Changes to immigration procedures causing delays

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The newly appointed head of the National Migration Institute has changed some immigration procedures to place greater scrutiny on work visa applications.

What does the change mean? Applicants should anticipate delays and longer processing and application-preparation times.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Work visa authorizations, work visa renewals, changes of immigration status.
• Impact on processing times: Delays of six weeks or longer should be expected.
• Business impact: Employers should expect delays and plan business schedules and start dates accordingly.

Background: Last month, the National Migration Institute underwent several major staffing changes, including the appointment of a new commissioner to head the agency. Authorities are scrutinizing applications and adding requirements that primarily affect applicants’ legal representatives. These include scrutinizing the representative’s signature or requiring representatives to appear in person with their original ID rather than a notarized copy.

BAL Analysis: Companies should be prepared for additional document requests and should anticipate delays and unpredictability in the coming months.

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.

Copyright © 2018 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.