Overstaying nomads in Mexico must now book INM regularization slots online

Mexico's National Immigration Institute (INM) has moved six more procedures into its online appointment system. Applicants used to go to an INM office in person to ask for a filing date. Now they have to book a slot online before they can hand in their papers. The institute posted the updated list on social media Nov. 1 and gave Oct. 30 as the effective date. One immigration law firm puts the start at Nov. 2.

The six services that now need an online slot

• Visa authorization based on a job offer
• Visa authorization based on family reunification
• Employer registration certificate, both new certificates and updates
• Regularization based on family reunification
• Regularization due to an expired document or unauthorized activities

None of these could be booked through the system before. The rule also covers application packages that were prepared but not yet submitted as of Nov. 2. That means anyone who put a file together in October can't simply walk in with it. A filing date now depends on when the INM's electronic calendar has an opening. November slots were available in early November, but they may run out as they fill. There is no official word yet on whether the change affects processing times once an application is filed.

What changes for overstaying nomads, family applicants and Mexican-employer hires

Nomads and other foreigners whose immigration document has expired or who did work their status didn't allow, face the most direct change. They used to get a filing date by asking in person. Now they need an online booking. Partners and relatives applying through family unity are also covered.

The change also reaches remote workers moving to a job with a Mexican employer. The employer handles the work permit at the INM and a consulate can't issue the visa until the INM has approved it. With both the employer certificate and the job-offer authorization now on the calendar, hiring timelines have two booking steps to fit in. INM offices usually close from around Dec. 18 to Jan. 3, so files still waiting for a slot in mid-December could slip into January.

Nomads who got a temporary resident visa at a consulate by showing economic solvency aren't caught. Exchanging that visa for a residence card within 30 days of arrival and renewing an existing card, were already on the INM's online booking list. The consular route is covered in our Mexico guide.

What is still unclear

Sources give different start dates, Oct. 30 or Nov. 2. Smaller local INM offices have used manual booking in the past and none of the reports say whether the new rule applies there.