Immigration Process Adjudication Delays Continue Nationwide

The situation

Due to the transition to a new government, the adjudication of immigration applications is delayed several weeks past normal processing times in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Queretaro and several other large cities in Mexico.

A closer look - reasons for delays

Though new officials are starting to be appointed in the above cities following the transition to the new government, some officials are not yet vested with the authority to approve immigration applications, which is a time-consuming process. Additionally, many officials with such authority have been re-reviewing pending applications, further delaying the review process.

Impact

Employers and foreign nationals should expect that approval notices for work visas, permanent residency applications and corporate registration certificates will be delayed several weeks beyond their normal processing times, which may delay work start dates.

Background

A national election in June 2018 resulted in the gradual resignation of first senior-level, then lesser-level officials, who left office to campaign for their positions. This stalled government processes that require the signature of government officials such as most immigration applications. Delays continued due the transition to a new government.

While immigration processing delays are occurring nationwide, they are particularly severe in Monterrey.

Looking ahead

Fragomen has been following up with the National Migration Institute (INM) on a weekly basis for updates on the delays. Fragomen does not expect the delays to subside for several weeks until the new government finalizes the transition process to new officials.

It is possible that the new government may change immigration processes. Fragomen will report on related developments.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].