In-person appointments for express regularization begin.

This Monday, April 20, in-person appointments for the extraordinary regularization begin. Note that the process started last Thursday with online applications — and that has gone like a shot: 13,500 online requests in the first 24 hours, plus 19,633 appointments reserved to go in person. So if you already have an appointment, don't waste it.

The authorized offices are 30 Social Security offices — Monday to Friday, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM —, 371 Post Offices in capitals and cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM) and five Immigration offices in Madrid, Alicante, Valencia, Almería and Murcia (4:00 PM to 7:00 PM). One detail: if you booked online with Cl@ve, you can choose the office closest to you; if you did it by phone 060 or web form, they automatically assign the nearest one based on your data. So move in time.

This regularization is aimed at those who were already in Spain before January 1 of this year — and also asylum seekers who applied before that date. Essential condition: having spent five consecutive months in the country at the time of application and having no criminal record. The documents you need to bring are those that prove your length of stay (municipal registration, electricity bill, lease, medical report, whatever), the criminal record certificate, the completed application, and, only if applicable, a vulnerability report from an NGO authorized by the Government. So, you will need to have everything well prepared.

Applications will be processed by 'UTEX' — the Foreign Affairs Case Processing Unit, based in Vigo. The Government has brought in more than 600 people to speed things up. If all goes well, you will get authorization to reside and work for one year. After that year, you can renew for another year or move to a more stable permit according to immigration regulations. It is estimated that around 500,000 people in irregular situations could benefit. So don't fall asleep.

If you are going to request an appointment, make sure you have all the documents ready. Demand is very high and slots fly. So you know: don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Hurry up.

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