I have a friend who has helped me navigate the legalities of Costa Rica. And the fees are quite reasonable as well as well-connected!

Contact me if there is a need.

Thanks for the offer. Just in general terms, if you will...ask him how difficult and how expensive it is to bring a Costa Rican national to the US? I have 2 situations...one platonic, one love. The platonic one is a friend who would love to come see me for a couple weeks. He is a hard working Tico and has a wife and family in SJ, and would only stay a short time.\
The other is someone who I may be interested in more long term here in the States.
Just any information would be helpful. thanks.
-regards,
-wmax2
(wmax2@excite.com)

Wmax2,

The issue with Costa Ricans visiting the US has nothing to do with Costa Rican law. The problem is obtaining a tourist visa from the US government. For many people is it routine and is no problem at all - for others it is, quite simply, impossible. If the applicant owns property here or can provide rent receipts demonstrating stable residence, has regular employment, a bank account, and strong ties in the community (such as your working Tico friend), he should have no problem at all obtaining a multiple-entry 10 year tourist visa.

First, if he doesn't already have a Costa Rican passport, he needs to get one. This is never a problem. Once he has his passport, the process for obtaining a US tourist visa is simple and takes about a week in total. I don't remember the exact cost but it it nominal-less that $100. Visa interviews are at the US Embassy and are by appointment only. The easiest way to do this is through a reputable travel agent. I use the local American Express affiliate, ASV Olympia Travel Services, in Sabana Sur (phone 506-220-0400), but any of the larger agencies can help you. Their fees are reasonable (about $20) and it's much easier than doing it yourself.

It is usually very difficult or impossible for the girls working in the bars to get tourist visas for the US. They simply can't demonstrate the kind of stable ties to the community that they need in order to obtain a visa. At a mimimum, they must prove stable employment, have receipts for their payments into the Caja (social security system), and proof of property ownership or rent payments. The aproval process is subjective, so it's hard to give definite advice. The US Embassy here has a website with some helpful info. I don't remember the URL but you can find it in Google or another search engine.

Pura Vida,
TampaGringo

Wow:

TampaGringo...thanks for the great information.

By the way, I bought 2 of those pocket Rockets and you were right. I have had more fun(and so have the girls).

Remind me to listen to my elders next time. Ha.

Thanks again,
-wmax2

PS I am headed back to SJ March 5 for 5 days. Can't wait.