Mexican Visas and Immigration Like many industrialized nations, Mexico has a comprehensive legal and statutory Immigration Policy affecting Mexicans and foreign nationals. This guide gives an overview of the Mexican immigration system and outlines the principal visas and options open to persons seeking to visit Mexico for leisure, for retirement, for living, working as well as those seeking permanent residence in Mexico or Mexican Citizenship. What is Mexico's Immigration Policy? Mexico's General Law of Population sets out the rights and obligations of foreigners, as well as the different statuses associated with foreign immigration. · What is Mexico’s immigration Policy? · What are the Non Immigrant Visas? · What are the Immigrant Visas? · May I be granted a Mexican Citizenship? · Which one of Mexican Visa is right for me? Types of Immigrant Permits There are two kinds of permit: Non-Immigrant and Immigrant: - Non Immigrant Permits are for people who intend to visit Mexico for a specific purpose and then depart;
- Immigrant Permits are for people who wish to gain permanent residence in Mexico.
Applying for Mexican Visas You may apply for your visa(s) in person, or you may hire a representative to advise you, make the application on your behalf and do all of the paperwork. See Immigration Lawyer for more details. Please Note: The information on this page is intended as a summary of basic principles and immigration procedures in Mexico. Exact procedures may vary by state and rules are subject to change at any time. What are the Non-Immigrant Visas? There are various classifications of Non-Immigrant visitors to Mexico - the main ones are listed below. Your local Mexican Consulate will give you full details about how to apply (and in some cases, pay) for permits that are required in advance. FMT - The Short-Term Non-Immigrant Visa Short term visas are intended for visitors to Mexico on short term (six months or less) visits; usually tourists and short-term visitors. For trips of longer than six months, a non-immigrant or immigrant visa should be considered -- see the sections below for details. The FMT has a 'Business Visitor' section, specifically for persons who come to Mexico for short business visits not exceeding thirty days. FMT visas are issued by airlines and are also available at ports of entry* FM3 - The Long-Term Non-Immigrant Visa Mexico operates what is known as a FM3 Visa. The FM3 visa is a renewable long term (more than six months) permit which gives non-immigrant temporary residency status to the holder. This means that it gives a person the right to live in Mexico (under terms as set out in the visa) but it does not lead to, and cannot be converted to, a visa leading to permanent residency. There are various categories under which FM3 visas are granted, and these relate to the activities you intend to undertake while in Mexico. Under the terms of the FM3, you are authorized to only undertake certain, specific activities which may be lucrative or non-lucrative, depending on the visa's classification. One of the criteria that the Mexican authorities require for the issuance of a FM3 Visa is that the applicant prove that they have 'sufficient funds to sustain themselves while in Mexico' and/or a proven steady income. There is no official minimum or maximum amount -- every application appears to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Proof of funds and/or income is usually requested by means of bank account statements, proof of investment income, credit cards, or a combination of these. Once applied for and granted, the FM3 may be renewed for an additional four years (for a total of five years). After this period, a new FM3 may be applied for and, if granted, will serve for another (max) five year period, renewable annually. The FM3 visa may not be exchanged automatically for a visa leading to permanent residency (FM2); a FM2 must be applied for separately. Any years accrued under a FM3 visa are not transferable towards FM2-residency status (see FM2 Heading, below, for details). You may apply for a FM3 visa while in Mexico and in possession of a short-term FMT (Tourist/Business Visitors Visa), or abroad via your nearest Mexican Consulate. Tourist Permits (Also used for Temporary Business Visits) These are the equivalent of the "Landing Card" in the EU or "Visa Waiver" in the US that non-nationals need to fill out and have stamped when they enter to visit. The Mexican Tourist permit is known at the "FMT" (see above); it is very simple to fill out, and available from airlines and ports of entry. This permit allows visitors to remain in Mexico for a maximum period of 180 days*. If the officer at the port of entry does not assign 180 days leave of stay at your point of entry, this permit can be extended to the maximum permitted stay if the original term granted (written on the form at the port of entry) was less than 180 days, by visiting one of the local immigration offices in Mexico, completing the paperwork and paying the administration fee. You can use a FMT permit to enter Mexico for leisure and also if you plan to scout for and/or invest in Mexican real estate. When you are closing a real estate deal, you will need to show evidence to the Notary Public that your stay in Mexico is legal and a FMT is a valid document for this purpose. Temporary Business Visits The latest version of the FMT also contains a section for business travelers who are entering Mexico temporarily to conduct business there. If you are traveling on business, complete the second half of the FMT. Business travelers are given 30 days entry as standard. Mexican Consulate Traveler in Transit Mexico used to issue 'traveler in transit visas'; however, as of February 17, 2004, foreigners passing through one of Mexico's international airports onto a third country no longer require a visa or any migratory documentation, provided that they remain at the airport and depart Mexico within 24 hours of arrival. Visitors (Common for Longer Business Visits) If you plan to visit Mexico on an extended stay for business reasons, then you are likely to be need one of these permits, although the normal FMT entry card (see Tourist Permits, above) now have a business section included for business travelers on temporary visits, so if your stay will only be temporary (see FMT information above) avoid the paperwork and administration charges involved with this permit and use the FMT instead. For extended stays in Mexico, you must apply for the Visitors permit (usually a FM3) through your company and state what the purpose of the visit is, and how long it is likely to take. There are also some forms to fill out and a handling fee to pay. You can download the forms, and find out the latest fees and process by contacting your local Mexican Consulate. Visitor's Permits are issued for up to one year, and are renewable four times, for a maximum of one year each time - for a total maximum period of five years. After the initial five year period, a new FM3 may be applied for (for use over a consecutive five year period) if necessary. Students If you want to study in Mexico, a FM3 non-immigrant permit which enables you to live and study in Mexico can be granted by the Consulate. You must be able to prove your ability to be self-sufficient by showing a certain amount of funds in a bank account. The exact amounts change yearly - check with the Mexican Consulate nearest to you. Artists and Sports People These people can apply for an non-immigrant FM3 permit. Each case is considered individually and entry is at the Interior Ministry's discretion. Distinguished Visitors VIPs, Heads of State, persons on official visits, royalty, et al, can be issued with special visitor permits that last for six months. Contact your nearest Mexican Consulate for details. Provisional Visitors If you arrive in Mexico without the proper documentation for normal non-immigrant entry (e.g. your passport was lost en-route) you can be issued with a Provisional Visitor Permit that allows you 30 days to get the required documentation together necessary for application of normal entry. A deposit or bond is required to guarantee that you will return to where you came from. Correspondents / Journalists If you're involved in journalism or media, you can be issued with a FM3 Correspondent's Visa, that enables you to carry out journalism work. The permit lasts for a year, but can be renewed as many times as required, provided that you are continuing your journalism work. Religious Ministers Religious Ministers or Members of Religious Associations can be issued with a FM3 that allows them to undertake religious duties and services, regardless of which religion it is, as well as social services. Persons wanting this permit will need to register and show their Ministry qualifications |