IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) has postponed plans to shift all visa and permit processing in Mexico City to the city’s regional office. The INM’s main office in Mexico City will continue to accept applications until further notice.

What does the change mean? While the change will reduce the anticipated workload for the Mexico City regional office, demand remains high and continued delays should be expected in the capital and throughout the country. 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: Ongoing. The change was expected to take effect Oct. 1, but has been postponed until further notice.

• Visas/permits affected: All visas and permits.

• Who is affected: Employers and foreign nationals applying for visas or permits in Mexico City.

• 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.

Background: Mexico City has two INM offices, the INM’s national headquarters and a regional office serving the federal district. All 31 Mexican states also have regional offices. Authorities announced this week that they would postpone a recently announced plan to move all visa and permit processing in Mexico City to the regional office.

Analysis & Comments: Mexico has been grappling with processing delays for months now, largely because of changes in personnel and increased migration from Central America. While the postponement will reduce the expected workload for the Mexico City regional office, employers should continue to plan ahead and submit applications as early as possible. In some cases, employers may need to adjust employee start dates because of delays.

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