On August 12, a new immigration law went into effect in Costa Rica.  Under the new law, international students must present additional documentation that previously was not required, in order to obtain a student visa.

Before 2006, students needed to present their passport, a personal data sheet, and certification that their fingerprints were on file at the San Jose police station.  Currently, they must present in addition:  a birth certificate, a delinquency report from their local police, a marriage certificate (where applicable), and a birth certificate for each accompanying child.  All of these documents must be authenticated by a Costa Rican consulate in the country of origin.

Student Services Coordinator Grettel Perez, together with representatives from over 20 educational institutions that had been affected by the new law, participated in lengthy negotiations with the Immigration Department, during the month of October.  Grettel, who helps to process visas for Institute students,
spoke of the outcome of their meetings.