Update – August 29, 2025: Appointment scheduling for new or renewal local Identity Cards remains extremely limited for September and October 2025, with no new slots released beyond this period. Fragomen continues to work with affected clients to provide case-specific advice and explore potential alternatives where available.
May 12, 2025: Due to a shortage of printing materials, Ecuador’s Civil Registry has suspended appointment scheduling for new or renewal local Identity Cards for May, June, and July 2025, and has not yet opened slots for August 2025 and beyond. Additionally, processing times for local Identity Cards have increased significantly – from same-day issuance to one and a half months following an appointment. While a local Identity Card is not required to work legally in Ecuador, foreign nationals without one may encounter difficulties completing key processes such as opening a bank account, finalizing employment contracts, signing lease agreements, or enrolling children in school. Fragomen is contacting affected clients and will continue to monitor the situation for updates.
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
Blog post
Manager Alex Hood and Senior Associate Kimberley Ong explain the final extension and settlement deadlines for UK Tier 1 Investor visa holders and outline who can still qualify and why early action is essential.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.
Media mentions
Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.
Blog post
IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.
Media mentions
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.
Media mentions
Associates Charlotte Roberts and Karina Casey highlight how the UK’s earned settlement proposal may influence global talent and HR planning.
Media mentions
Blog post
Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.
Awards
Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights a key development as Poland prepares to extend protection for Ukrainians, pointing to the growing role of the courts.
Media mentions
Director Kelly Hardman discusses how UK offshore immigration rules are creating challenges for energy and maritime operations.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés outlines upcoming changes to Ireland’s immigration rules and their implications for employers.
Blog post
Manager Alex Hood and Senior Associate Kimberley Ong explain the final extension and settlement deadlines for UK Tier 1 Investor visa holders and outline who can still qualify and why early action is essential.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.
Media mentions
Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.
Blog post
IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.
Media mentions
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.
Media mentions
Associates Charlotte Roberts and Karina Casey highlight how the UK’s earned settlement proposal may influence global talent and HR planning.
Media mentions
Blog post
Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.
Awards
Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights a key development as Poland prepares to extend protection for Ukrainians, pointing to the growing role of the courts.
Media mentions
Director Kelly Hardman discusses how UK offshore immigration rules are creating challenges for energy and maritime operations.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés outlines upcoming changes to Ireland’s immigration rules and their implications for employers.