The situation

Foreign nationals are currently not able to obtain expedited appointments to file for Temporary Residence or 24 h) Transitory Work Authorization.

Background

• Process. Foreign nationals applying for expedited visa appointments must complete the following steps:
  • The foreign national enters application information on the immigration authorities’ (DNM) website and selects the option for an expedited appointment;
  • The website produces a payment order which the foreign national must bring to a bank to pay or the foreign national pays the fee online; and
  • Fragomen logs into the website and chooses an appointment date.

A closer look

• The issue. Since February 22, foreign nationals have not been able to select an expedited appointment on the DNM website. Also, banks and government offices have not been accepting payments for expedited appointments.
• Appointments for Mercosur nationals. Mercosur nationals filling for Temporary Residence or 24 h) Transitory Work Authorization are most affected by this suspension, as the next available appointment through regular processing for such nationals is not until August 30, 2018.
• Appointments for non-Mercosur nationals. Foreign nationals from non-Mercosur countries filing for Temporary Residence or 24 h) Transitory Work Authorization are also unable to obtain expedited appointments, but can obtain an appointment through regular processing for next week.

Impact for foreign nationals

At this time, all foreign nationals who expected to attend an upcoming expedited appointment will not be able to do so until the payment system issue is resolved.

Looking ahead

The immigration authorities are expected to resolve the situation or provide an estimate of the resolution by February 26.  Fragomen will report additional information once it becomes available.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to lar@fragomen.com.