Nov
5
Prorroga de Residencia…
redeparede.com.pe
Having never been an immigrant, I find a lot of processes I have to go through here rather interesting and much less frustrating than I would have expected. When you become a Peruvian resident, no matter what type of residency, you have to go through two separate processes each year to maintain/renew it. First is the Tasa Anual(see here for details ExpatPeru), due anytime between Jan 1st and March 31 of each year.
Then there is the Prorroga de Residencia(renewal). It is due on, or slightly before the anniversary of your CE. For me, it is simple and quick. I am married to a Peruvians so here is what is needed:
- Present a recent copy of your marriage certificate from the city hall, S/. 11.00 (must be dated 90 days or less).
- A copy of your CE.
- Copy of passport page with residency stamp
- Form F-007
- Receipt for S/. 41.04 paid at Banco de Nacion.
That’s it, really!
Go to immigrations, they check your CE in the system and then give you a stamp(foil sticker actually) on the second row on the back of your CE. Total time invested, about 90 minutes. Most of that was Kelly going to the city hall to order the marriage certificate and wait in line to pay the fee. Other types of CE’s require a $50.00 fee, in addition to the S/. 41.04.
With everything in hand, I headed down to the immigration office with my wife and dropped everything off. I was told to come back at 3:30 to pickup my CE with the new sticker. About 30 minutes later, I got a call at home from the immigrations office. They had a ‘Red Flag’ alert on my CE, HOLY CRAP! I had no clue what that could have meant and simple told to come back at 3:30 and we would see what was going on. Kelly was teaching my class since I have been sicker than a dog, so it was up to me to go it alone this time. I headed over to the office at 3:15 and met with the head of immigrations. Mind you, they don’t speak English. This is not the USA where you can get services in 186 languages and have documents translated for you into just about any obscure dialect known to man. No, this is Peru… learn Spanish or go home! My Spanish is not perfect be any stretch of the imagination and I continue to learn more and more everyday.
I asked what the problem could be, very politely and without any accusatory tone in my voice. He said, no problem, really. Just need to check a few things with your passport and need a few extra copies. While he was doing what he needed, I engaged in small talk. Told him I was working as a teacher. He was excited, he wants to learn English and needs to for his advanced degree he is working on at the university where I teach. I told him about the hours and classes and costs, I expect to see him there in a few months. After a few minutes of doing things in his magic computer screen, he reached for the foil sticker, placed it on my CE and told me to have a nice day.
I asked him about applying for citizenship and he told me next year, after I complete the process for a second time, I could immediately apply. He commended me on my Spanish and how I didn’t speak a word the last time I was in his office. What a difference a year makes… I told him I felt intimidated and needed to practice, but that I am working on my Spanish. We talked about the food, the people, the opportunities that open up to you when you speak Spanish and accept the culture.
There are several approaches that could have been taken here. Most of the Gringos I have encountered would have been yelling, ranting and raving about how screwed up things are. Me, I just went with the flow and took the relaxed tranquillo approach to things. It worked and I have made another friend in the ever expanding network of connections here.
I have to say the immigration team here in Pucallpa is very professional and extremely helpful. I just have to do this one more time and then I will apply for citizenship next year.