Leon or San Miguel Migracion?

[louisarogers]

I'm applying for my residente permanente. A few questions: 1) Which is more efficient, the Leon INM office, or SMA? (I know the Leon INM office is closer, but I'm OK going to SMA if it's faster). 2) I'll be applying on Nov 26. How much does the Christmas holiday delay processing? 3) How many trips? Thanks for any info.

[Doyle Phillips]

High Louisa For about a hundred dollars the services of POLO across the street from SMA Inmgración is the best way to go--so say I and many other expats. --doyle

[jesm]

We worked with both offices, SMA is far, far less crowded and more efficient.
That said, your timing may not be the best as both offices will close around Dec 15 for holidays and not to reopen until 8-9 January. Starting around Nov 26 will not allow adequate time to complete process until office reopens after holidays.
My wife secured her Permanente in October thru SMA office and it was 5 weeks start to finish.
Either place has for-fee facilitators that can simplify, but not expedite, the process.
Sonia Diaz in SMA is a great resource should you want assistance. www.soniadiaz.com.mx

[kasugie]

I agree with Doyle. It's better to use an agent like POLO or Sonia Diaz to avoid unnecessary, extra trips to SMA for incomplete or incorrect applications. León use to be quicker in processing visas, but when I inquired in June, they were swamped with applications from Japanese and Korean ex-pats working in the automotive supply chain. Back then both SMA and Leon were taking 8+ weeks to process visas. So, factoring in the winter holiday break, you're probably looking at late January if you apply late this week.

[louisarogers]

I know going to INM on Nov 26 is not ideal, but I can't avoid it because I'm in that 30 day window. Also, I have to leave Mexico briefly on Jan 12 for family reasons, and I was hoping to have the RP by then and avoid having to pay the fee for the formal letter, but it looks like I'll have to.