Foreigners
The Government of Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States of America. As a consequence of this political relationship, control of ingress and egress to and from the territorial limits of Puerto Rico is vested in the Federal Government.
The Puerto Rico Department of State guides foreigners interested in visiting the Island and serves as a liaison with federal authorities to clarify or expedite the procedures to obtain a visa.
Individuals visiting Puerto Rico have the same immigration restrictions and privileges as if they were visiting any other destination in the U.S. For immigration purposes, travel from anywhere in the U.S. to PR does not constitute a departure from the U.S. as long as the flight is directly from a state to Puerto Rico. Similarly, when travelers arrive in the U.S. from PR, they do not have to go through immigration, as long as the flight is direct from PR to a state. However, for identification purposes, you must carry some form of an identity document, such as your driver's license, an ID issued by a state or federal agency, or an original birth certificate.
Foreigners visiting PR are also subject to the same U.S. immigration rules and laws, so be sure to comply with immigration and visa requirements.
Office of Orientation and Services to Immigrants in Puerto Rico
The Office of Orientation and Immigration Services of Puerto Rico was created by Act No. 254 of October 28, 2002, whose purpose and we quote is "to assist and orient foreign persons living in Puerto Rico so that through their own efforts they may develop alternatives to solve their particular problems and needs, promoting the strengthening of their relations with the community."
Mission
To provide tools to foreign citizens living in Puerto Rico that will facilitate their full integration into society to improve their quality of life, emphasizing education, health, and socioeconomic development.
Vision
To be the main liaison between the resident alien community and the Government of Puerto Rico, so that the needs of this population can be addressed in a sensitive and diligent manner.
Objectives
- Encourage the participation and integration of foreign citizens in public life and develop a sense of belonging as members of the Puerto Rican Society with all its rights, privileges and obligations.
- Channel urgent cases for immigrants and follow up on these cases until they are resolved.
- Establish efficient working relationships with the Consular Corps accredited in Puerto Rico.
- Establish programs to strengthen the areas of education.
- To observe compliance with the provisions that cover the rights of immigrant citizens in Puerto Rico.
The main purpose of the Immigrant Orientation and Services Office is to facilitate the full integration of the foreign population living in Puerto Rico. In our office you can receive orientation about:
- Literacy
- Equivalence fourth year, Law 217
- Conversational English Courses
- Civic Education (citizenship)
- Assistance in the completion of the following forms necessary in procedures with the Citizenship and Immigration Services Department.
- Citizenship Application (N-400)
- Application for Fee Waiver (I-912)
- Green Card Changes (I-90)
- Change of Direction (AR-11)
- Referrals and follow-up of urgent cases for immigrants and follow-up of such cases until resolution is achieved.
If any of the above requirements are not met, the interview will be conducted in English.
Applying for Naturalization (U.S. Citizenship)
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- 18 years of age or older
- Have 5 years of permanent residence
- 3 years of permanent residency if married and living with a U.S. citizen
- Good moral character
- Not to exceed 915 days (30 months) outside the United States in the last 5 years.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Complete Form N-400
- Permanent residence
- Passport in the last 5 years
- 2 photos 2 x 2
- Money order of $725.00
ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXCEPTIONS
To take the interview in the language of your choice you must:
- Be fifty (50) years of age and twenty (20) years or more with permanent residence.
- Be fifty-five (55) years of age and fifteen (15) years or more of permanent residence.
- Be sixty-five (65) years of age and twenty (20) years or more of permanent residency (you will only need to learn twenty (20) U.S. history and civics questions).
If any of the above requirements are not met, the interview will be conducted in English.
TO QUALIFY FOR THE I-912 FEE WAIVER
If you receive government assistance:
- Certification of government assistance received: PAN (food stamps), Medicaid (MA-10), Public Housing, Session 8, in English.
If household members' income qualifies: must be below the following table:
- Evidence of annual income of household members: latest tax return, W-2, Social Security or Pension Certification
If you have financial problems:
- Evidence of your annual income
- Provide the value of assets that you can easily convert to cash
- Evidence of monthly expenses
- Evidence of an organization that provides you with assistance
You may apply for a payment reduction if your income is at 150%.
Evidence of annual income of household members: latest tax return, W-2, Social Security or Pension Certification
For more information access the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website: https://www.us.cis.gov/es or call
PO Box 9023271
San Juan, PR 00902-3271
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PR.gov
Accesibilidad Núm-XXX-2019
Conforme a la Ley 229 de 2003
