www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Anyone know how long it takes to get temporary residency in Costa Rica right now? Because of embargo, a Cuban friend needs residency papers before he can accept a job in the U.S.

Curious if anyone knows the timetable or, preferably, has a contact at Immigration who might be able to "help". Finder's fee available for successful referral.

Feel free to respond by IM. Thanks.

Jack;
Its a bitch. Even with all you ducks in a row, it could take up to a year.
Here's a contact: Flora who advertises in the Tico Times weekly under "Legal Services". She's an expert.
LVSTeve

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Just an old horney, fat gambler.

I do not believe you will find anyone on this board that can offer any factual information on that situation.

Cubans come here as refugees seeking asylum. There is presently a case that has been written about, in the Tico Times, concerning a Cuban baseball player who is in CR as a refugee. He has been invited to the NY Mets spring training camp but so far has been unable to obtain the necessary visa to enter the US. Last year he lost out on a $400,000 plus offer from the Red Sox because of his inability to procure a US visa.

I would imagine you would have to contact a lawyer who has a lot of expertise in Immigration law to help your Cuban amigo.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
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alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Thanks for replies. I actually read about that baseball player. According to one of the stories I read, he received the refugee papers or residency papers very fast, but he's been having problems with the U.S. visa part of it.

I was hoping someone on here might actually know someone at Immigration who might be able to offer assistance. With the administration about to change, I'm sure the time-honored C.R. tradition of graft is in full swing.

The quickest is through marriage if you have the right connections. But some lawyers are flagged and have problems. A good attorney can set it up where you are pretty much protected. But I say this after having been here a long time and know who to trust. Wouldn't advise just using anyonoe.