Mexico: Processing Delays for All Immigration Applications Expected as INM Prioritizes Humanitarian Actions and Control of Irregular Migration
December 14, 2021
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At a Glance
- The National Immigration Institute (INM) is prioritizing the high volume of humanitarian visa applications submitted by foreign nationals currently in Mexico, which is causing immigration processing delays.
- As a result, foreign nationals and employers should expect processing delays for all immigration applications filed in Mexico City and other INM branches over the next several months, which may result in longer lead times for work and payroll start date and/or travel or other restrictions.
The situation
The National Immigration Institute (INM) is facing processing delays in some of its biggest branches (including its central office in Mexico City) derived from the high volume of Humanitarian Visa applications.
Impact
- Immigration processing delays. Foreign nationals and employers should expect processing delays for immigration applications filed in Mexico City and other branches over the next few weeks while cases are re-distributed. Affected applications include new temporary residence visas, permanent residence applications, renewals, post-arrival registrations and corporate registrations, among others.
- Appointment backlogs continue. In addition to the above delays, the previously-reported eight-week backlog of online appointments has not subsided.
- Delays in obtaining Resident Cards. The above delays will also result in longer processing times to obtain Resident Identity Cards. Foreign nationals need a Residence Identity Card to enroll in a Mexican company’s payroll, which can only be obtained upon completion of the post-arrival registration process, renewal application or change to permanent residence application. Employers and foreign nationals should account for processing delays when planning assignments to Mexico and should work with their immigration professional to develop strategies to mitigate the delays, which might include applying for a special exit-reentry permit while waiting to receive their resident cards.
- Possible travel interruptions. In addition to the issue of delayed start dates, foreign nationals without initial or renewed resident cards may face travel restrictions, since Exit Permits (which are issued to foreign nationals with pending immigration applications in order to travel) are typically not issued after an immigration application is shown as approved in the INM’s internal system; even if the resident card has not yet been issued.
- Other restrictions. Foreign nationals leaving Mexico without a valid resident card or Exit Permit could have their legal status in Mexico canceled. Foreign nationals without a resident card may also face restrictions initiating certain government services such as obtaining a driver’s license or opening a bank account.
- Longer appointment waits times. Foreign nationals attending appointments for in-person applications for renewal, change of status to permanent residence, resident card replacement and post-arrival registrations in Mexico City and other branches can expect longer wait times due to reduced staff.
Looking ahead
Aside from the above delays, further processing delays for all immigration applications may be expected for the next several weeks, due to the upcoming government office holiday closures at the INM (December 17-January 2).
Fragomen is working closely with the INM for possible solutions or workarounds and with clients that are impacted by this issue.
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].
