Mexico: Stricter Rules for Registration Process Implemented
August 13, 2021
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At a Glance
- Effective immediately, temporary or permanent residence applicants in Mexico City, Toluca and Guadalajara must visit the National Immigration Institute (INM) to complete biometrics within three days after the INM issues their registration approval letter. Applicants who do not comply with this new rule may have their file archived. If the applicant would still like to complete the process, they will need to petition the government, but they will not hold residence status during this period.
- Previously, applicants were not subject to a deadline to complete biometrics.
- This change affects foreign nationals who are registering their residency after arrival, obtaining a residence renewal or changing status to permanent residence, and is expected to be implemented by other INM branches soon.
- Affected applicants should remain in Mexico until they complete the entire formal registration process, which includes the submission of biometrics.
The situation
In a change of policy, branches of the National Immigration Institute (INM) in Mexico City, Toluca and Guadalajara are requiring temporary or permanent residence applicants to complete biometrics within three days after the INM issues their registration approval letter, whereas previously the INM had not imposed a deadline.
A closer look
- 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.
Impact
- 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.
Background
- 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.
Looking ahead
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.
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].
