VETERAN NEWS
CHARACTER OF DISCHARGE UPGRADE HELP
VA and the DoD released new online help for Veterans who are applying for a character of discharge upgrade, which includes downloadable forms with detailed instructions for the upgrade request.
Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017
Here is what the new law will do:
- Modernize our current claims and appeals process.
- Include three options for Veterans dissatisfied with VA’s decision on their claims to seek review.
- Require improved notification of VA decisions.
- Streamline the claims and appeals process to provide you with the earliest possible resolution of your claim.
- Provide safeguards to ensure you receive the earliest effective date possible for your claim.
U.S. EMBASSY NEWS
U.S. EMBASSY OUTREACH EVENTS
Embassy San Jose is pleased to announce two upcoming Consular events – in Limon City, a visa session, and in Puerto Viejo, routine services for U.S. citizens. Our Consular staff will be on hand to provide the below services and answer any questions.
DEATH OF A U.S. CITIZEN ASSISTANCE
Consular officers provide assistance when a U.S. citizen dies in Costa Rica. The degree and nature of consular assistance depends upon whether a deceased U.S. citizen was accompanied by family and whether s/he was a visitor to Costa Rica or was residing here.
MORE INFORMATION FROM ABOVE
more on Embassy outreach
Embassy San Jose is pleased to announce two upcoming Consular events – in Limon City, a visa session, and in Puerto Viejo, routine services for U.S. citizens. Our Consular staff will be on hand to provide the below services and answer any questions.
To RSVP for passport renewals, notary services, and federal benefits inquiries, please indicate your preference by writing to ACSSanJose@state.gov. Any applicable fees must be paid in cash. No checks or dollars, please.
Limon:
WHEN: Tuesday, February 20
3:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.: U.S. Visa Presentation (For non-U.S. Citizens)
WHERE: Biblioteca Pública Mayor Thomas Lynch en Limón Central
Puerto Viejo:
WHEN: Wednesday, February 21
12:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Passport Renewals, Federal Benefits Inquiries, Voting Assistance, and Notarials
WHERE: La Costa de Papito Restaurant en Puerto Viejo
Adult Passport Renewals: 66,000 colones. To be eligible, you must present a 10-year passport that is valid or expired less than 5 years ago. You will need to submit a DS-82 form and a 2”-by-2” passport photo with a light-colored background. We cannot process applications for lost/stolen passports, or renewals for applicants under age 16.
To utilize Embassy San Jose’s courier return service, go to the below link and fill in the online form. The information submitted must match the identity of the applicant and correspond with a recent passport service. https://www.correos.go.cr/webservicios/US_services/
Please ensure that you include your current phone number and email address, as you will be contacted by Correos de Costa Rica directly once your passport is ready. If the payment is accepted, an invoice will be sent to your email address. Alternatively, you can save your invoice in PDF format for printing.
Upon receipt of your invoice, please forward it to passportreturnsanjose@state.gov to ensure we flag your passport for courier return.
Notary Services: 30,000 colones per seal. The presence of the person requesting the notary and legal proof of identity are required.
Federal Benefits and Voter Assistance: We will also accept applications for replacement Social Security cards and will have informational material on Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors, as well as voter registration applications.
To learn more about U.S. Embassy San Jose’s American Citizen Services, go to https://cr.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/. You can contact us at ACSSanJose@state.gov.