Not everyone can get an appointment: how to request one

The controversy over Leire Díez’s connections—yes, the friend of I-don’t-know-who—has exposed what many foreigners already knew: not everyone gets an appointment the same way. While some call a contact and have it sorted out, others spend weeks going round in circles on the website. She, for example, met with the director of the Civil Guard and even with the president of the SEPI. Let’s face it, the reality is uncomfortable.

But you don’t have to be friends with anyone to notice it. If you’ve had to renew your residence permit, apply for citizenship, or schedule an appointment at the Immigration Office, you know what I’m talking about. You stay up all night refreshing the website at 12:00 a.m. sharp, and when you finally get in—oh, surprise—there are no slots left. Or they assign you an appointment a hundred kilometers away, like a fellow journalist who had to go all the way to Cuenca to get his retirement papers stamped. So now you know.

The underlying problem is inequality—yes, that ugly word. The law says we’re all equal before the government, but in practice, whoever has a connection cuts in line. And the rest of us just have to wait. If you’re a foreigner on top of that, things get complicated: a missed appointment can mean months without papers, without a job, and unable to travel. So be careful.

And what do you do if you find yourself in that situation? First, don’t panic—anxiety doesn’t help. Try looking for appointments in nearby provinces; sometimes the trip is worth it. Second, use official channels: the Immigration website, the information hotline, or, if you’re abroad, the consulates. And third, if you notice anything suspicious, report it. Reselling appointments? Favoritism? You can file a complaint with the Ombudsman or at the office itself. Hurry up.

The key is not to give up. The government is required to assist you—even if it sometimes seems like they aren’t. If you have a specific problem, seek help from immigrant associations or free legal advice services. And remember: you’re not alone. So now you know—take action.

If you’re having trouble with your appointment or paperwork, message us on Telegram: https://t.me/cita_extranjeria