Immigration Processing Delays Expected Due to Government Restructure

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At a Glance

• Foreign nationals and their employers can expect significant processing delays for new temporary residence visas, permanent residence applications and corporate registrations due to a government restructure of personnel within several of its institutions, including the National Immigration Institute.
• These delays could extend for several months, depending on how quickly the government finalizes the reorganization.

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The issue

Due to a government restructure of personnel, foreign nationals and their employers can expect significant adjudication delays for new temporary residence visa and permanent residence applications and corporate registrations in Mexico City, and possibly other jurisdictions.

Background

As is customary for incoming administrations, the Mexican office of domestic affairs (Secretaría de Gobernación) has published new internal regulations, eliminating previous positions and re-structuring several government institutions, including the National Immigration Institute.

The measure is another in a series of significant changes within the Institute resulting in lengthier end-to-end processing times for many immigration applications. The previously-reported delays in corporate registrations, post-arrival registrations, issuance of Resident Identity Cards and Temporary Residence renewals have not subsided.

Impact

• Immigration applications delays. Foreign nationals and their employers should expect that approval notices for new visas, permanent residency applications and corporate registration certificates will be significantly delayed beyond their current processing times, which may delay work start dates. 
• Avoiding delays. Foreign nationals and their employers should make sure to:
  • file their Corporate Registration Certificate update as soon as possible;
  • file initial residence applications as early as possible;
  • work with their immigration providers to develop strategies for mitigating delays.

 

Looking ahead

The measure is intended to streamline processes and alleviate bureaucratic challenges within governmental institutions, in the long term. However, Fragomen does not expect the delays to subside for several months, at least until the new government finalizes the reorganization process. Additionally, as has occurred historically, it is likely that the reorganization may result in further immigration policy and criteria changes not only in Mexico City but also in other Mexican jurisdictions. Fragomen will report on any future relevant changes in Mexico.

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].