Understanding the Immigration Process


Navigating immigration is a detailed process, and we are here to guide you. Please read this section carefully to ensure your son has all the necessary documentation for a smooth entry and residency process.


1. Apostille and Vital Documents

We ask that all parents begin the process of obtaining an apostille for required documents as soon as admissions begins. This process can take significant time. You will have approximately 180 days to provide the completed documents.

  • For All Students: You will need to provide an Apostilled Birth Certificate. We strongly recommend bringing two (2) original birth certificates: one with an apostille for the official immigration process, and another original for use in emergencies or other administrative needs, such as a passport renewal.
  • For Students Over 18: In addition to the birth certificate, we will also require an Apostilled Background Check.


2. Mandatory Return Flight Ticket

To ensure your son receives the maximum tourist visa entry allowance, you must provide proof of a return flight ticket.

  • The return date on this ticket must be scheduled after 180 days from your son's arrival date in Costa Rica.
  • For flexibility, we recommend booking a refundable return ticket.
  • Important: You will be required to show proof of a valid return ticket dated within 180 days every single time your son enters Costa Rica, until his actual DIMEX (residency) card or Visa Extension Card is in hand.


3. Power of Attorney

You will be asked to sign a Power of Attorney document. This legal form grants authorized staff from NSA the official permission needed to act on your behalf to manage and process all aspects of your son's immigration and residency application within Costa Rica.


4. The Timeline and What to Expect

The timeline for your son to receive his official DIMEX (residency) card or a visa extension varies.

  • Timeline Varies: Much like in the USA, the timeline for approval depends entirely on the current workload of the local immigration departments. Be prepared for this process to take several months for the final DIMEX card to be issued and approved.
  • Proving Status (The File Number): Once all your son’s paperwork is officially submitted to the immigration authorities, he will be issued a specific "file number." This number is a critical document. With this file number, your son is legally permitted to remain within the country of Costa Rica, even if his initial tourist visa expires.
  • Travel and Your Ticket: As mentioned above, until he receives his physical DIMEX card, he MUST always show a return ticket when entering the country.
  • After the DIMEX Card: Once your son has his physical DIMEX card, he will no longer need to purchase or present a return flight ticket. Furthermore, he will be able to use the dedicated "Residency Lane" when going through customs and immigration, simplifying his travel.