Changes Aim to Increase Efficiency for Processing of Residence Cards, Visa Applications

In an effort to reduce backlogs resulting from the 2012 Migration Law, yesterday the National Immigration Institute (INM) introduced new printers, which are now installed in all Mexican INM offices. The printers are expected to speed the in-country registration process for residence cards by up to two weeks. Starting immediately, foreigners should be able to receive their residence cards within 48 hours of their biometric collection appointment at the INM office. Eventually, it should be possible to collect the card on the same day.

Before the printers were installed, biometric information was collected at INM offices and sent to the National Printing Office to be incorporated into the cards. This process took up to two weeks.

Also, last week the government provided special training to immigration officers who are in the process of transferring from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work in Mexican consulates. The training served to prepare consulate staff for the role of deciding visa applications. Over time, the training is expected to help make the process more efficient.

All changes apply to foreigners after they arrive in Mexico; outside of the country, consulate processes will remain the same.

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

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