Important Updates
Important Updates
October 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Supreme Court Again Permits DHS to Terminate 2023 TPS Designation for Venezuela While Litigation Continues
October 3, 2025 | ArgentinaArgentina: Provisional Certificate Policy Change Extends In-Country Work Authorization Timelines
October 3, 2025 | KazakhstanKazakhstan: New Work Permit Process Rules, Including Labor Market Test and New Online Portal
October 3, 2025 | United StatesThe American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible
October 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Lawsuit Filed Challenging New H-1B Restrictions and $100,000 Fee
October 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Supreme Court Again Permits DHS to Terminate 2023 TPS Designation for Venezuela While Litigation Continues
October 3, 2025 | ArgentinaArgentina: Provisional Certificate Policy Change Extends In-Country Work Authorization Timelines
October 3, 2025 | KazakhstanKazakhstan: New Work Permit Process Rules, Including Labor Market Test and New Online Portal
October 3, 2025 | United StatesThe American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible
October 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Lawsuit Filed Challenging New H-1B Restrictions and $100,000 Fee
October 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Supreme Court Again Permits DHS to Terminate 2023 TPS Designation for Venezuela While Litigation Continues
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Visa Appointments Suspended Ahead of Online System Launch

October 18, 2018

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • ArgentinaArgentina

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

The situation

The permanent suspension of express visa appointments in Argentina since October 12, 2018 is delaying, and in some cases preventing, the filing of Mercosur and non-Mercosur residence visa applications.

Background

Although no reason for the suspension has been published, Fragomen suspects that the Argentinian immigration authorities (Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (DNM)) have suspended in-person appointments to encourage the transition to a new online visa application system.

A closer look

The below summarizes the situation for Mercosur and non-Mercosur visa applications:

  • Mercosur visa applications. Mercosur express visa appointments are not available at the DNM office in Buenos Aires, and applications cannot be submitted until the online system is operational.
    • Potential alternatives.
      • Mercosur visa applicants may be able to request a non-express appointment in Buenos Aires, which would not be available until the beginning of October 2019. This is significantly longer than when an express appointment would be available, which is usually the next business day.
      • Mercosur visa applicants may also be able to submit an express application at another DNM office with available appointments (which may require traveling long distances); or at an Argentine consular post in their country of residence prior to traveling to Argentina (with the exception of Technical Visas for citizens of Brazil due to a bilateral agreement).

 

  • Non-Mercosur applications. There are still non-Mercosur visa appointments available at the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (DNM) office in Buenos Aires, but the first available appointment is in November.
    • Potential alternatives.
      • Non-Mercosur visa applicants can request a non-express appointment for the end of November if in Buenos Aires or for next week if outside Buenos Aires.
      • Foreign nationals may be able to submit their application at a DNM office outside of Buenos Aires with available appointments or at an Argentine consulate in their country of residence prior to traveling to Argentina.

Impact for employers and foreign nationals

  • Mercosur and non-Mercosur visa applicants may experience significant delays in their start date as there is no official announcement as to when the online system may be operable. Delays are expected even after the system is launched due to the likely backlog created by this suspension. Affected employers should prepare for delayed start dates.
  • Foreign nationals choosing to file the visa application outside of Buenos Aires may incur additional travel and accommodation expenses.
  • Foreign nationals in the process of gathering documentation may find a consular application to be the most efficient route to allow them to start their assignment soon. Employers and foreign nationals should consider whether this option is feasible considering the out-of-country application steps.
  • Foreign nationals with pending applications or those who need to renew their current visas are not affected by this situation

Further background

In-person visa appointments are required in Argentina for applicants to submit their application documents and undergo biometrics. Third-party representatives cannot appear on behalf of applicants in Argentina, creating an administrative hurdle for applicants who, if they are applying in country, must follow time-consuming formalities.

Argentina is one of many Latin American countries that is digitizing the visa application process, including Brazil, Chile Colombia and Peru. However, the transition from an-person process to a more streamlined online process often results in delays while the online system is set up and fully operational, and often causes unexpected consequences such as appointment suspensions.

Looking ahead

Employers and foreign nationals contact their immigration provider to analyze their specific situation. Fragomen is monitoring this situation and will report relevant changes.

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].

Country / Territory

  • ArgentinaArgentina

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Video

Bangladesh: Security Clearances and Challenges

Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Learn more

Media mentions

The American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible

Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

Post Bulletin: Trump’s New $100K Fee on Certain Work Visas Could Impact Rochester’s Medical Staff

Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences

Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Folha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções

Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Learn more

Video

Bangladesh: Security Clearances and Challenges

Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Learn more

Media mentions

The American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible

Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

Post Bulletin: Trump’s New $100K Fee on Certain Work Visas Could Impact Rochester’s Medical Staff

Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences

Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Folha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções

Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.