Peru: Delays in Adjudication of Most Immigration Applications

In-country initial visas, including Resident Worker Visas and Appointed Worker Visas

Initial visa application should be processed within 30 business days per the July implementation of the new Administrative Procedures Text (TUPA), but this is not yet observed.

Due to the delays, the estimated processing time has increased to more than three months. 

Though consular visa application processing has resumed, the government has not yet implemented the process on the online system. Therefore, processing is extremely delayed and uncertain.

There is currently no workaround for the delays, and foreign nationals seeking to work and reside in Peru should apply for a visa through an in-country process.

Foreign nationals and employers should gather documents and submit their immigration applications earlier than usual to allow enough time for processing of work visas and should expect delayed work start dates during the next several months. 

Visa renewals

During the past months, renewal applications have generally been adjudicated within approximately two weeks.

Due to the delays, the estimated processing time has increased to 1.5 months. 

While in practice, foreign nationals remain work authorized upon filing their renewal application, they cannot travel until their renewal is approved unless they request an Exit Permit.

Foreign nationals may be subject to fines and potential cancellation of their status for traveling without an Exit Permit during processing of their application or for failing to submit their renewal application prior to expiration of their visa.

Identity Card update

While foreign nationals can apply on the online portal to update their Peruvian identity cards (due to a change in passport number or residential address), the National Superintendence of Immigration is not currently processing these requests.

Foreign residents whose Peruvian identity card has outdated information (such as a passport number or address) may face issues initiating certain administrative processes in Peru and in rare cases may face issues re-entering Peru.