Temporary resident visa for Mexico

A small note, the attached apply link and the content has been taking from the website for people applying from Australia. But, it's okay if you aren't, just search “Mexican consulate (name of the city)” and choose the website which starts with this: “consulmex.sre.gob.mx”, that will be the official one.

The visa is valid for six months and includes one entry. Once you arrive in Mexico, you must present your Temporary Resident Visa at the National Migration Institute (INM) within the first 30 days of arrival, in order to receive a Temporary Resident Card which will allow you to stay in the country for up to four years, depending on your circumstances.

A temporary resident visa does NOT allow the visa holder to work in Mexico (receive payment of compensation from any Mexican person, company or entity in exchange for their services), unless a working permit has been previously authorized by the INM.

However, under normal circumstances it is possible to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa and apply for a working permit once in Mexico, but be advised, no work is possible until Mexican immigration authorities have granted the working permit, regardless of the visa held by the applicant.

Requirements

1. Visa application form, which can be downloaded through this Link.
2. Current passport with a minimum validity left of six months.
3. One passport size photograph with white background and visible facial traits (i.e. hair not covering the face).

Proof of economic solvency.

Either:

• Bank or financial statements showing an average monthly balance of 5,000 minimum daily wages in Mexico City (totalling $708,500.00MXN, equivalent to approximately $46,300.00) in savings or investments for each and every single month over the past twelve months, counting backwards from the application lodgement date. The statements must be stamped by the issuing bank/financial institution and show the monthly balance of each and every month. If the statements are issued by a bank or financial institution outside of Australia, you must include an official letter in English or Spanish from the issuing institution stating the equivalent of your savings/investments in AUD or Mexican Pesos and providing contact details of a representative that can confirm the validity of the statements.

AND/OR

• Proof or regular, steady income for each and every single one of the past six months, counting backwards from the application lodgement date, of 300 minimum daily wages in Mexico City (totalling $42,510.00 MXN, approximately $2,800.00 AUD). Income has to be substantiated by presenting payment slips and bank statements that match the amounts indicated. The bank statements must be stamped by the issuing bank.

How to apply

1. Choose a date and time for an appointment via MEXITEL: LINK-MEXITEL . NOTE: you can change the language of MEXITEL by clicking on the flags on the upper right corner. If more than one person will apply for the visa, each applicant must have their own appointment.

2. On the day of the appointment, you will be required to appear before the Embassy of Mexico with your passport, visa application form (with the passport sized photo affixed to it) and all supporting documents (original and copy) for a consular interview. There is no visa processing done online or through post. If the applicant is a minor, the parents will need to appear as well, showing the minor’s birth certificate and their official IDs.

   NOTE: The original passport, complete visa application form, photograph and all other supporting documents must be brought to the embassy on the day of the appointment.

3. On the day of the appointment, the biometric data (photograph and fingerprints) will be taken, the visa fee will be paid and the consular interview will be held. After the Consular interview, the applicant will leave all documentation at the embassy, including their passport, for processing.

4. Within five days of the consular interview, you will be notified by phone or email if the visa will be granted. After the notification, the passports will be ready for collection at the embassy. If you cannot collect the passport in person, you can either give someone else a simple authorisation letter (signed by you and them and with a copy of their ID) or leave a self-addressed prepaid Registered Post or Express Post “signature on delivery” envelope at the embassy, which will be used to send your passport back, under strict responsibility of the applicant.

Costs

• Consular fees are updated every month and you are required to check the updated fee before your appointment on the following link.
• Visa fees, regardless of whether the visa is issued or denied, must be paid on the day of the appointment.
• Visa fees will have to be paid by either electronic transfer or in exact cash/denominations on the day of the appointment. Card payments are not accepted.

Validity

• Temporary Resident Visas with work permit have a validity of six months from the day they are issued.
• Upon arrival in Mexico, the Temporary Resident Visas must be exchanged within the first 30 days at the National Migration Institute (INM) for a Temporary Resident Card. More information here (in Spanish): Expedición de documento migratorio por canje .

Additional information to take into consideration

• The requirements shown above are the minimum requirements to apply for a visa. It is strongly advised that if you have further evidence to support your visa application, you carry it with you on the day of your appointment.
• Presenting the minimum requirements of the visa application does not mean that the visa will be approved. Further information might be requested by the Consular agent in charge of processing your application.
• Due to high demand, we advise that you start your visa application at least ONE month ahead of your planned travel date.
• We strongly advise NOT to make any travel arrangements until a decision on your visa has been made. The embassy will not take any responsibility for any plane tickets purchased before your visa has been approved.
• If you are considering taking your household items with you (furniture, clothing, other articles for personal use) and you are granted a temporary resident visa, you will be eligible to apply for a certificate for the exemption of taxes on the household goods (menaje de casa). More information here: Certificate of Household goods.