Mexico: Stricter Rules for Registration Process Implemented

• Affected applicants. This change affects foreign nationals who are registering after arrival, obtaining a residence renewal or changing status to permanent residence.
• Process for submitting biometrics. The process for submitting biometrics remains the same and affected foreign nationals should contact their immigration professional for assistance.

• Non-compliance. If the three-day deadline is not met, the INM may archive the foreign national’s file and the foreign national would need to petition the government to complete the process. During this time, the foreign national would not have residence status in Mexico.
• Travel restrictions. Affected applicants should plan to remain in Mexico until they complete their registration process.

• Registration process. Foreign nationals ​must register with the National Immigration Institute within 30 days of arrival with their consular-issued Temporary Residence Visa or within 30 days of approval if applying for a visa renewal or change of status to permanent resident. Foreign nationals first submit a registration application, which is usually approved within one day, upon which the foreign national must visit the INM office to submit biometrics and obtain their Residence Card.
• Rationale. The INM is implementing this measure to ensure foreign nationals follow through with their immigration requirements after arriving in Mexico. It will also allow the INM to close cases which previously remained open while the biometrics were pending.

While this change has only been implemented in Mexico City, Toluca and Guadalajara, it is expected to be implemented by other INM branches soon.

Due to the rigidity of the rule and the additional administrative burden that appeal applications would create for the INM, it is possible that the government may make further changes to the rule. Fragomen will report on relevant developments. In the meantime, Fragomen is contacting affected clients with case-specific advice.