Foreign nationals applying for work visas in Ecuador have 72 hours from the date indicated in the filing receipt to submit their passport for visa stamping. Those who do not meet this deadline will have to resubmit their visa application and all required documents. This new deadline does not apply to work visas filed at Ecuadorian consulates abroad.
Due to the rule change, foreign nationals should either remain in Ecuador once a visa application has been filed until the visa is stamped in the passport, or be in Ecuador by the estimated approval date recorded on the filing receipt. Foreign nationals should not rely on the prior practice of completing their visa stamping any time after approval.
The current processing time between filing and approval for the 12-IX Acts of Commerce Visa, MERCOSUR Visa, Visa for Venezuelans, 12-VI Work Contract Visa and 12-VI Sponsorship Letter Visa is five to seven business days.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals should note the updated visa-stamping deadline and the possible delays that may be caused by not complying with the deadline. Foreign nationals must also restrict international travel while their in-country visa application is in process and until the approved visa is stamped in their passport.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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