The question ‘How to get an appointment at AIMA?’ is one of the most frequently asked by foreigners looking to regularize their status in Portugal. Whether your visa has been approved but no appointment has been scheduled to complete your residency process, or you’re trying to renew your residence card, you are not alone.
Many people face the same challenge, as AIMA (formerly SEF) is currently overwhelmed with a substantial backlog of cases, leading to delays in scheduling appointments. Unfortunately, securing an appointment with AIMA has become increasingly difficult due to high demand and limited availability.
What is AIMA in Portugal
The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) is the Portuguese government agency responsible for the reception, integration, and asylum processes for migrants. Established on October 29, AIMA was created following the abolition of the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) and aims to enhance the efficiency of the country’s migration and asylum system. The agency focuses on facilitating the integration of migrants into Portuguese society, ensuring their rights are protected, and providing support for those seeking asylum.
The AIMA Challenge: Pending Applications
Here’s the situation: AIMA is currently dealing with a staggering backlog of about 400,000 cases. To put that into perspective, that’s roughly 4% of Portugal’s population—an incredibly significant number! This backlog has resulted from a combination of factors, including an increase in immigration applications, changes in visa processes, and a slow transition from SEF to AIMA. As a result, many visa holders, whether they are new residents or renewing their permits, find themselves in a frustrating limbo waiting for appointments to be scheduled.
This overwhelming volume of pending cases has put tremendous pressure on the system, leading to significant delays in processing times. Many applicants report waiting months just to secure an appointment, and even once they do, the actual residency card issuance may be delayed further. AIMA is working to streamline its processes, but with such high demand and limited resources, it’s understandable that the system is currently struggling to keep up.
Who’s Affected by AIMA Delays
1. Applicants with Residency Visas and AIMA Appointments
Some individuals, such as those applying for visas like the D7 or D8, are automatically assigned an AIMA appointment when their visa is approved. They can move to Portugal, attend one appointment, and ideally not deal with AIMA again until their permit renewal, typically two years later. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not require an AIMA appointment initially, but their non-EU family members often do.
2. Applicants with Residency Visas but No AIMA Appointment
Others are not given an AIMA appointment automatically. After moving to Portugal, they are instructed to contact AIMA via phone, email, or the website to schedule their appointment. However, getting through on the phone is challenging, and even if they manage to, they’re often told that no appointments are available. Those applying for Golden Visas are also heavily affected, with some facing delays that stretch back several years due to a backlog in processing.
3. Applicants Renewing their Residency Permits
Renewing a residency permit requires scheduling a new appointment with AIMA, but appointments for renewals are not provided automatically. This means that anyone whose residency permit is expiring must follow the same process of attempting to book an appointment, leading to similar challenges and delays faced by first-time applicants.
What is the Biometrics AIMA Appointment
A biometric appointment is a scheduled session at an AIMA office where applicants submit personal documentation and complete biometric procedures necessary for their residency process. These procedures typically include:
- Photograph: An in-person photograph taken at the appointment.
- Fingerprints: Scanning impressions from both of your thumbs.
- Signature: Submission of either a digital or physical signature.
When Will AIMA Open Appointments
Currently, there is no clear timeline for when new appointment slots will be available at AIMA. Many foreigners are waiting for slots for:
- Residence permit renewal
- Response to expression of interest
- Family reunification
- Residence permit for family members of EU citizens
How to Get AIMA Appointment?
Follow these steps to help secure your AIMA appointment:
1. Check MySEF for Appointment Status
Log in to your MySEF account and verify if an appointment has been scheduled. Sometimes, the appointment may not appear on your visa, but it could already be registered in the system.
2. Contact AIMA Directly
Call AIMA at (+351) 217 115 000 or (+351) 965 903 700 to inquire about your appointment. While speaking with them, try to book an available slot over the phone.
3. Email AIMA to Request an Appointment
If no appointment is confirmed, send an email to [email protected] requesting an appointment. Be sure to include:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Phone number and email
- Passport number
- Type of visa
- Category of residence permit you are applying for
4. Submit a Request through AIMA’s Website
Fill out the appointment request form available on the AIMA website (aima.gov.pt). This is another way to formally submit your request for an appointment.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive a Response from AIMA?
Many foreigners have already completed the residence permit process, including submitting documents and completing biometric procedures, but have not yet received any response from AIMA.
The Supreme Administrative Court has ruled that the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) must issue final decisions on pending applications within the legal deadline of 90 working days, ensuring compliance with both their legal obligations and the expectations set.
This landmark decision, delivered on June 6th, 2024, represents a crucial step in clarifying the interpretation of this requirement, providing clearer guidance on AIMA’s responsibilities.
If these deadlines are missed, foreigners can take their case to Portuguese courts to enforce their rights.
What to Do if Your Visa is Close to Expiring?
If your visa expires while waiting for an appointment, you won’t become illegal in Portugal. The government has extended the validity of residence permits and visas until June 2025 due to these delays.
This extension allows you to remain legally in Portugal, but note that it only applies within the country – you won’t be able to travel freely within the Schengen Area during this period.
However you may need to explore legal avenues. One option is to file a lawsuit called Ação de Intimação para Proteção de Direitos, Liberdades e Garantias.
This legal action can compel AIMA to move forward with your immigration process. It’s a useful tool for ensuring your rights as an expat but requires careful consideration.
Legal action against AIMA to get an appointment
If you decide not to wait, you can opt for the legal court route. While it may seem like a drastic measure, more and more applicants are turning to lawyers and taking AIMA to court to secure appointments.
Suing AIMA has become an increasingly common method for expats to finally get their appointments scheduled. With significant delays and backlogs, many see legal action as a last resort to move their immigration process forward.
How long it takes a legal Action against AIMA
Initially, legal cases against AIMA could be resolved within two weeks. However, with the growing number of applicants pursuing this route, the process is now taking eight to ten weeks. As more people turn to the courts to secure their appointments, this delay is likely to continue increasing, further straining the system.
The cost of Legal Action against AIMA
Many may oppose paying to take AIMA to court, especially since the delays are not their fault. Most have already paid substantial legal fees during the process of moving to Portugal. However, in some cases, taking legal action is the only way to expedite the process and secure an appointment.
Here’s what you need to know about the costs involved: since it’s considered a “very urgent procedure,” the process is exempt from court and state fees. The only expense you will have is the lawyer’s fees, which usually range from €500 to €1000 + VAT, depending on the complexity of your case.
Steps to Take Legal Action
The process is quite straightforward:
- Provide your documents to the immigration lawyer.
- Sign a power of attorney.
- The lawyer will prepare a petition, file it with the court, and wait for AIMA to be notified.
Currently, AIMA is responding to these legal actions after recently hiring a law firm to manage the cases. However, as more individuals pursue this route, AIMA’s response rate could decrease if they do not bring in additional legal representation to handle the increasing volume of cases.
Why Can We Help
Portugal Residency Advisors provide expert guidance through the immigration process, ensuring your documents are properly prepared and submitted, while helping to schedule appointments and track progress with AIMA. Our knowledge helps you avoid common delays and ensures a smoother residency application.
If AIMA delays your case, Portugal Residency Advisors can also assist in taking legal action, known as Ação de Intimação, to compel AIMA to process your application. This support ensures your rights are protected and helps move your application forward.
In summary, while waiting for an AIMA appointment can be frustrating, there are steps you can take to ensure the process continues smoothly. Stay proactive, and don’t hesitate to seek legal support if necessary.
