Goodbye to mandatory prior appointments for immigration procedures.

If you've ever tried to book an appointment at the immigration office, you know all too well that it can be a real ordeal. That mandatory appointment system, dubbed years ago as the only way to submit many applications, is still in place. But now a significant debate has opened: should they get rid of that obligation once and for all?

It all stems from the Common Administrative Procedure Law, which allows administrations to require prior appointments. In theory, it's so that they can serve you better. In practice, if you are a foreigner and need to renew your permit or apply for asylum, not getting an appointment can bring your life to a standstill. So the question circulating among jurists and associations is whether it's time to modify the law so that prior appointment is no longer an essential requirement.

Mind you, the discussion is not new. There are already court rulings that criticize that prior appointments become an obstacle – especially for those who lack digital access or have an emergency. In immigration matters, the problem is endemic. Appointments fly away in minutes, and often you find that the only one left is three months away. If you are a student who needs to renew your card before it expires, I assure you it's a big problem.

What would change if they reform the law?

If a change were approved, administrations could not condition the submission of your procedures on having a prior appointment. You could show up in person without an appointment, or at least they would have to give you alternatives. For those who are in the middle of a regularization process, it would be a relief. But for now, there is no concrete proposal on the table.

Meanwhile, reality is what it is: the prior appointment remains mandatory. If you are stuck unable to get one, all you can do is keep insisting. Some opt to look for appointments in other provinces, or turn to gestors. But be careful: there are many scams. Never pay for an appointment to unofficial intermediaries, okay?

The reform of the law is not imminent, but the debate is on the table. In the meantime, it's time to arm yourself with patience and stay very attentive to official channels.

If you have difficulties with your appointment or procedure, write to us on Telegram: https://t.me/cita_extranjeria