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Peruvian Student Visa

Peruvian Student Visa

A Guide to Peruvian Visas

Part 2

Foreigners planning to study at a Peruvian educational institution or to do an internship / apprenticeship (without payment!) at a Peruvian company can apply for a student visa to stay legally in Peru during their studies or training.

Depending on the length of your studies in Peru, a temporary or resident student visa is issued:

  • a temporary student visa, called Formación temporal, is intended for studies / (pre-)professional internships in Peru lasting less than 12 months; however, usually temporary student visas are only issued for 90 or 180 days and then can be extended for the same number of days.
  • a resident student visa, called Formación residente, is issued for studies that take longer than 12 months; it is valid for one year and then can be renewed for another year.

But, be aware that in some cases, "short-term" students and participants of study abroad programs don't have to apply for a student visa at all but can do their studies on a tourist visa. So, best check with the Peruvian university, the organization of your exchange program or nearest Peruvian consulate if this exception might apply to you.

Please note: the Peruvian educational institution or training facility you plan to study / do an internship has to be recognized by the Peruvian Ministry of Education or the National Assembly of University Rectors.

Content overview

 

Legal background for the student visa application in Peru

Where to apply for a student visa

Officially, you can apply for a student visa if you are still outside Peru or if you are already in the country, for example, as a tourist.

However, while for decades Peruvian consulates abroad handled temporary and residence visa applications from giving information and handing out the right forms to fill in, to accepting the application and, if approved, issuing the visa, since August 2021, the Peruvian diplomatic missions abroad only handle tourist and business visa applications and refer foreigners, who want to apply for a temporary or residence visa, to Migraciones in Peru.

So, students and interns, who can enter the country visa-free (so, who don’t have to apply for a “real” tourist visa at a Peruvian consulate), should come to Peru as a tourist and then change their immigration status - make a so called Cambio de calidad migratoria (as opposed to a Solicitud de calidad migratoria if you apply from outside Peru) - at Migraciones.

Those students and interns, who cannot enter Peru visa-free (so, who must apply for a “real” tourist visa at a Peruvian consulate), officially must apply for a student visa from outside Peru; a complicated, lengthy, and sometimes frustrating process. We explain in detail how it’s done in our article “Peruvian residence visa application from abroad”.

Peruvian residence visa application from abroad

Peruvian residence visa application from abroad

Peruvian Visa Types
Foreign nationals, who want to apply for a residence visa in Peru (for example because they are married to a Peruvian, found work in Peru, want to ...

Important laws and regulations

For foreigners planning to stay longer in Peru and to apply for a temporary or resident visa, the most important laws and regulations are the Decreto Legislativo 1350, the "old" Foreigner Law and the Decreto Legislativo 1582, the modification of the Foreigner Law, which both only stipulate general rules, as well as the Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN published in 2021 and the TUPA. Helpful as well is to check out the Peruvian government website. All these documents are, of course, in Spanish.

While below, under "Requirements for a student visa application in Peru" you find the necessary documents described in English, the official list of requirements (in Spanish) can be found here:

Temporary student visa

In the Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN on page 30, in article 73-C “Procedimiento administrativo de cambio de calidad migratoria formación temporal”. As the TUPA is always the more current official document, which contains slight changes compared to the Decreto Supremo, we recommend to use it when looking for the most current official information about the requirements in Spanish. You find the information for temporary students on page 125, which is page 128 of the PDF.

Resident student visa

In the Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN on page 37, in article 83-B “Procedimiento administrativo de cambio de calidad migratoria formacion residente”. As the TUPA is always the more current official document, which contains slight changes compared to the Decreto Supremo, we recommend to use it when looking for the most current official information about the requirements in Spanish. You find the information for resident students on page 198, which is page 201 of the PDF.

 

Requirements for a student visa application in Peru

Below you find the requirements to apply for a temporary or resident student visa, accurately to make a so-called "Cambio de calidad migratoria" (change of immigration status) in Peru.

Please be aware that Migraciones has the right to request other and/or additional documents at any time.

Required documents to apply for a temporary (!) student visa in Peru include:

  • Passport
  • Document proving that your studies / intership / apprenticeship in Peru (not older than 30 days)
    • for students: Enrollment certification issued by the recognized Peruvian educational institution
    • for exchange students: Official letter from the recognized Peruvian host university or higher education institution 
    • for interns: Official letter from the Peruvian company
  • Interpol clearance - Ficha de canje internacional not older than 6 months (see below)
  • Sworn statement that you don't have a criminal record in Peru and abroad
  • Sworn statement stating that you (in case of minors, the parents) have sufficient financial resources to fund your studies or internship in Peru
  • Receipt for paid application fee (code Migraciones 07568; concept Cambio de calidad migratoria formación temporal, S/ 22.20 since October22, 2023)
  • "Recibo", so a water or electricity bill showing your address (doesn't have to be in your name)

Required documents to apply for a resident (!) student visa in Peru include:

  • Passport
  • Clean criminal record (Antecedentes policiales, penales y judiciales) from your home country or from the country where you legally lived (so with a resident visa) during the 5 years prior to coming to Peru (1) + (2) + (3)
  • Document proving your studies / intership / apprenticeship
    • for students: Enrollment certification issued by the recognized Peruvian educational institution
    • for exchange students: Official letter from the recognized Peruvian host university or higher education institution 
    • for interns: Official letter from the Peruvian company
  • Interpol clearance - Ficha de canje internacional not older than 6 months (see below)
  • Sworn statement stating that you (in case of minors, the parents) have sufficient financial resources to fund your studies or internship in Peru
  • Receipt for paid application fee (code Migraciones 07568; concept Cambio de calidad migratoria formación residente; S/ 161.40 since October 22, 2023)
  • "Recibo", so a water or electricity bill showing your address (doesn't have to be in your name)

Explanatory notes for the requirements:

First of all, be aware that documents have an "expiration" date in Peru:

  • Documents issued in Peru are usually only accepted when they were issued a maximum of 3 months prior to being submitted.
  • Documents issued outside Peru are usually only accepted when they were issued not more than 6 months prior to being submitted.

(1) As we get many question about the “Antecedentes policiales, penales y judiciales” we dedicated a separate article to the topic where we explain in detail what kind of document you need, where you get it and what to watch out for when applying for it.

International document corresponding to the Antecedentes policiales, penales and judiciales in Peru

International document corresponding to the Antecedentes policiales, penales and judiciales in Peru

Legal Stuff
One of the requirements to apply for a resident visa in Peru or to change your visa type, for example from a work visa to a permanent resident visa...

(2) That's the official requirement. However, Migraciones always requests the criminal record check from your home country. And, if they are made aware of the fact that you lived in another country during the 5 years prior to coming to Peru, sometimes additionally a check from this country.

(3) All foreign documents (even so-called “international” certificates) need an Apostille or, if the country in which they were issued, didn't sign the Apostille Convention, have to be legalized by a Peruvian consulate abroad and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Peru. Once in Peru, the document has to be translated into Spanish and in some cases legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Applying for a temporary or residenet student visa is a simple and straightforward process, but might be a little confusing here and there if you are not familiar with the process and the steps involved. Please see our walk-through below, which should enable you to start and finish this little endeavor on your own, as general guidance only as requirements and processes change quickly. At least basic Spanish skills are required to fill in forms and understand instructions.

 

Last steps before your student visa application

Translation of foreign documents

If you apply for a resident student visa, you hopefully brought the criminal record check with Apostille/legalization from your home country that now needs to be translated into Spanish. Even though officially no longer required and a simple translation should be enough (see Decreto Legislativo 1272 about simplified administration procedures) we highly recommend to use a certified translator in Peru, a so-called traductor publico juramentado. You find lists of these government-approved translators on the Peruvian government website. Just click under point 3 on the language of your original document and the list of translators for your language appears.

If your documents have an Apostille and were translated by one of the certified translators on the list according to the above mentioned Decreto Legislativo Migraciones should accept them without problems. However, most translators are still recommending an additional legalization of the translation by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE), as sometimes Migraciones doesn't apply the simplified administration procedures, rejects documents without the additional RREE legalization and explicitly asks the applicant to upload the apostilled and translated foreign documents this time with another legalization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE) in Lima or a RREE branch in the provinces.

So, if you want to skip the additional legalization by RREE, we highly recommend to keep an eye on your Migraciones electronic mailbox for notifications from Migraciones (see below)

If your documents aren't apostilled but legalized they must be legalized again after the translation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE) in Lima or a RREE branch in the provinces.

Interpol

And before you can even start any temporary or resident visa application process, you first have to get the so-called “Ficha de Canje Internacional” from Interpol in Peru. Find a detailed description of how it’s done in our article “Interpol - Ficha de Canje Internacional”.

Interpol - Ficha de Canje Internacional

Interpol - Ficha de Canje Internacional

Legal Stuff
All foreigners must present the "Ficha de Canje Internacional" to Migraciones when changing their immigration status, for example, from a temporary...

Paying the visa application fee

Then pay the fee of S/ 22.20 (temporary student visa) / S/ 161.40 (resident student visa) for the Migraciones administrative procedure “Cambio de Calidad Migratoria” under code 07568 with "concepto": "Formacion temporal" or "Formacion residente" on pagalo.pe at any Banco de la Nacion branch or at some Banco de la Nacion ATMs. As you already paid the Interpol fee, you know how the systems works, otherwise check again in our article "Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru".

Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru

Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru

Legal Stuff
All administration charges, processing fees and fines government agencies, public authorities and entities levy in Peru have to be paid at the Banc...

Last preparations

If you apply for a temporary student visa, you have to fill in and sign the Sworn statement that you don't have a criminal record in Peru and abroad.

Additionally, temporary and resident student visa applicants must fill in and sign the Sworn statement that you (in case of minors, the parents) have sufficient financial resources to fund your studies or internship in Peru

Please be aware: If you are in Peru as a tourist you can only legally sign a document in Peru after you were issued a Permit to sign contracts. You can apply for the permit on the Agencia Digital quickly and easily. Our article "Permit to sign contracts (Permiso especial para firmar contratos) in Peru" explains in detail how it's done.

Permit to sign contracts (Permiso especial para firmar contratos) in Peru

Permit to sign contracts (Permiso especial para firmar contratos) in Peru

Legal Stuff
If foreign visitors, who are in Peru as a tourist, or temporary visa holders who haven't applied for a CTM, need to sign a legally binding document...

So, first apply for the Permit to sign contracts, then fill in the sworn statements and sign them.

And last but not least, make PDFs from your passport (page with your personal data), and from all other required documents (max size per document 3MB).

Finally, the time has come to apply for your student visa. Be aware that in case you need to leave the country during the processing time of your student visa application you must apply for a special travel permit (Permiso especial de viaje, officially as well called Autorización de estadía fuera del país) before you leave the country, otherwise your application is null and void.

Travel Permit (Permiso Especial de Viaje / Autorización de Estadía fuera del País )

Travel Permit (Permiso Especial de Viaje / Autorización de Estadía fuera del País )

Legal Stuff
Foreigners in Peru who applied for a visa - to be precise who applied for a change of their immigration status (cambio de calidad migratoria) or a ...

 

Step-by-step guide to apply for a student visa in Peru

One remark before we start: The Agencia Digital, where you have to submit your application online, is in Spanish only. We highly recommend not to use a translation program which automatically translates the page from Spanish to your preferred language to avoid system errors. And to avoid further system errors, we highly recommend not to use a VPN and switching off any ad blockers or an incognito mode you might use.

And even though we try to keep this guide as up-to-date as possible, due to constant changes to the Agencia Digital not everything might be exactly as described below. So, please see this walk-through as general guidance only. If you find mistakes or some changes to the process described below, you are more than welcome to share your experience below as a comment (visible to everyone after approval) or to use the e-mail button on the bottom of the page to send a private e-mail.

Migraciones Agencia Digital

Once you have done all the preparation work, open the Migraciones Agencia Digital and click on Entrar.

On the next page, select "Extranjero". Then fill in the following fields:

  • Tipo de documento: choose in the drop-down menu the document with which you entered Peru (most probably passport)
  • Numero de documento: enter your passport number
  • Fecha de nacimiento: enter your birthdate (click on the little calendar; to choose the year: click on the down arrow next to the date, then, if necessary, click on the less-than-sign and choose the year; afterwards select the month and the day).
  • Nacionalidad: select your nationality in the drop-down menu (be aware that the nationalities are in Spanish; so, you won't find United Stated or US and must select EE.UU; or you won't find UK and must choose Gran Bretaña (or Inglaterra or Escocia); or no Netherlands but Paises Bajos, no Germany but Alemania, etc.)
  • Ultimo movimiento migratorio de entrada: click on the calendar and choose the date you entered Peru
  • Codigo Captcha: just enter the captcha.

Click on Verificar. Now you are on the main page of the Agencia Digital.

No matter which forms you fill out in Peru, always enter your personal data exactly (!!!) as in your passport!

Register your personal data in the Migraciones database

Before you start your visa application, you first should register your personal data in the Migraciones database.

In the menu on the left find the point “Actualizacion de Datos”. It’s usually quite at the bottom. Click on it and you should be re-directed to the Sistema de Actualizacion de Datos page.

Please note: Some of our readers commented that if they click on the “Actualizacion de Datos” menu point an error message pops up and they can’t get to the correct page to fill in their data. It seems that Migraciones once again is in the process of changing some procedures and forms. So, if you get the error message, just continue with your visa application as explained below.

If you are re-directed you should automatically be on the "Actualicación de Datos Extranjero" page.  Here fill in your nationality, select the document with which you entered Peru (most probably passport), enter your passport number, and your birth date, select your sex and enter the captcha. Then you get to a quite extensive questionnaire.

Be aware that you only have 30 minutes to complete the questionnaire and once you started you must finish it within this time otherwise all your progress is gone and you have to start from scratch. The questions are quite unorganized and partly a bit strange, so to give you an idea what questions you have to answer and might need to prepare for here an overview:

In the first two categories, you have to fill in your personal data including full name (as in your passport!), document with which you entered Peru, document number, sex, marital status, country of birth, if you have a criminal, police or judicial record, if you are pregnant.

The third category asks for your address in Peru, your e-mail address, cell phone number and landline phone number. Here you as well should have to upload the "recibo", so a water or electricity bill showing your address (doesn't have to be in your name).

Then you are asked for the information of an emergency contact, including ID, name and e-mail of your emergency contact. This is followed by questions about your employment situation and where you were born (continent, country, town).

In the next category, you have to enter your hair and eye color, height in meters, weight in kilograms, religion, marital status, date of marriage, vaccinations and if you have a disability or disease. You are then asked if you arrived in Peru alone or if someone was accompanying you. If so, enter the personal data (passport number, name, last name, birthdate) of that person. Now you are asked if you have lived in other countries previously and in which country before coming to Peru, when you last entered Peru, how you came to Peru (plane, bus, car).

The last questions check your living conditions (are you living in a house, number of rooms, accommodation connected to water, sewage, electricity, and internet), ask for some financial info (if you have a bank account in Peru; if you have taken out a loan in Peru; if you have a bank account in another country; if you hold shares in a company in Peru) and want to know if you have a car and a driver’s license in Peru or another country.

As soon as you have completed the last page of the questionnaire, the system accepts all your answers, and you are registered. Now, return to the main page of the Agencia Digital.

On the main page of the Agencia Digital you can either use the search field or find in the menu on the left under “Cambio de calidad migratoria” the points “Formación Temporal” and “Formación Residente”. Choose the one that applies and proceed to the next page.

1st page of the student visa application

On the main page of the Agencia Digital you can either use the search field or find in the menu on the left under “Cambio de calidad migratoria” the points “Formación Temporal” and “Formación Residente”. Choose the one that applies and you get to the first page of the actual visa application.

Here, select the Migraciones branch or MAC center closest to you which should handle your application (for example, Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, …).

Click on Siguente.

2nd page of the student visa application

Here you must fill in some data and/or upload all for the student visa application necessary documents as PDF (max. size per document 3MB).

Those who just want to verify the requirements or double check if the requirements have changed can do so on this page. Then just click through the tabs but do not upload any documents and do not click on Siguente; once you finished just leave the page.

To continue with your student visa application, click on the little arrows next to each requirement, and certain fields appear depending on the requirement. Just fill in the fields as requested and upload the corresponding document.

Under “Pago por derecho de tramite” you are asked to enter certain information of the bank receipt

  • numero de recibo (number of the receipt) which is the "secuencia de pago" on the pagalo receipt
  • codigo de verficación (verification code) which is the "codigo control" on the pagalo receipt
  • fecha de recibo (date) which is the "fecha de operación" on the pagalo receipt.

After entering the requested info click on Validar.

Under the "Ficha de Canje Interpol" tab, you must upload the Ficha de Canje from Interpol and if you apply for a resident student visa your criminal record check you brought from home or if you apply for a temporary student visa your sworn statement that you don't have a criminal record. Be aware that both fields are mandatory, and you can’t continue without having uploaded both documents.

Under the "Documentos Especificos" upload the sworn statement that you have sufficient financial resources to fund your studies or internship in Peru.

Under the "Documento de Identificación" tab, select the document with which you entered Peru (in most cases passport). You are then asked to fill in your passport number, the date of issue and the country of issue and upload a copy of the passport page with your photo and personal data.

Under the "Constancia de Estudios..." tab you only have to upload one document.

  • Students: Enrollment certification issued by the recognized Peruvian educational institution
  • Exchange students: Official letter from the recognized Peruvian host university or higher education institution 
  • Interns: Official letter from the Peruvian company

There is one last tab “Exceso de permanencia” (excess stay). If you apply when your stay in Peru is still valid, this tab has already a green check in front of it and you just leave it as it is.

If you, however, apply when your stay as a tourist is expired, open the tab and you should be able to upload the payment receipt for your overstayed days and a sworn statement explaining the reasons for their overstay. Once these two documents are uploaded the check in front of the tab should turn green. Before counting on this option please read our chapter Can I apply for a student visa when my stay as a tourist is expired?.

Once you filled in all required fields and uploaded all your documents, there should be a green check in front of each tab. Accept the terms and conditions and click on Siguente.

3rd page of the student visa application

You then get to a page showing the fields of a document called Form PA - Cambio de Calidad Migratoria. If you are already registered the form is already filled in with your personal data. The only fields you can change are your cell phone number and your e-mail address. If you, however, haven't entered your personal data before, just fill in the required fields. Make sure you enter an e-mail address you have unrestricetd access to. If everything is correct, click on “Guardar datos y generar tramite” (Save data and generate procedure).

Please note: For whatever reasons, sometimes this page isn't displayed.

4th page of the student visa application

You now get the "Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria" and a number displayed on your screen.

First of all save this number! It's your Numero de expediente (file number), which sometimes is also called Numero de tramite. It consists of 2 letters (usually some abbreviation of the Migraciones office where you applied; LM for Lima, for example; or CY for Chiclayo, etc.) and 9 numbers. 

Then click on the "Descargar" and/or "Imprimir" button to download and/or print the complete document. This "Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria" document is the confirmation of your successful application, keep it safe!!!

At the top right of the downloaded document under the bar code you again find your Numero de expediente (file number). At the bottom of the first page, under the signature / fingerprint field, the Fecha de publicacion (application date) and a Codigo de verificacion (verification code) are shown.

If you later want to check the status of your application online, which can be done here or if you, for example, want to apply for a travel permit to leave the country while the approval of your application is still in process, you will need these numbers / codes.

Additionally, at the bottom of the first page you as well find your login data for the Migraciones electronic mailbox, called Buzon electronico (see below).

Please note:

A few of our readers commented that they couldn’t find the verification code and/or the login data for the electronic mailbox on the Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria page. So, before continuing check the Registro page carefully and look for the verification code and the login data. If they aren't there, once you make the appointment for the biometric data, you find a tab on your screen labeled "Cargo tramite". If you click on it, your verification code and your login data should be displayed. If you missed that as well, then once you made the appointment you can download the Formulario PA - Cambio de calidad migratoria under the Historial tramite menu point, which hopefully has the verification code and the login data printed on it.

If you still weren't successful or just misplaced/forgot your login details for the Buzon electronico, there is another easy option to recover at least the access to the Buzon electronico: Just enter the Agencia Digital and on the main page at the top click on the Buzon Electronico button or use this direct link. Then click on "¿Olvidaste la contraseña?" and you get to the "Verificacion de Datos" page. Here enter your nationality, passport, passport number, last name(s), first name(s) and your birthdate. After submitting your information by clicking on Siguiente, you get an e-mail with the "usario" and a link to reset or create a password.

 

Biometric data appointment

Following the confirmation of your visa application you are asked to make an appointment for having your biometric data (photo, fingerprints, signature) taken with a provided code. This code is your numero de expediente (numero de tramite).

As waiting times sometimes can be long, especially in Lima, we suggest following provided link and make the appointment immediately. If you want to make it at a later time, you can enter the Agencia Digital and make an appointment under "Citas en Linea", subpoint "para registro de datos biometricos".

So, just enter your numero de expediente (numero de tramite) and select a free date. If everything works smoothly, you have an appointment. Download and print your appointment confirmation (Constancia de cita electronica).

On the day of your biometric data appointment, be at the Migraciones office you selected when making the appointment 15 - 30 minutes before your appointment. You will only need your printed (!) appointment confirmation and your passport.

The process varies a bit depending on the office. At the Lima Migraciones office, for example, you get a ticket with a number on it. Then just join the line and wait until your number is shown on the screen. When it's your turn proceed to the counter, where you have to sign on a signature pad, you are digitally fingerprinted and a biometric photo is taken.

Do not wear a white shirt or a top in light or pastel color! Migraciones might refuse to take your photo. Best wear a simple black shirt or something in a dark or strong color.

There were times when the process at the Migraciones office in Lima was quick and astonishingly well organized and you were done in less than half an hour. However, over the past few months some foreigners reported that their appointment time wasn't respected and they had to wait an hour or two until they made it to the counter, where the process was quick and smooth. So, plan accordingly. At the Migraciones offices in the provinces, the whole process is usually quick and painless.

After your biometric data appointment, all you can do is check your Buzon electronico regularly and wait until you get a notification from Migraciones either telling you that they aren't happy with a document you uploaded or that a document is missing or that your visa is approved.

 

Buzon Electronico

The Buzon Electronico is your personal Migraciones electronic mailbox, which you should check regularly for notifications from Migraciones (for example, request to upload missing or additional documents, approval or denial of your visa application, etc.).

You can access your buzon by clicking on the "Buzon" button on the top of the main page of the Agencia Digital or by using this direct link. The username (usario) and password (contraseña) is on the "Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria" document, the confirmation of your successful application (see above under 4th page, especially if you can't find your login data).

Be aware that notifications sent via the Buzon are considered "officially delivered". If you don't react to a deadline Migraciones usually gives in these notifications (in most cases only 5 days), your application can be dismissed.

So, if you get a notication from Migraciones informing you that you haven’t uploaded a required document, that an uploaded document isn’t to their liking or they want an additional document, don’t waste any time.

If you have the document, make a PDF of it (max size 3MB) and upload it on the Agencia Digital. How this so-called Subsanación is done, is explained in our article “Subsanacion - Submitting documents”.

Subsanacion - Submitting documents

Subsanacion - Submitting documents

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During the internal evaluation and approval process of any application on the Agencia Digital, Migraciones may discover that you haven’t uploaded a...

If you don’t have the document yet and won’t be able to submit it within the deadline, you still have to react and can apply for an extension of time to hand in the document later. The process is called “Solicitud de ampliación de plazos” and explained in our article "Extension of a Migraciones deadline".

Extension of a Migraciones deadline

Extension of a Migraciones deadline

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During the internal evaluation and approval process of your visa application (Cambio de calidad migratoria) or of the application for the extension...

 

Approval of your student visa

Officially the processing time of temporary and residence visa applications is 30 business days. However, according to feedback we got from our readers, it usually takes around 4 to 6 weeks (temporay students) / 2 to 3 months (resident students) until you get a notification from Migraciones in your Buzon with the official resolution that your visa was approved.

Nevertheless, check your Buzon regularly as you might belong to the lucky ones that get their approval within two or three weeks after application. On the other hand, in case you haven't heard anything from Migraciones 2 months (temporary students) / 4 months (resident students) after your application, you should check with them what's going on.

Anyway, sooner or later you find a notification in your Buzon electronico (the subjection line should be something like "Notificación tramite cambio de calidad") informing you about the approval of your visa.

Congrats, but at least if you are a resident students (or in some cases as well a temporary student) you are not finished yet. You still need your carné, your official Peruvian ID.

 

Getting your Carné (foreigner ID)

Temporay Students

Temporary Students are not issued a carné automatically. After receiving the notification with the approval of your temporary student visa, that’s it, you are legally in Peru for the approved time and can study / do an internship.

Congratulations! You made it!

However, while you don't get a Carné de extranjería, the Peruvian foreigner ID for residents, as a temporay student, you can apply for a so-called CTM, Carné Temporal Migratorio. While usually the CTM isn't issued to short-term students and not necessary for temporary students, in a few cases it might be possible and worth the trouble trying to apply for it as the CTM includes a Permit to work and a Permit to legally sign any type of document in Peru (otherwise you have to apply for a Permit to sign contracts each time you need to legally sign something).

Resident Students

The notification from Migraciones informing you about the approval of your resident student visa as well states to wait for further instructions on how to pick up your carné. So, once again check your Buzon regularly and wait for a second notification from Migraciones (Notificación expedición del carné) informing you that your carné was issued.

Officially Migraciones has another 30 business days counted from the approval of the visa to send the expedición del carné notification. However, some of our readers shared that they had to wait only a couple of days, others three or four weeks, and a few even 2 months.

As soon as you got the official notification that your carné is ready, get going. 

Be aware that in some Migraciones offices you need an appointment to pick up your carné while at others, especially in the provinces, no appointment is needed and you can just show up any time, any day or at a specific day and/or time. Please check with the Migraciones office where you applied. 

If you need an appointment, then just enter the Agencia Digital. On the main page in the left menu under "Citas en linea", subpoint "para recojo de documentos" make an appointment to pick up your carné. Once again, download and print the confirmation and keep it safe.

Please note: Especially in Lima it can be a mission to get an appointment to pick up your carné. Your only option is to try again and again and again, tomorrow, the day after, a week later, ... You could also try to change the Migraciones office, where you want to pick up your carné, and see if there appointments are available.

If, for whatever reasons, you urgently need your carné number or something to prove that you have a carné, but can't get an appointment to pick it up, you can download a document on the Agencia Digital confirming that you have a valid carné despite not having the actual card in your hands yet. On the main page of the Agencia Digital in the left menu, click under "Constancias" on the point "Carné de Extranjería". You get a page with the data that is printed on your carné. Below just confirm "Estos son los datos con los cuales se emitirá su constancia ...." by clicking on the little square and click Siguiente. Now, the "Constancia de Emisión de carné de Extranjería" is displayed on your screen. Just download it and, if necessary, print it and you have proof that you have a carné and are legally in the country.

Anyway, to pick up your carné you need your passport. If you have an appointment you as well must bring your printed (!!!) appointment confirmation. Best be at the Migraciones office 15-30 minutes before. Migraciones personal will point you in the right direction where you are handed your carné.

Congratulations! You made it!

To familiarize yourself with your carné we highly recommend to read our glossary article Carné de Extranjería - Peru’s ID Card for foreigners.

 

Things you should know living in Peru on a student visa

Temporary students

Temporary student visas are usually only valid 90, in some cases 180 days. If you want to stay longer you can extend for the same number of days.

As a temporary student you are not allowed to work in Peru. However, you can apply for a special authorization to work and the CTM as explained above.

If any information you provided when applying for your temporary student visa changes, Migraciones must be informed about it within 30 days. So, if you get a new passport, move to a new address, change your name, change the university, etc. you have to apply for a so-called "Actualización de datos". The process is explained in our article Update your information in the Migraciones database.

Update your information in the Migraciones database

Update your information in the Migraciones database

Legal Stuff
If any of your information, which is printed on your carné or which is registered in the Migraciones database, changes, you must apply for a so-cal...

Resident students

A resident student visa (so the residence permit) is valid for one year and then has to be renewed. Our article "Residence visa extension" explains how it's done.

Residence visa extension in Peru

Residence visa extension in Peru

Legal Stuff
In Peru, a residence visa, so the permit allowing you to live in the country (not the carné, the card), is usually valid for only one (1) year and ...

The carné de extranjería (so the Peruvian foreigner ID card) is usually valid for four years and then must be renewed. For more details, check out our article "Renewal of the carné"

Renewal of the Carné de Extranjería

Renewal of the Carné de Extranjería

Legal Stuff
When your Peruvian residence visa is approved, you get the Carné de Extranjería, your Peruvian foreigner ID. The carné, so the card (not the reside...

Foreigners being in Peru on a resident student visa have to be in the country at least 183 days per year, otherwise their resident status is canceled. If you have to be outside the country longer, before leaving apply for the Autorización de estadía fuera del país por 183 días, and you won't lose your residence permit.

f you are living in Peru on a resident student visa, you are not allowed to work or receive a remuneration for any kind of professional activity in Peru. However, you can apply for a special authorization to work, the so-called Permiso de trabajo extraordinario, which allows you to work part time and during official university vacations.

If any information you provided when applying for your student visa changes, Migraciones must be informed about it within 30 days. So, if you get a new passport, move to a new address, change your name, etc. you have to apply for a so-called "Actualización de datos". Be aware that for resident students, in some cases, a new carné has to be issued after the application is approved.The process is explained in our article Update your information in the Migraciones database.

Update your information in the Migraciones database

Update your information in the Migraciones database

Legal Stuff
If any of your information, which is printed on your carné or which is registered in the Migraciones database, changes, you must apply for a so-cal...

Even though rarely enforced, whenever you, as a resident student (without a special authorization to work), want to leave the country for short or extended periods of time, for example, to go on holidays, you must present the so-called “Declaración jurada de haber realizado actividades que no impliquen la generación de rentas de fuente peruana” at immigrations before you are allowed to leave. So, just download Formulario 1495, fill it in, sign it and show it to the immigration officer when leaving Peru.

In case you are a resident student with a special authorization to work, you have to present the "Certificado de Rentas y Retenciones". This form is issued by your employer, who confirms that the income tax corresponding to your earnings was retained according to the Peruvian tax legislation. The physical form, Formulario 1492, is rarely used anymore. Instead, your employer has to enter his/her Sunat Virtual and fill in the Formulario Virtual 1692°, then print and sign it and give it to you. The form expires 30 days after it was filed with Sunat; so, you must leave Peru within these 30 days.

And finally, if you, as a resident student, are leaving Peru permanently, you have to cancel your residence visa. Once the application is approved, you have 15 days to exit the country.

 

Other FAQs

Can I apply for a student visa if my stay as a tourist is expired?

Officially, no. You have to be in Peru on a valid visa / stay, for example, as a tourist to apply for any temporary or residence visa, precisely to make the Cambio de calidad migratoria.

But during the visa application on the Migraciones online platform there is a tab labeled "Exceso de permanencia" (excess stay), which suggests that foreigners who overstayed their time as a tourist in Peru can still apply for a Cambio de calidad migratoria and just have to upload a payment receipt for their overstayed days and a sworn statement explaining the reason for their overstay.

While in November 2022 Migraciones informed us in writing that this tab does not apply when you change your immigration status from tourist (!) to student, at the beginning of 2023 one of our readers reported that someone at Migraciones suggested this option. So, he could apply for his visa while being in Peru on an expired stay as a tourist. During his application he uploaded the payment receipt for his overstay fine and a brief explanation why he couldn't apply on time (criminal record check took many months), could finish his application and a couple of months later, Migraciones approved his visa.

Hearing this, we tried to find out more. A few other foreigners in the same situation confirmed that someone at Migraciones they spoke to suggested this option, but our search for any official confirmation in writing that you can apply for a temporary or residence visa while being in Peru on an expired stay as a tourist was in vain.

As Migraciones doesn't have an e-mail address anymore where they answer such questions in writing, we called and first were told "No, you have to be in the country on a valid stay". Then when we asked the lady we were talking to more detailed questions, she seemingly quickly spoke to someone else, and then suddenly said "Yes, it is possible.", but she couldn't give us any further details. The whole call didn't really inspire confidence.

So, at the moment (September 2024) officially you still have to be in the country on a valid stay to apply and therefore we can't guarantee that it's possible to change your immigration status from tourist to student if you are in Peru on an expired stay as a tourist.

We always recommend to not overstay and, in case you plan to apply for a temporary or residence visa but don't have all required documents yet, instead of overstaying suggest applying for your visa using a little trick. We explain how it's done below.

If for whatever reason you can't apply while your stay as a tourist is valid, it might be worth personally checking with Migraciones if you can apply despite being in the country on an expired stay before you leave the country and try to return to "renew" your stay as a tourist.

If you have any current information about this topic or would like to share your experience, please let us know either using the comment function at the end of this very long article or our contact form. Thank you!

Can I apply for a student visa if I don't have all the required documents?

Officially, no, you can't as on the Agencia Digital, the Migraciones online platform where you have to apply, the fields to upload the required documents are mandatory and you can't continue with and finish your application without having uploaded all documents.

But, even though we can't and won't recommend it, if your stay as a tourist is about to expire and you must apply until a certain date, depending on the document that you don't have yet, there might be a possibility to "cheat" the system. However, you should have a solid plan to get the document as required, because the time to present it is limited. And here, how it's done.

Follow the instructions of our Step-by-step guide to apply for a student visa in Peru until you are on the 2nd page of the student visa application. Here you must fill in some data and/or upload all for the student visa application necessary documents as PDF.

If you apply for a resident student visa and don't have, for example, your criminal record check: Under the Interpol tab, you must upload the Ficha de Canje from Interpol and the "Antecedentes" (criminal record check). Both fields are mandatory, and you cannot continue with and finish the application without having uploaded both documents. As you can't leave the field for the Antecedentes blank, you must upload something in the Antecedentes field. One of our readers just uploaded the Ficha de Canje a second time, another reader wrote a letter explaining that he is waiting for his criminal record check from his home country and uploaded this letter instead of his background check. So, upload a "document" there that makes sense.

The same applies if, for example, you don't have your Ficha de Canje from Interpol, because you couldn't get an appointment in time. Instead of the Ficha upload, for example, a letter explaining your situation.

Or if you have the document, but not yet the Apostille or translation, you could upload the document as it is.

Then continue to upload all other required documents and finish the application process as described in our Step-by-step guide.

On the 4th page of your student visa application you get the "Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria" with the "numero de expediente" (your file number), the "fecha de publicacion" (application date) and a "codigo de verificacion" (verification code) displayed on your screen. That's the confirmation of your successful application. You made it. As soon you have this confirmation, your time as a tourist stops and even if your stay as a tourist expires during the processing time of your visa application you won't have any problem.

Now, depending how quickly Migraciones reviews your application and documents, the following happens:

As you haven't uploaded all required documents or not in the form Migraciones requires, Migraciones will send you a notification (can be as quick as a few days after your application or a month, two or three later) requesting that you upload the document. Be aware that these notifications are considered officially delivered. Usually, Migraciones only gives you a short deadline of 5 days to upload the requested document. You must react to the notification, even if it's on the last day of the deadline they gave you (which might be wise to do if you still need more time), otherwise your application could be dismissed.

If you have the document in the correct form when you receive the notification, just upload it. How it's done is explained in our article "Subsanacion - Submitting documents".

Subsanacion - Submitting documents

Subsanacion - Submitting documents

Legal Stuff
During the internal evaluation and approval process of any application on the Agencia Digital, Migraciones may discover that you haven’t uploaded a...

If you still don't have the document at the end of the deadline Migraciones gave you, then you can apply for an extension of the deadline (max. 30 days). The process is called Ampliacion de plazos and explained in our article "Extension of a Migraciones deadline".

Extension of a Migraciones deadline

Extension of a Migraciones deadline

Legal Stuff
During the internal evaluation and approval process of your visa application (Cambio de calidad migratoria) or of the application for the extension...

In case you have the document ready before you hear from Migraciones you can upload it immediately on the Agencia Digital under Subsanacion. But we were told by others, who went through the process that they still got a notification later to upload the document again.

If you decide to go that route, check your Buzon regularly and, if necessary, react to any notification! And, while this "cheating" worked for many others, things might change and Migraciones could dismiss your application (which you could appeal). Anyway, be aware that it will definitely delay the approval of your visa by weeks or even months.

Can I work on a student visa in Peru?

No! The Peruvian student visa doesn’t allow foreigners to work or engage in any professional activity receiving a remuneration.

However, students can apply for a special authorization to work, the so-called Permiso de trabajo extraordinario, which allows them to work part-time and during official university vacations. Requirements can be found in the current TUPA on page 61. The application is done on the Agencia Digital under "Permisos".

 

Please note: We from LimaEasy are not the Peruvian immigration authority Migraciones or a Peruvian consulate. All information is published to our best knowledge and should be seen as general guidance introducing you to Peruvian procedures. All information is subject to change, as regulations, requirements, and processes can change quickly without prior notice! Therefore, we recommend checking the current regulations with the nearest Peruvian consulate or, if you are already in Peru, with Migraciones!

And if you find something wrong on this page, please help us to keep this guide as up to date as possible and contact us either below with a comment or use our contact form. Thank you!

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  • This commment is unpublished.
    RJ
    RJ · 02/11/2024
    Ideally I would be seeking to to a Long term student visa and hope to transition that into residency at some point.

    I am surprised property purchase can't lead to residency.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 02/11/2024
      @RJ Hello RJ,

      If you are planning to apply for a long term student visa (visa formación residente), you get a residence visa, when your application is approved. This visa is valid for one year and then can / must be extended.

      And no, just buying property won't give you residency in Peru. However, if you have the required change in your pockets (S/ 500,000) you could invest in a Peruvian company or set up a Peruvian company with a capital investment of the same amount, and then apply for an Investor Visa.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    RJ
    RJ · 02/11/2024
    Hello

    How much would it cost to have someone do this whole process for you ?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 02/11/2024
      @RJ
      Hello RJ,

      it depends on the person you are hiring (just a tramitador or an immigration lawyer) as well as on your case. Usually, around US$ 300 up to US$ 1000 or even more.

      However, you should be aware that you must bring necessary documents from your home country on your own, if you go for a student visa, must get the enrollment certificate on your own and you have to go to Interpol, to the fingerprint appointment and to pick up your carné on your own as well (only the applicant is allowed inside). 

      Additionally, choose the person you are hiring wisely and check on him/her regularly (for example ask for copies of the application confirmation, etc.).

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jonny
    Jonny · 10/10/2024
    Hi Eva, 

    This has been an amazing article so far, I’ve just visited migraciones to essentially confirm the above which they have and I will now start the process. 

    One potential issue I see is that I am from Northern Ireland, part of the UK and have both a British and Irish passport but I always use my Irish passport and I am currently in Peru on a tourist visa using this. 

    The police record that I will obtain however will be from the UK as this is where I have lived all my life before Perú. Do you potentially see this as a problem as migraciones that I am providing a police document from the UK when on an a Irish passport? 

    Many thanks once again 

    Jonny 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 10/10/2024
      @Jonny Hello Jonny,

      The regulations say that you will need a criminal record check from your home country or from the country where you legally lived during the 5 years prior to coming to Peru.
       However, practice has shown that usually Migraciones always requests the criminal record check from your home country. So, if you are in Peru on an Irish passport, then they most probably will request an Irish criminal record check with Apostille. If you are in Peru on a British passport, then you will need an Acro check with Apostille. 

      Have I understood correctly that you haven't got the criminal record check yet? Then, to avoid any trouble, delays and frustration I highly recommend getting one that fits the passport with which you are in Peru.

      Greetings
      Eva


    • This commment is unpublished.
      Jonny
      Jonny · 10/10/2024
      @Sunflower Hi Eva,

      Thanks for your response.

      I have not yet requested my criminal record but was going to do it soon as it will take some time. The issue is I don't think I can get an Irish criminal check as I have never lived in Ireland, only in Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom. Its a confusing situation given the dual nationality that Northern Irish citizens are offered.

      Many thanks

      Jonny 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 15/10/2024
      @Jonny
      Hello Jonny,

      sorry for getting back to you so late. I was on vacation and must have missed your reply on my phone.

      Anyway, the official requirement is that you must present a clean criminal record check from your home country (as you are in Peru on a Irish passport, this means from Ireland) or from the country where you legally lived (in your case the UK) during the 5 years prior to coming to Peru.

      However, practice has shown that Migraciones always wants to have the criminal record check from your home country. And, if they are made aware of the fact that you lived in another country during the 5 years prior to coming to Peru (you must fill this in when registering your personal data in the Migraciones database), sometimes additionally a check from this country.

      So, you could try and apply only with an Acro check issued in the UK, cross your fingers and hope for the best. Or you could get a criminal record check from Ireland (this should be possible as you are an Irish citizens) and here as well pray that Migraciones doesn't want to see the Acro check from the UK additionally.

      Not sure why you are in Peru on your Irish passport, but the easiest and less complicated way would be to leave Peru and return on your UK passport. Then you just would need the Acro check and you are fine.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Jonny
      Jonny · 15/10/2024
      @Sunflower Hi Eva,

      Don't worry at all. 

      It is unfortunately impossible to get a police report from the Irish Police (confirmed with them) as I have never lived in their country, only in Northern Ireland which is part of the UK. So I will have to apply for a UK police record and hope for the best. I was thinking about also uploading a document explaining the Irish/Northern Irish situation as an aside.

      I'm using my Irish passport as its a better passport post Brexit and I identify as Irish rather than British and I don't think I can leave and return to Peru in the next few weeks. 

      Will just have to hope I get a logical migraciones officer reviewing my case!

      Thanks
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 16/10/2024
      @Jonny
      Hello Jonny,

      yes, you could explain the Irish/Northern Irish situation but I fear nobody would care. If you want to add an explanation I would recommend that you include in short that you are an Irish passport holder but lived your whole live (at least the past 5 years) in Northern Ireland, which belongs to the UK, therefore the Acro check. According to the official requirements you either must present the criminal record check from your home (Ireland) or from the country where you lived for the past 5 years (Northern Ireland, UK).

      Find attached as well a screenshot clearly showing the "o" (so, "or").

      Really hope everything works out.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    VeroP
    VeroP · 09/10/2024
    Hi all! I just received my temporary student visa and just wanted to add a few comments on the process. I did everything in Arequipa and everything was quite fast. Overall, the most annoying part was getting the Interpol document (as explained in the Interpol section here, it involves a lot of running around between the bank, the post office, photocopy place, etc.). Once, I had the Interpol document, I filled out the online form in the Agencia Digital - this ended up being very stressful because the allotted time to complete the very long form was 20 minutes (and not 1 hour as indicated above)! I had to restart 3 times before I had all the right documents and information and able to fill out everything on time. I had to compress all my documents so that they were under 500kb. In addition, to what is indicated here, you also need to upload a copy of a recibo (luz, agua, etc.) as a proof of address. You no longer need to upload the sworn statement on criminal records, there is only a box to check. Being in Arequipa, I was able to go to the biometrics appointment the next day and it was a very efficient process. Once that was done, I was told to check my buzon electronico every 4 days and that it would take 30 business days, but in my case it only took 2 business days!! I only received 90 days, although my letter specified that I would stay longer in the country. So I will be renewing it at the end of the 90 days. 

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 10/10/2024
      @VeroP Hello VeroP,

      thank you so much for sharing your experience und pointing out some mistakes in the article above.

      A few months back Migraciones changed the questionnaire. I didn't know that you now only have 20 minutes to complete. And while for years you had to upload a recibo, the last info I had from a couple of months ago was that the field where you had to upload is gone. Seems they added it again. I will update the article accordingly. 

      Anyway, it's amazing how quickly your visa was approved. In my nearly 20 years doing this I never heard of an approval time of 2 business days. Wow. Great.  Congrats!

      And yes, when your visa is about to expire just apply for an extension on the Agencia Digital, shouldn't be a problem if you are still studying.

      Thanks again for your updates on the process.

      All the best
      Eva


  • This commment is unpublished.
    Esther
    Esther · 27/09/2024
    Hi Eva, thank you for your previous message. I find myself in a bit of a bind, I have to submit my papers today, as my tourist visa expires monday and I'm not even sure if that means that by monday it's over or that I can still submit on monday but I am not eager to find out. Anyhow I signed up yesterday for a language course at Universidad del Pacifico, as I saw you mentioned them as an offcial language university in other replies. The people were so lovely and everything went wonderful but today when I ask for the enrollment certificate, nobody seems to know what I'm talking about. I got a reciept for my payment of the first month long cycle, out of 26, but I don't think that's what they mean at immigration, especially for proving that this a 26 month long course. what exactly is this enrollement certificate? do I have to request it separately? THANK YOU so much for all you do! God Bless
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 29/09/2024
      @Esther Hello Esther, 

      sorry for getting back to you so late. I’m on vacation and my internet isn’t the best.

      Anyway, you should apply on Monday, even if a document is missing. How it’s done is explained above under “Can I apply for a student visa if I don’t have all documents “.

      The enrollment certificate is nothing more than a letter on an official letterhead of the university. It should contain your personal data (exactly as in your passport), the course you are taking, when the course starts and when it ends. It needs to be signed and stamped. That’s it. 

      Hope everything works out.

      Greetings 
      Eva


  • This commment is unpublished.
    Esther
    Esther · 21/09/2024
    Hello Eva! Thank you for this site, I have a question, for the visa to go through, you've got to be enrolled at a  "recognized Peruvian educational institution" what exactly does this mean? Is there a list somewhere? Howdo I know who is and isn't recognized?Also some courses I've been looking at especially language courses last a year or more but you only take 1 class a week, would that still be valid? Thank you
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 21/09/2024
      @Esther
      Hello Esther,

      a recognized Peruvian educational institution is a school, university, institute or similar that was licensed by the Peruvian government, ensuring that these educational institutions comply with certain national educational standards and commit to teach according to certain curricula established by the Peruvian Ministry of Education.

      These schools, universities, etc. usually have an "edu.pe" at the end of their URL.

      You could as well check the website of SUNEDU (for universities) or the website of the Peruvian Ministry of Education (institutes, schools for higher education).

      Be aware that most "normal" language schools don't qualify. However, if nothing changed, there are a few, including, for example, ICPNA, that offer recognized programs and that can issue the correct enrollment certification.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Dessy
    Dessy · 10/06/2024
    Hi, thank you for providing such an informative guide.
    I'm holding a CE for trabajador residente and it will expire in 3 months. I haven't found another job that can provide me contract for extending my residence visa.
    I'm thinking of changing it into a student visa.
    Is there any article here where I can go through some information?
    Thank you for your help.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 10/06/2024
      @Dessy
      Hello Dessy,

      I'm not sure what information you are looking for.

      The requirements and the process for changing from your work visa to a student visa are the same as described above. So you need all documents as listed under the Requirements above and then you must apply for the Cambio de calidad migratoria as explained above. Your work visa must be still valid when you apply.

      If you have any further / more detailed questions feel free to contact me.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Carissa
    Carissa · 14/05/2024
    Hello!

    Do you have to be a full time student to be able eligible for student visas or is part time ok as well? 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 14/05/2024
      @Carissa
      Hello Carissa,

      not sure what you mean with full-time student.

      You must be enrolled as a student at a university / educational institution which must be recognized by the Peruvian Ministry of Education. Depending on your field of studies / length of the course(s) you can apply for a temporary or resident student visa.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    VeroP
    VeroP · 11/05/2024
    Thank you for the great information. Extremely useful! I have a question regarding dependents ( spouse and kids). If I am able to get a student visa to stay longer than the 90 days, is it possible to apply for a family visa for them to stay with me? I have not found any info regarding dependents on the migraciones website. We are Canadian. Thank you!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 11/05/2024
      @VeroP
      Hello VeroP,

      If you have a resident (!!!) student visa or any other residence visa, then your spouse and kids can apply for a family visa. If you only have / get a temporary visa, there is no option for the dependents.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      VeroP
      VeroP · 02/06/2024
      @Sunflower Thanks so much for your reply. I have also been looking into the researcher visa option (investigador residente visa) given I am coming for my PhD fieldwork and would normally not be enrolling at a Peruvian university. However, I am in social sciences and the investigador visa seems geared towards science and technology. Do you happen to know more about this visa? Thank you kindly
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 02/06/2024
      @VeroP
      Hello,

      not sure what you want to know about the research visa. You can apply for a temporary or resident research visa. Here again, if you have the temporary visa your family cannot apply for a family visa, this is only an option if you apply for the resident visa.

      You can find the requirements in the TUPA for the temporary research visa on page 128 (131 of the PDF), for the resident research visa on page 103 (106 of the PDF).

      The application process is the same as for most other temporary or resident visas and done on the Agencia Digital as explained above. Just the documents you have to upload are different.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Diana Gonzalez
    Diana Gonzalez · 29/02/2024
    First of all, thank you so much for providing this site, it has answered so many of my questions and has been so helpful. My question is, what is the process like for requesting an extension of the temporary student residency? Would you need to redo all the interpol, antecedentes penales, and basically entire process again? Or is it simpler? I've been looking for online courses that would be approved that last about a year because my goal is to be here the rest of the year, but most everything that fits the flexibility I want are about 6 months. Would it be wise to just do the 6 months for now and ask for an extension once my time is up? Thank you again for all your work!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 29/02/2024
      @Diana Gonzalez Hello Diana,

      Thank you so much for your nice words. It’s always great to hear that our articles are helpful.

      I’m not 100% sure but I fear that online courses, even though they are offered by recognized educational institutions in Peru, might not be enough to qualify for a (temporary) student visa.

      Anyway, to apply for a resident student visa you must prove that the course of studies or the study program takes more than 12 months to complete.

      If you are taking a course with a duration of 6 months, you only can apply for a temporary student visa. If it takes 6 months to complete the course, you most probably will be issued a temporary student visa valid for 180 days, but Migraciones could as well decide to only give you 90 days. 

      Either way, you can extend a resident or a temporary student visa quite easily and quickly.

      If you initially apply for your student visa, you make a so-called Cambio de calidad migratoria either to formacion residente (resident student visa) or to formacion temporal (temporary student visa). This process is explained above in the article and from application to approval can take anything from a few weeks up to a few months. Usually, temporary visas are issued quicker than resident visas.

      As you can see under the requirements in the article above, the Antecedentes, so the criminal background check from your home country, are only required if you apply for a resident student visa. If you apply for a temporary student visa, you don’t need the Antecedentes but a sworn statement instead, in which you declare in front of a notary in Peru that you don’t have a criminal background. And for both, you will need the Ficha de canje issued by Interpol in Peru.

      If you want to extend your visa (after a year for the resident student visa or after 90 or 180 days for the temporary student visa) you must apply for a so-called Prorroga de residencia formacion residente (extension of the resident student visa) or a Prorroga de permanencia formacion temporal (extension of the temporary student visa).

      The process is much, much easier, quicker (usually a week or two) and the requirements are less; this applies to both resident and temporary visas. For neither will you need the Antecedentes, just the sworn statement that you don’t have a criminal background. The Ficha de canje from Interpol is only necessary for the initial application (so the cambio de calidad migratoria) not for the extension (Prorroga).

      Additionally, for the extension of the resident or temporary student visa you will need a new enrollment certification issued by the recognized Peruvian educational institution including name, type and length of studies and, of course, the receipt that you paid the application fee. And even though no longer on the official requirement list Migraciones may as well ask for a report of already taken courses and grades issued by the recognized Peruvian educational institution and a sworn statement stating that you have sufficient financial resources to fund your studies in Peru (Declaración jurada de solvencia económica).

      Hope this explanation helps.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    B
    B · 21/01/2024
    Hi Eva,

    I am currently in Peru as a "tourist" and am in the process of applying for a temporary student visa. 

    A couple questions regarding this process:

    1. The TUPA seems to say that the authorization to stay for a temporary student visa is for 90 days and then can be extended for the same number of days. How easy is it to receive this extension, and how can it be done?

    2. Hypothetically, let's say the time I have in Peru as a tourist runs out while my temporary student visa application is still being reviewed. Is this a problem?

    Thanks!
    B
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 21/01/2024
      @B Hello B,

      Answer to your first question:
      Yes, according to the TUPA as a temporary student you can stay 90 days. However, depending on what and where you study you may as well get 180 days. The extension is quite simple. It’s done on the Agencia Digital, requirements include, for example, a new enrollment certification.

      Answer to your second question:
      No, it’s not a problem. As soon as you applied for your temporary student visa on the Agencia Digital and received the confirmation of your application including your file number your time as a tourist stops. So, even if your stay as a tourist expires during the evaluation and approval process you are fine. Just make sure you apply for your temporary visa when your stay as a tourist is still valid.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      B
      B · 21/01/2024
      @Sunflower Hi Eva,

      Thank you so much for the super speedy reply! Another quick question regarding the biometric appointment phrased as a hypothetical:

      Let's say that I plan to leave the country a couple weeks after I submit my application. However, due to incredibly high demand, I am unable to register for a biometric appointment before I leave the country. Am I okay, without having the biometrics in, to apply for a Permiso Especial de Viaje?

      If the above is the case, is there any express deadline on completing the biometrics appointment? I can't seem to find any information on this.

      Thanks,
      B
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 21/01/2024
      @B
      Due to long waiting times it's recommended to make the biometric appointment directly following the application. But it's a can, not a must and no, there is no deadline until you must make the appointment and you can apply for the travel permit without having done it.

      However, usually the approval process for a temporary visa is much shorter than for a residence visa. Last I heard a few months ago temporary visas were approved within 3 to 4 weeks while residence visa took anything between 4 weeks and 3 months.

      Additionally, as you as a temporary student won't automatically get a carné, for which the biometric data is used, you might not need to make the appointment at all. Depending on your circumstances and your plans it might nevertheless be wise to apply for a carné temporal after your visa was approved.

      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      B
      B · 16/04/2024
      @Sunflower Hi Eva,

      Migraciones reached out to me with a scheduled biometric appointment. However, at this point, I actually don't need the cambio de calidad migratoria at all (it is currently in process). Do you know what happens if I don't show up to the appointment? Would my status be reverted back to "tourist" (in which case I still wouldn't have met the 90 day limit when accounting for the period during which my Cambio was being processed)? Or would I be required to leave the country shortly after and risk paying a fine?

      Thanks,
      B
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 16/04/2024
      @B
      Hello B,

      if you just don't show up for the appointment for now nothing happens. They might send you another one. In the meantime your visa might be approved. So, if you don't want / need your temporary student visa anymore, you should cancel the application.

      When I remember correctly, this can be done using the Mesa de Partes. But when I just checked, I couldn't find the correct tramite for the cancellation (seems they have deleted lots of tramites on the Mesa de Partes, I don't know why and what's going on). Probably, call AloMac1800 (the video chat on the Agencia as well is offline) and ask.

      And, no, your status won't be reverted back to "tourist. If you do nothing, then at one point you will get a notification that your visa was denied and you must leave the country within a few days. If you cancel your application, you usually get 14 days to leave.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    S. T.
    S. T. · 28/11/2023
    This information is so helpful so far! Do you have a donate option anywhere? 

    I'm a 32 year old Male trying to find schools that offer Spanish Courses that are recognized by the Peruvian Ministry of Education or the National Assembly of University Rectors, in order to apply for a Student Visa.

    I don't want to take university courses other than Spanish courses. Are there non university programs that are recognized? How can I find a list of schools that are recognized? Any help would be appreciated!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 28/11/2023
      @S. T.
      Hello S. T.,

      it always makes me happy to read that the information we provide here is helpful. So, thank you so much for your nice words. As we received quite a number of inquiries about an option to donate, we soon will implement one.

      To answer your question:

      A few years back you could just take a Spanish course at a language school or institute, get a confirmation and apply with this for a student visa. Unfortunately, these times are over. Today, you must submit an enrollment certificate for a recognized Peruvian education institution. There surely is a list somewhere, but I don't know where. The easiest is to check the URL of a school or university. If it ends on ....edu.pe, you can be sure it's an official educational institution.

      If nothing changed, ICPNA, the Peruvian North American Cultural Center offers Spanish courses for foreigners and they still should be able to issue you the necessary enrollment certification. Another option to try is the Universidad del Pacifico. Or the Universidad Ricardo Palma and the PUCP (the last two changed to online courses during Covid, so not sure if they are back to face-to-face courses).

      Hope you are successful.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    AB
    AB · 07/12/2022
    I just applied for the temporary student visa on the website.

    Near the end of the process, I accidentally went "back" on the page, exiting the process. Other than the "REGISTRO DE SOLICITUD DE CAMBIO DE CALIDAD MIGRATORIA" which has only the biometrical appointment code on it, and the confirmation of the biometrical appointment, is there another document? The article mentions a "confirmation of application" which I do not have, nor did I see login data for the Buzon Electronico at any point. However, I was able to make an account for the Buzon by clicking "I forgot my password"

    I think what happened, was that after submitting the main application, there was a button directly linking to the page to make the biometrical appointment which I clicked, then downloaded the confirmation for the biometrical appointment, then accidentally pressed "back"

    P.S. It seems they only do biometrical appointments on saturdays, and there were plenty of available appointments (3 days from now)
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 07/12/2022
      @AB Hello AB,

      I heard from others who applied for their visa on the Agencia that they had the exact same “problem”.

      Due to my immigration status, I don’t have access to the whole “cambio de calidad migratoria” part. So, the last time I saw the last pages of the application process was over a year ago and many things have changed since then. Thanks to some of our readers who sent me updates and screenshots from the one or other page of the application process, I could keep the visa pages here on LimaEasy as up-to-date and detailed as possible.

      But I’ve never seen, for example, the Registro de solicitud de cambio de calidad migratoria and I don’t know how the normal process would be, if you haven’t clicked on back. Sorry. And even though it’s sounds strange to me, you are not the first one who told me that no confirmation letter of the application was sent. Honestly, I don’t know if they stopped sending the confirmation, and that’s the new normal now and you have to make an account on your own as you did. Where could you do this / found the “Forgot password” option? I think I should add this to the explanation above, so others don’t worry in case they don’t get a confirmation letter.

      It's great to hear that you got your biometrical data appointment so quickly. Just a few days ago someone complained to me that there were no free appointments until the end of January. Strange. But probably temporary visa applications are handled separately from resident visa applications. Or you were just lucky. Congrats.

      Now that you have done all the hard work, it’s just a waiting game.

      I hope your visa is issued soon and wish you all the best in Peru

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      AB
      AB · 07/12/2022
      @Sunflower
      I see. Thank you so much for your continued help!

      The "forgot password" button is at the bottom of the login page for the Buzon Electronico. It asks you to fill out your info, then they send you an email with the username and a link to enter the new password. I attached some screenshots.

      I also tried the virtual video chat on the website, but it was very finicky and didn't work well a lot of times.

      Do you have a list of specific pages that you need updated screenshots for? I guess I should start screenshotting every page from now on either way. Also, is there an email or cloud folder where it would be more convenient to send or upload many screenshots?

      Interesting about the biometrical appointments. Due to the current political situation, I'm not sure if the office will be accessible or not by this Saturday.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 07/12/2022
      @AB
      Wow, thank you so, so much. I'm always happy about any current information I can get. No matter what.

      Things are always changing and it's difficult, sometimes impossible, to stay up-to-date. But thanks to you and many other readers who went through the visa or other processes and are willing to share their experience, I can offer the most current and detailed information for everyone who might need it and need help.

      I just have one more question: Where did you get your "usuario" from? Or did you just click on the "Forgot password" and then ended up on the "Verifcación de datos" page?

      Thanks again AB. I will rewrite the article in the next few days, again ...

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      AB
      AB · 07/12/2022
      @Sunflower The "forgot password" button brings you to the "verifcación de datos" page, and after you submit the information, you get an email with the "usario" and a link to reset or create a password.

      Thank you for your work!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 07/12/2022
      @Sunflower
      Thank you so much!

      Great info!

      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Gala
    Gala · 02/12/2022
    Hi, my boyfriend is living with me in Lima at the moment and we have been running around in circles trying to find out information about working out a more lenghty stay for him. We were considering for him to enroll in a Spanish language institute but he was told they could not provide documentation for visa purposes. We have had to let go of that possibility now. He was told at the airport that there's only an annual 180-day maximum stay as a tourist in Peru (???) He arrived in May, overstayed 2 months and paid the fine, left and then came back a week later but was given only 30 days to stay. I thought that he could leave the country briefly and then re-enter but it seems that once the 30 days are up, we need to wait until next year to work out another 180-day tourist permit... Everywhere we go, we get told to ask in Migraciones but there's no way to reach anyone from this office and find this out, not even in person as they only let in people with appointments to issue or collect their Peruvian passports. Perhaps you can help us :'(
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 02/12/2022
      @Gala Hello Gala,

      I’m not sure what kind of help you are looking for. But I can try to explain the legal situation and give you options that might be worth looking into.

      Unfortunately, the Peruvian regulations are quite clear and since August 2021, mostly strictly enforced. Most foreign nationals who can travel to Peru visa-free can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period and a max of 183 days per year (counted from the first entry) as a tourist in Peru. So, if your boyfriend doesn’t want to make his situation even worse by overstaying again, he should leave when his 30 days are up, because he already used the max allowed per year (90 + 60 he overstayed + an additional 30 = 180). He then should wait until May of next year to return and then can get 90 days as a tourist again. Yes, I know, not the info you wanted to hear. But these are the current regulations. Sorry.

      A tourist visa (or accurately a stay as a tourist for a certain time) is not the right status if your boyfriend wants to live in Peru. If he wants to stay long(er) term, there is no way around applying for a temporary or resident visa (and there might be another option which I explain at the end).

      Yes, normal language schools or institutes can’t issue an enrollment certificate accepted by Migraciones. If you / your boyfriend wants to go that route, you have to find a Peruvian educational institution that is recognized by the Peruvian Ministry of Education. At least before Covid a good language institute that is recognized and back then (not sure if they still do it) issued enrollment certificates was ICPNA in Miraflores (they have branches in other districts as well, but I think Miraflores is the largest and best informed when it comes to foreigners). They offer special Spanish courses for foreigners. The same applies to a few universities in Lima. So, if you haven’t looked there, check out if either ICPNA or the one or other university doesn't have these Spanish for expats/foreigners course and can’t issue an enrollment certificate.

      Next to the temporary or resident student visa, the easiest resident visa you can get is a family visa. So, assuming that you are legally in Peru, so are a Peruvian or have a resident visa and consider marrying your boyfriend, he could apply for a family visa. But the whole process needs some time, so isn’t a quick solution which, if you aren’t prepared, the student visa isn’t as well.

      Or is your boyfriend perhaps planning to work in Peru or offer some sort of service in Peru? Then he could apply for a work visa.

      As already mentioned above, there could possibly be another option. But before going this way you must (!!!) get in contact with Migraciones to get the current (!!!) requirements. Yes, I know, Migraciones is hard to reach, rarely answers the phone and most often doesn’t answer mails send to them and won't let you talk to anyone if you don’t have an appointment. So why don’t you make an appointment? It’s super easy. Your boyfriend just has to enter the Agencia Digital, enter his personal data on the first page, and then on the second page in the left menu click on Citas en linea and there select Informes. Not a big deal and on the day of his appointment, he will be allowed inside and can talk to someone in person.

      Anyway, the option I am thinking about is the so-called CCP (Carné de Permiso Temporal de Permanencia). Originally intended for Venezuelan refugees, who came to Peru as tourists and never left the country. to get some sort of permit of residence and regulate their stay in Peru, all foreign nationals can apply for a CPP under certain conditions.

      The most important is that you must be in Peru on an “irregular” immigration status, so your stay as a tourist must be expired (in case this is an option for your boyfriend he shouldn’t leave when his 30 days are up, but you must (!!!) inform yourself about the exact requirements before overstaying to not worsen the situation).

      The thing is when this regularization program was introduced on October 22, 2020, only foreigners could apply who were in Peru irregular on that day. The program was intended to be in place for just a few months, but was extended over and over and over again. When I remember correctly, you now can apply for the CPP until April 2023. What I don’t know and can’t find anywhere is, if you must have been in Peru on an expired tourist visa at a certain date. I heard from a handful of foreigners that you just have to be “irregular”, but I don’t know if that’s true and never seen anything in writing about this crucial point. Everything I found just mentioned that the deadline to apply was extended, but nowhere if you must have been on an expired tourist visa at a certain date. So, this is something you must find out at Migraciones.

      The other requirements are super simple: payment receipt for the application, payment receipt for the overstayed days, valid passport, Interpol clearance, sworn statement that you don’t have a criminal record, recibo to prove address. I think that’s it. You find all the details in the TUPA on page 8.

      When the application for the CPP is approved, your boyfriend is allowed to stay in Peru for 2 years and even can work. But the CPP can’t be extended. After the two years, he either has to apply for a “normal” resident visa or leave the country. And when he is in Peru on a CPP, he can’t leave Peru for longer than 30 days and only 3 times per year and only with a special permit.

      Even though I’m sure I didn’t tell you the things you wanted to hear, I hope I could give you the one or other option worth looking into.

      If you have any further question, feel free to contact me again.

      All the best

      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Izzie
    Izzie · 14/10/2022
    Hello, 

    Thank you for producing such an informative guide to the visa process - I'm an international student and it's been a lifesaver!

    I'm at the stage where I've been to my biometric appointment (on 30th September) and I'm waiting for confirmation that my application has been approved, presumably in the buzón electrónico. According to what it says on your website, I need to fill in the Inscr. Reg. central extranjeria on the Agencia Digital, but when I click on the form, it says the following, which sounds like my application still hasn't yet gone through: 

    Usted no registra información con los datos ingresados ¿Desea continuar y obtener un Certificado Negativo? 

    Should I continue with the registration despite the message, or wait until it doesn't say this? It's just that it's been two weeks since my biometric data was taken - I'm not sure how long it takes for them to process things normally. I uploaded all my documents on the 26th September. 

    Many thanks in advance, 
    Izzie
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 14/10/2022
      @Izzie Hello Izzie,

      Great, that our article above could guide you through most of the Peruvian bureaucracy when applying for your student visa in Peru.

      However, things change constantly at Migraciones and especially on the Agencia Digital. We try our best to keep everything as up to date as possible, but please see our article as general guidance only.

      Anyway, you can only get the registration done after your resident visa was approved, no matter if you already had your biometric data appointment or not.

      To me it seems your application is still in process which is understandable as you only applied less than three weeks ago. Most people at the moment wait at least 4 to 8 weeks until they get the confirmation that their visa was approved (depending on the workload at Migraciones it can be quicker or take even longer).

      So, wait at least another week or two. If you still haven’t heard from Migraciones by then (yes, they should inform you on the Buzon electronico) and get impatient, you could contact them either by phone 200-1000 or using the chat on the Agencia Digital.

      Greetings
      Eva

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