Appointments at the immigration office collapse, with waits of up to 36 days.

You will hit a wall if you need an appointment for immigration procedures. In fact, according to a report by the Public Management Observatory of the College of Administrative Managers of Madrid (ICOGAM), between 2024 and 2025, more than 80% of the procedures analyzed lacked an available appointment at some point. To renew your ID card or access Social Security, there were waits of up to 36 days. So, if you are processing your residency or renewing your work permit, you surely already know: it's a nightmare.

And why all this? The system, instead of making your life easier, complicates it. The offices are overwhelmed, the websites are saturated, and no one answers the phones. Result: you are left unable to submit your papers on time. But those who suffer the most are the elderly, those who are not good with screens, or those with fixed schedules. That is, those who have the least margin to fight with the system. You see.

For years, immigrant associations and administrative managers have been denouncing the collapse. However, the mandatory prior appointment is not supported by any law, as the report recalled. It is a de facto imposition that leaves you in limbo. If you don't get an appointment, you can't carry out your procedure. And meanwhile, the legal deadlines are running. The Administration doesn't even flinch.

And what can you do if you find yourself in this situation? First, don't give up. There are tricks that work: enter the appointment website early in the morning or after midnight – slots open up. You can also go to an in-person office, though it's not always available. Or contact your city council. Some regional governments have digital help points. Another option: ask for an appointment by phone, even if it's overloaded, insist. If your procedure is urgent, submit a written request without an appointment citing justified reasons; then the Administration will assign you a day. You already know: get moving.

The situation is outrageous, but you are not alone. In fact, more and more voices are calling for a return to attention without prior appointment or, at least, to strengthen the system. Meanwhile, patience and persistence are your best allies. Do not assume there is no solution: sometimes a well-directed call or email can unlock it. So hurry up and don't give up.

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