
The situation
The new administration announced today that the Mexican National Immigration Institute offices will only be closed December 25, 2018 and January 1, 2019, contrary to the dates it previously reported.
A closer look
The Immigration Institute will accept all immigration applications, including initial visas, registrations and exit permits, from 9am - 1pm from December 19 through January 2, except the two days it is closed, and will continue to adjudicate cases that were previously filed during the holiday season.
Impacts
- New deadline for residence permit renewals. Foreign nationals in Mexico with residence permits expiring December 20 - January 1 must file their residence permit renewal applications no later than January 2 (and not January 7, as initially informed by the authorities). Foreign nationals who fail to do so will be considered out of status and will need to complete a regularization process, which is costly and administratively burdensome.
- New date for counting renewal deadline. Foreign nationals outside Mexico with residence permits expiring December 20-January 1 will need to file their visa renewal application within five business days of their arrival date. If they arrive prior to January 1, the first business day will be counted as of January 2, and not January 7, as the Institute previously informed.
- Application backlog. The Immigration Institute’s longer holiday work schedule is expected to help alleviate the significant backlog of applications currently pending resolution.
- Delays likely. The Immigration Institute will accept and process applications during its open hours, but applicants should expect delays due to reduced staff.
- Guadalajara applicants. Foreign nationals seeking to apply at the Immigration Institute in Guadalajara should contact their immigration professional for specific advice due to separate operating hours.
- Audits possible. Employers should be prepared for potential audits as the Immigration Institute may continue to conduct unannounced employer visits during its new operating hours, following the trend previously reported.
Looking ahead
This is one of the first changes implemented by the new government in Mexico. Fragomen expects more changes in the near future and will report on relevant developments as they occur.
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
In this blog, Maja Sugui and Priyanka Gadekar explain how to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate in Germany, and the changes for the apostille and final certification request in 2025.

Media mentions
Country Manager María Inés Menvielle outlines Argentina’s updated immigration rules and their implications for business and foreign talent.

Media mentions

Media mentions
Partner Mark Buchanan says governments across Asia-Pacific are tightening visa rules while supporting key industries vital to economic growth.

Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen is recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Germany.

Media mentions
Senior Associate Clara Gautrais and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline the impact of new visa skill requirements and sponsorship rules on UK construction firms.

Media mentions
This article in Irish Legal News covers the firm's recent announcement of its new office opening in Cork, Ireland.

Media mentions
Director Audrey Morew outlines how US retirees may apply for Finnish residency under the “residence permit on other grounds” route.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock explains how the UK’s decision to double the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain is creating uncertainty for international talent and increasing pressure on employers.

Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the appointment of Partner Daniel Brown to the position of Chief Executive Officer of WorkRight U.S., the firm’s I-9 employee verification technology.

Fragomen news
Fragomen earned top rankings in Chambers USA 2025, with Band 1 recognition nationally.

Blog post
In this blog, Maja Sugui and Priyanka Gadekar explain how to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate in Germany, and the changes for the apostille and final certification request in 2025.

Media mentions
Country Manager María Inés Menvielle outlines Argentina’s updated immigration rules and their implications for business and foreign talent.

Media mentions

Media mentions
Partner Mark Buchanan says governments across Asia-Pacific are tightening visa rules while supporting key industries vital to economic growth.

Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen is recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Germany.

Media mentions
Senior Associate Clara Gautrais and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline the impact of new visa skill requirements and sponsorship rules on UK construction firms.

Media mentions
This article in Irish Legal News covers the firm's recent announcement of its new office opening in Cork, Ireland.

Media mentions
Director Audrey Morew outlines how US retirees may apply for Finnish residency under the “residence permit on other grounds” route.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock explains how the UK’s decision to double the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain is creating uncertainty for international talent and increasing pressure on employers.

Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the appointment of Partner Daniel Brown to the position of Chief Executive Officer of WorkRight U.S., the firm’s I-9 employee verification technology.

Fragomen news
Fragomen earned top rankings in Chambers USA 2025, with Band 1 recognition nationally.