Expat Community > El Salvador

dulcedre
Joined 2008
Posts: 10

Salvadoran Residency

14 years ago

I hope someone (pato??? ?) can help me. And I apologize for the long post.
I’ve been working on a residency permit, with permission to work for almost 2 years now.
My goal is to open a business (NO not another Academy) offering English classes here in Santa Ana (yes I have A LOT of interest here!)
My problem is with immigration. I went through the normal process and had my birth certificate and criminal report notarized and apostilled (twice because it had expired – note they only give you 3 months to do this) in the U.S. The work permit would be so I can work for a Spanish school here as a coordinator for the foreign students coming here to learn Spanish. Then I went to the PNC in San Salvador to be fingerprinted and photographed and to fill out MORE forms. Then after waiting for MONTHS, an official from immigration paid me a surprise visit (to make sure I’m really working—Yes, it’s legit!)). We filled out more forms, and I gave her proof that I am receiving money every month in my checking account. After a few more months, I received a provisional residence card, which was valid for 3 months. Okay several MORE months go by and then the Ministry of Work from San Salvador came here to Santa Ana and denied me. They said that the new government had changed the immigration laws and that I can only work for a registered (in City Hall) company that has a minimum of 9 employees, pays taxes and pays insurance. (according to an immigration official and my lawyer, before it didn’t matter who you worked for, as long as they are Salvadoran). So they denied me. BUT, he said that if I could give him $500, I could have my papers right away! Hmmmm. Of course I said no.
This past week my lawyer and I went to immigration in San Salvador and they gave me 30 days to either get a job or a husband! My boyfriend is trying to get a quick divorce but my lawyer says it takes approx. 3 month to finalize, and that I don’t have enough time to wait for that.
I’m facing deportation now. It’s not like before where nobody cared if you were legal or not.
I just don’t understand what the problem is. Why can’t I just live here?
Does anybody have any advice for me? Anything? I’m getting really down about all this. And I’m not ready to leave yet. I have another problem because my credit cards had been stolen and I don’t have any money to go someplace else yet. Long story for another time!
In Gratitude for any advice…..Andrea

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