Mexico: Processing Delays Impacting Immigration Timelines

Update September 3, 2026: Existing immigration processing delays continue and have notably worsened in Mexico City, particularly for post-arrival registration (canje) and residence card issuance. Processing times for these steps have increased from approximately one to two weeks to four to six weeks and delays are expected to continue in the coming months. The impacts described below, including potential delays to assignment start dates due to extended processing times for Resident Identity Cards, as well as potential travel restrictions, continue to apply.  

May 8, 2026: Foreign nationals and employers in Mexico are currently experiencing immigration processing delays with the National Immigration Institute (INM) due to the following factors:

• • Appointment constraints. Due to high demand, filing appointment availability through the INM’s online and in-person systems is limited, especially in major cities, delaying key immigration processes. These include, but are not limited to post-arrival registrations, temporary residence renewals, permanent residence applications, change of status filings and notifications.  
  • Adjudication delays. Additionally, the INM is experiencing delays in processing in-country immigration applications across several cities, particularly initial temporary residence applications, renewals, permanent residence applications and change of status requests. Processing times, which previously could take as few as one to three business days, are now frequently extending to the full statutory period of up to 20 business days. 

Foreign nationals and employers should expect ongoing delays for immigration applications in Mexico in the coming months. These delays are also extending processing times for Resident Identity Cards, which are required for payroll enrollment, potentially impacting assignment start dates. In some cases, travel restrictions may also apply, particularly where exit permits are delayed or unavailable during pending or recently approved applications. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.