Chile: Consular Mercosur Visa Applications Resume with Changes to Visa Category

As an update to the progress of the implementation of the new immigration law, nationals of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay and Paraguay who are outside Chile can now apply for initial MERCOSUR Temporary Residence Visa. In March 2022, the National Immigration Service stopped accepting applications for initial MERCOSUR Temporary Residence Visas since the eligibility and conditions of the Temporary Residence category were changing based on the new immigration law. Prior to the suspension, eligible foreign nationals could only apply for the MERCOSUR visa while in Chile; while out-of-country applications are now accepted, in-country applications remain suspended until further notice. MERCOSUR visa applicants must now submit an apostilled/legalized police clearance from their country of origin in support of their application, which was previously not required. Additionally, the new MERCOSUR Temporary Residence Visa can be granted for up to two years and may be renewed in two-year increments. Previously, this visa was granted for one initial year, renewable only once.