Extranjeros

The Government of Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States of America. As a result of this political relationship, the entrance and exit to the territorial limits of Puerto Rico is under the control of the Federal Government.

The Department of State of Puerto Rico has the function of guiding foreigners interested in visiting the island and liaise with federal authorities, in order to clarify and streamline procedures for obtaining a visa.

People who visit Puerto Rico have the same restrictions and immigration privileges as if they were visiting any other destination in the US. For immigration purposes, traveling from anywhere in the US to Puerto Rico does not constitute exiting the US, provided the flight goes directly from one state to Puerto Rico. Similarly, when travelers arrive to the US from Puerto Rico, they do not have to go through immigration processes, provided that the flight is direct from Puerto Rico to a state. However, for identification purposes, the traveler should carry some form of identification, such as the driver’s license, a card issued by a state or federal agency, or an original birth certificate.

Foreigners visiting Puerto Rico are also subject to the same rules and laws of US immigration so they must ensure compliance with the requirements of immigration and visa.

Download Visitor’s Guide

Immigrant Counseling and Services Office in Puerto Rico

The Immigrant Counseling and Services Office in Puerto Rico was created through Law No. 254 of October 28, 2000.

Mission

Sensitive and diligently attend to the affairs of immigrants residing in Puerto Rico, so that through their own efforts, they can develop alternatives for solving their personal problems and needs.

Vision

To help improve the quality of life of immigrants in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and therefore the people of Puerto Rico, hence enhancing the positive aspects of the melting pot that results from this population and that in turn enriches the Puerto Rican society.

Objectives

• Encourage participation and integration of foreign citizens in the public life of the country. Develop a sense of belonging as members of the Puerto Rican society in all its rights, privileges and obligations.
• Coordinate services among foreign residents and State, Municipal and Federal agencies to facilitate the prompt handling and monitoring of their cases.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services of the United States and the Consular Corps accredited in Puerto Rico.
• Establish a resource bank of foreigners qualified for participation in the workforce.

Solicitar Naturalización (Ciudadanía Estadounidense)

YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

• Be 18 years old or older at the time of filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
• Demonstrate continuous permanent residence in the United States for at least 5 years
• May be 3 years if you are married and living with a U.S. citizen. (Evidence that your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for the last 3 years)
• Be a person of good moral character
• Do not exceed 915 days (30 months) outside of United States territory in the last 5 years.