Restrictions Peru is gradually resuming international commercial flights. Flights to and from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, the United States, Uruguay and European countries are now allowed. Land borders have reopened for non-resident foreign nationals. Suspension of flights from South Africa until March 31, 2022.