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].
Explore more at Fragomen
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.
Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Manager Shirley Kock and Senior Business Immigration Consultant Eunice Leo examine why applying early for Singapore permanent residency can strengthen long-term outcomes for foreign professionals and their families amid increasing competition and evolving immigration policies.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit outlines key passport and documentation considerations for British and Irish dual nationals as the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme moves into full enforcement from 25 February 2026, warning that failure to carry proof of British or Irish citizenship may result in boarding delays or refusal.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Géraldine Renaudière highlights how evolving policies and growing talent visa programs are shaping France’s immigration landscape.
Video
Senior Immigration Consultant Adriana Martinez Garro outlines the main visa and residency options available in Costa Rica, offering a practical overview for visitors, remote workers, retirees, investors and families exploring short- or long-term pathways.
Awards
Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot and Senior Counsel David Crawford are recognized in Uglobal Immigration Magazine’s 2025 Top 25 Global Migration Attorneys list.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter addresses the rise in Polish citizenship refusals and the impact of automated decision-making on individual cases.
Blog post
Manager Adam Hickling, Senior Associate Veronica Ciocea and Immigration Consultant Daisy Dale analyse the UK government’s A Fairer Pathway to Settlement consultation and its potential implications for the aviation sector, including proposed changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain, settlement timelines and dependant eligibility.
Media mentions
Partner Parisa Karaahmet discusses how recent US immigration policy changes, including potential impacts on the H-1B lottery, are shaping employer planning.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partners Isha Atassi and Rahul Soni discuss US investment-based immigration options for Middle Eastern investors.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.
Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Manager Shirley Kock and Senior Business Immigration Consultant Eunice Leo examine why applying early for Singapore permanent residency can strengthen long-term outcomes for foreign professionals and their families amid increasing competition and evolving immigration policies.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit outlines key passport and documentation considerations for British and Irish dual nationals as the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme moves into full enforcement from 25 February 2026, warning that failure to carry proof of British or Irish citizenship may result in boarding delays or refusal.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Géraldine Renaudière highlights how evolving policies and growing talent visa programs are shaping France’s immigration landscape.
Video
Senior Immigration Consultant Adriana Martinez Garro outlines the main visa and residency options available in Costa Rica, offering a practical overview for visitors, remote workers, retirees, investors and families exploring short- or long-term pathways.
Awards
Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot and Senior Counsel David Crawford are recognized in Uglobal Immigration Magazine’s 2025 Top 25 Global Migration Attorneys list.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter addresses the rise in Polish citizenship refusals and the impact of automated decision-making on individual cases.
Blog post
Manager Adam Hickling, Senior Associate Veronica Ciocea and Immigration Consultant Daisy Dale analyse the UK government’s A Fairer Pathway to Settlement consultation and its potential implications for the aviation sector, including proposed changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain, settlement timelines and dependant eligibility.
Media mentions
Partner Parisa Karaahmet discusses how recent US immigration policy changes, including potential impacts on the H-1B lottery, are shaping employer planning.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partners Isha Atassi and Rahul Soni discuss US investment-based immigration options for Middle Eastern investors.