No immigration appointments — what to do in 2026
The ICP+ system shows "no appointments available" for the vast majority of users in Madrid, Barcelona and other provinces. This doesn't mean there are no appointments — it means they sell out in seconds when they appear.
Start monitoring — CitaExWhy are there no immigration appointments available?
Demand outgrew the system's capacity in 2026
The 2026 Extraordinary Regularization (BOE 15 April) added ~500,000 new applications to the system. Police stations can't absorb that volume. In Madrid, for example, there are between 80,000 and 120,000 people waiting for an appointment at any given moment.
Appointments sell out in seconds
When the ICP+ system releases new slots, they're booked within seconds. A person clicking manually every hour will never make it in time. Only an automated system that monitors constantly can catch them.
Cancellations release slots at random
Every time someone cancels their appointment, that slot returns to the system immediately. This happens at any hour, including 3 a.m. on a Sunday. There's no predictable pattern.
In 2026 the situation is worse than ever
The extraordinary regularization, rising migration and a shortage of staff make 2026 the year with the highest demand for immigration appointments in Spain's recent history.
Solutions when there are no immigration appointments
Automatic 24/7 monitoring (recommended) Most effective
A service like CitaEx monitors ICP+ constantly. When a slot appears, it catches it within seconds and notifies you. It's the only solution that works consistently. Price: from €59.
Look in nearby provinces' offices
For an NIE without residence you can apply in any province. Soria, Palencia or Teruel have 1-3 day waits vs 60-90 days in Madrid. If you can travel, consider this option.
Try manually at 8:00 a.m.
Some offices release slots early. It's not reliable — many days there are no appointments at that time, and when there are, they sell out before you can click.
Hire a gestoría
Gestorías have access to systems similar to CitaEx but charge €200-500, including document management. If your documents are already ready and you only need the appointment, it's unnecessarily expensive.
When do new appointments appear in ICP+?
Based on an analysis of more than 15,000 appointments handled by CitaEx between 2024-2026. Appointments appear at any hour — 24/7 monitoring is the only complete solution.
Frequently asked questions
Why are there no immigration appointments available?
The Ministry of the Interior's ICP+ system has limited capacity. In provinces like Madrid and Barcelona, demand far exceeds the supply. In 2026, the extraordinary regularization has multiplied demand 3-4 times.
When do new immigration appointments appear?
Appointments appear completely at random in the ICP+ system, at any time of day or night, including weekends. There is no fixed schedule. That's why 24/7 monitoring is the only effective solution.
What can I do if I can't find an immigration appointment?
Options: 1) Use CitaEx (24/7 monitoring, from €59). 2) Look in other, lower-demand provinces. 3) Hire a gestoría (more expensive). 4) Keep trying manually (not effective).
Is it true that appointments appear at 8 a.m.?
It's a partly-true myth. Some provinces release appointments early, but the ICP+ system also adds slots during the day, overnight and at weekends. Relying only on 8 a.m. means missing most opportunities.
CitaEx monitors ICP+ for you — 24/7
When a slot appears, we alert you in seconds. From €59. No upfront payment.
Start with CitaEx