Mexico: Online Appointment System Suspended for All Immigration Filings
March 17, 2022
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At a Glance
- The online appointment system of the National Immigration Institute (INM) is offline, with no clear date for resolution, preventing foreign nationals from scheduling any application filing appointments.
- In the interim, several INM branches are implementing alternative application pathways which will vary by branch. Foreign nationals and employers should work with their immigration professional for case-specific advice.
- Foreign nationals and employers can expect processing delays for all immigration applications until the system is restored or alternative application routs implemented, which may delay foreign nationals’ work or payroll start dates in Mexico.
- The outage is not affecting foreign nationals with previously-scheduled appointments.
The situation
The online appointment system of the National Immigration Institute (INM) is offline, preventing foreign nationals from scheduling application filing appointments nationwide, including applications for new temporary residence visas, permanent residence applications, renewals, post-arrival registrations and corporate registrations, among others. It is not clear when the issue will be resolved.
Impact
- Processing delays. Foreign nationals and employers can expect processing delays for all immigration applications until the system is restored or alternative application routes implemented, which may delay foreign nationals’ work or payroll start date in Mexico.
- Workaround. In the interim, the INM has announced that their branches may implement alternative processes such as allowing applicants to walk in during submission hours to submit certain urgent applications on a first-come-first-served basis; and opening special attorney processing desks for urgent cases, among others. The process will vary by branch. Foreign nationals and employers should work with their immigration professional for case-specific advice.
- Previously-scheduled appointments. The INM has announced it will honor appointments scheduled prior to the system outage. Foreign nationals who already received an appointment filing date will be able to submit their immigration application on their appointment date.
- Other concessions. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all immigration-related deadlines and expirations under the jurisdiction of the INM remain formally postponed until further notice, for foreign nationals with temporary or permanent residence status in Mexico.
Background
- Advance online appointments. In May 2021, the INM introduced an online appointment system in Mexico City, which has since expanded to all INM branches and all types of immigration applications.
- Appointment backlogs. While appointments have historically been granted within one week from the date of booking, as reported during the last six months, the system has been overburdened and the INM is experiencing a significant backlog of online appointments.
Looking ahead
Fragomen is actively monitoring the system and reaching out to each INM branch for practical solutions, and to clients that are impacted by this issue. We will report on any 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].
