IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) is preparing to shift all visa and permit processing in Mexico City to its regional office. The INM’s main office in Mexico City will no longer accept applications as of Oct. 1.

What does the change mean? The change will increase the workload for the Mexico City regional office, potentially contributing to additional processing delays. Employers should continue to plan ahead, submit applications as early as possible and work closely with their immigration provider if they have questions about pending applications.

  • Implementation time frame: The change in procedures will be implemented Oct. 1; delays are ongoing and are expected to continue.
  • Visas/permits affected: All visas and permits.
  • Who is affected: Employers and foreign nationals applying for Mexican visas and permits.
  • Impact on processing times: Processing times continue to be significantly longer than normal. Specific processing times vary depending on the type of visa or permit and the region.
  • Business impact: Employers may need to adjust start dates and timelines because of the ongoing delays.

Background: Mexico City has two INM offices, the INM’s national headquarters, as well as a regional office serving the federal district. All 31 Mexican states also have regional offices. Beginning Oct. 1, all visa and permit processing in Mexico City will be shifted to the regional office. These applications will no longer be accepted at the main office.

Mexico has been grappling with processing delays for months now, and the change in Mexico City procedures could increase the challenges for applicants in the nation’s capital. Other factors in the delays include changes in personnel and increased migration from Central America.

Analysis & Comments: Delays continue to be a challenge across Mexico and could increase in Mexico City as the regional INM office takes over all visa and permit processing. Employers should continue to plan ahead and submit applications as early as possible. In some cases, employers may need to adjust employee start dates.

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