IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Mexico City regional office of the National Migration Institute (INM) is applying stricter policies toward foreign nationals who are renewing their residence, changing their address and employer, and completing certain local registration requirements.

What does the change mean? Applicants in Mexico City should anticipate having to submit additional documentary evidence to support certain applications.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate.
  • Visas/permits affected: Residence renewals, change of employer or address, local registration (“canje”).
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals in Mexico City.
  • Impact on processing times: Applicants for residence renewal may not qualify for expedited processing without certain additional documentation.

Key changes:

  • Employees seeking expedited processing of their application to renew temporary residence with work authorization will now need to submit their current employer’s corporate registration certificate. If the employee does not submit a valid registration, the renewal application will be processed, but not under expedited service.
  • Family dependents seeking to renew their temporary residence must now submit a letter under oath and signed by the primary applicant confirming the family relationship.
  • Employees notifying the INM of a change of address and employer must submit a copy of a utility bill showing the new address and a copy of the current employer’s registration certificate. Previously, the applicant only needed to submit a signed letter under oath stating the changes.
  • Temporary residents completing local registration requirements who were issued a visa by a Mexican Consulate based on family bonds or invitation (without work authorization) must now submit a letter under oath signed by the applicant detailing their activities in the country.

BAL Analysis: The INM office in Mexico City underwent a major personnel shakeup in March, leading to changes in immigration procedures and resulting in delays. Employers and expatriate employees and family members in Mexico City should factor in additional time to prepare the additional documents and should also anticipate that more changes could come following the presidential election on July 1.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Mexico. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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