Immigration procedures can now be scheduled in post offices

President Laura Chinchilla on Thursday inaugurated “Electronic Services Windows” (VES), a new electronic platform to facilitate immigration procedures for foreigners residing in the country.

With the new system, foreign residents can schedule an appointment to obtain or renew residency cards in under a week, an 80 percent cut in waiting time. The new measure will also help applicants save on transportation, food and accommodation costs. Currently the process can take up to 45 days.

The service will be available through Correos de Costa Rica (the company that operates the country’s postal service) at San José offices in: Zapote, Desamparados,  Escazú, Guadalupe, Pavas, Tibás, Curridabat, San Pedro and Santa Ana. Cantons in Alajuela also are participating, including in Grecia.

Correos de Costa Rica plans to expand the coverage to 60 service points in all seven provinces by the end of this year.