The following is aligned with the information provided by the Chilean Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG) on its website.

There are two types of permits or VISAS to enter Chile and you must choose which one to apply for according to the extension of your exchange:

OPTION 1

If your study program at USM is equal to or less than 180 days long, you must obtain a Permanencia Transitoria or Transitory Stay permit (ex tourist visa). The way to obtain this permit will depend on your nationality, if upon downloading and reviewing the following file your country of nationality:

1. Shows a “NO” in the column Requiere VISA de Permanencia Transitoria, it means that you can obtain this permit directly at the customs office when entering Chile, without having to go through a previous procedure. You will then receive, from the Policia de Investigaciones or PDI, a white document called Tarjeta Única Migratoria, which you should always keep and that states your date of entry and expiration date of the permit, among other details. Keep in mind that you should be granted a stay in Chile for the number of days stipulated in the column (of the downloadable document) Visa de Permanencia Transitoria Simple – Plazo máximo estadía, which is 90 days in the best case scenario. Therefore, please consider that you must extend this permit, at least once, to cover the extension of your exchange, for which you can choose one of the following alternatives:

1.1. Officially, you will have the possibility to pay a one-time extension of your permit for another 90 days. This procedure must be done before the expiration date of your permit and has a cost of 100USD (its equivalent in CLP), you can check on Extension of Permanencia Transitoria permit | SERMIG and follow the steps indicated there.

1.2. Unofficially, and as long as your country shows information (other than “—“) in the Visa de Permanencia Transitoria Multiple – Plazo máximo estadía del archivo anterior, you will be able to leave and re-enter the country obtaining a new 90 days VISA. 

IMPORTANT If, when reviewing the file, your country shows stays of less than 90 days, the situation is particular and we would like to follow it in detail, please let us know immediately. It is likely that the best solution is to apply for the other type of permit described below.

2. Shows a “YES” in the column Requiere VISA de Permanencia Transitoria, it means that you must request and obtain this permit before you travel to Chile, which must be processed at the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, through the consular representations of Chile abroad. For more information on the procedure you must follow, please visit the Online Consular Procedures – MINREL.

IMPORTANT Again, if in this case, your nationality shows stays of less than 90 days (single or multiple), the situation is particular and we would like to follow it in detail, please let us know. It is likely that the best solution is to apply for the other type of permit or VISA described below.

OPTION 2

If your study program at USM is longer than 180 days, you must obtain a Residencia Temporal con motivo de estudios or Temporary Stay for study purposes permit (ex student visa), which you must apply for before traveling to Chile.

The corresponding subcategory of the VISA is number three, review in detail the documentation and requirements for this permit in Students from state-recognized establishments | SERMIG.

We recommend to start compiling the application documents and obtain the apostilled and translated criminal record certificate as soon as possible.

IMPORTANT Usually, the first resolution of applications for this type of permit takes at least 4 to 5 months, which is why USM is part of the CRUCH – SERMIG agreement that allows us to manage an abbreviated review of your application to be resolved in a period no longer than 40 working days. To activate this agreement in your case, you must send us your Letter of Acceptance to the USM and the PDF you’ll receive from SERMIG as soon as you submitt your permit application called Comprobante de Envío Solicitud de Residencia Temporal.

Mail Paz Aranibar Sánchez on undergraduate cases, or Michelle Mella on internship or postgrade cases, attaching both documents.

Attached is a PDF document sent by Our Legal Direction with more detailed information: Estudiantes extranjeros (nueva normativa).