If you intend to stay in Mexico for an extended period, you may need to apply for a long-stay visa, even if your country is exempt from visa requirements. This visa allows you to stay in Mexico for a more extended period than the typical tourist visa. The long-stay visa allows you to apply for a temporary resident visa once you are in Mexico, which can lead to permanent residency.

Mexico Temporary Resident Visa allows foreigners to stay in Mexico for a maximum of four years. The visa is granted to individuals who are interested in residing in Mexico for an extended period. The visa can be used for a variety of purposes, such as business, work, or study. The visa enables you to enter Mexico as a potential resident and stay while applying for residency.

To be eligible for the Temporary Resident visa, you must meet certain requirements. You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in Mexico. You will also need to provide proof of your intention to remain in Mexico for an extended period. You must also submit a completed application form, a valid passport, and other supporting documents.

Once you have received your Temporary Resident visa, you can travel in and out of Mexico as many times as you wish during the visa's validity period. However, it is essential to note that the visa does not provide permanent residency in Mexico. To obtain permanent residency, you must meet specific criteria and follow the appropriate application process.

Overall, the Mexico Temporary Resident visa is an excellent option for those who want to spend an extended period in Mexico. It provides the opportunity to apply for permanent residency and enjoy all the benefits that come with living in Mexico, such as the vibrant culture, warm weather, and excellent food.

Mexico Temporary Resident visa has the following types:

• Mexico Work (Long-term) Visa

• Mexico Study (Long-term) Visa

• Mexico Family Reunion Visa

Mexico Work (Long-term) Visa

To apply for a Mexico Work (Short-term) Visa, the employer must submit the application before the local office of the National Immigration Institute (INAMI) in Mexico. Once the application is processed and approved, INAMI will issue an authorization for an interview at the closest Consulate or Consular Section. This authorization will be sent to the employer, who will then provide it to the applicant.

The applicant must then attend an interview at the Consulate or Consular Section, where they will be required to provide further documentation and information. If the interview is successful, the Consulate or Consular Section will issue the Mexico Work (Short-term) Visa.

It's important to note that even if your country is exempt from visa requirements, if you intend to stay in Mexico for more than the allowed time, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa from your home country before coming to Mexico. The Mexico Temporary Resident visa is designed for individuals who wish to enter Mexico as a potential resident and stay while applying for residency.

Mexico Study (Long-term) Visa

The Mexico Student Visa is designed for foreign nationals who wish to obtain a long-term visa to study in Mexico. This type of visa is intended to allow students to stay in Mexico for an extended period of time to pursue their academic goals. The visa is applicable for those who have been admitted to a state college or university in Mexico.

The Mexico Student Visa grants students the right to stay in Mexico for the duration of their academic program, up to a maximum of five years. During this period, students may engage in academic activities, such as attending classes, conducting research, and participating in educational programs.

To be eligible for the Mexico Student Visa, students must have an acceptance letter from a recognized Mexican educational institution. The institution must provide proof of enrollment and a letter of recommendation. In addition, students must have a valid passport and meet the other standard requirements for entry into Mexico, such as proof of financial support and a clean criminal record.

Once the required documents are submitted to the Mexican embassy or consulate in the student's home country, the visa application will be processed. The processing time varies depending on the embassy or consulate, but it typically takes several weeks to a few months.

The Mexico Student Visa is a great opportunity for foreign students who wish to study in Mexico and experience its rich culture and history. With this visa, students can immerse themselves in the academic community and engage in a wide range of academic activities, making it an excellent option for those seeking to broaden their educational horizons.

Mexico Family Reunion Visa 

The Mexico Family Reunion (Spouse and Children) Visa is designed for family members of an individual who already holds a Temporary or Permanent Resident Card in Mexico. In this case, the main applicant must be the individual who holds the Resident Card, and they must accompany their dependents during the visa application process. This means that the spouse and children of the main applicant can apply for this visa to join them in Mexico.

The main applicant must provide proof of their resident status in Mexico, such as their Temporary or Permanent Resident Card, while the dependents must provide proof of their relationship with the main applicant, such as a marriage certificate for a spouse or a birth certificate for a child. The dependents must also undergo a medical examination and submit the results with their application.

Once the application is submitted, the processing time can vary, but it usually takes between 2-30 working days. The visa fee may also vary depending on the nationality of the applicant and the country where the application is submitted.

It's important to note that this visa is intended for family reunification purposes only and does not allow the dependents to work in Mexico. To work, the dependents would need to apply for a separate work permit. Additionally, this visa is only valid for the same length of time as the main applicant's Resident Card.

Eligibility requirements for a Mexico Long-term (Temporary Resident) Visa

To be eligible for a Mexico Long-term (Temporary Resident) Visa, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must not have a criminal record or pose a threat to national security.
• Must provide evidence of financial stability, such as a bank statement or proof of income.
• Must provide proof of health insurance coverage in Mexico.
• Must provide a valid passport or travel document.
• Must have a valid reason for staying in Mexico for an extended period, such as studying, working, or family reunification.
• Must have a letter of invitation or acceptance from the institution, organization, or individual in Mexico with whom the applicant intends to work, study or visit.
• Must have a clear understanding of the visa application process and requirements, as well as the responsibilities of staying in Mexico for an extended period.

It is important to note that meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee the issuance of a Long-term (Temporary Resident) Visa. The final decision is made by the Mexican embassy or consulate, and the applicant must follow all application procedures and provide all required documentation.

Required documents for a Mexico Long-term (Temporary Resident) Visa

To apply for a Mexico Long-term (Temporary Resident) Visa, applicants are typically required to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry into Mexico.
• Application form: Applicants must fill out an application form for a temporary resident visa.
• Proof of financial solvency: Applicants must provide evidence that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependents during their stay in Mexico. This may include bank statements, tax returns, or a letter from a financial institution.
• Criminal background check: Applicants must provide a criminal background check from their country of origin or any country where they have lived for more than six months in the past five years.
• Health certificate: Applicants must provide a health certificate issued by a certified medical practitioner in their home country.
• Letter of invitation: If the purpose of the visit is for employment or study, applicants must provide a letter of invitation from the relevant organization or educational institution in Mexico.
• Photographs: Applicants must provide two passport-sized photographs.
• Payment of visa fee: Applicants must pay the required visa fee, which varies depending on the length of stay and the purpose of the visit.

It is important to note that additional documents may be required depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant.

Application process for a Mexico Long-term (Temporary Resident) Visa

The application process for a Mexico Long-term (Temporary Resident) Visa typically involves the following steps:

Gather required documents: Gather all the required documents as per the eligibility criteria and checklist provided by the Mexican embassy/consulate.

Fill out application form: Fill out the online visa application form or obtain the paper application form from the Mexican embassy/consulate.

Schedule an appointment: Schedule an appointment at the nearest Mexican embassy/consulate. It is important to note that some Mexican embassies/consulates may require appointments to be made online, while others may accept walk-ins.

Attend appointment: Attend the appointment on the scheduled date and time with all the required documents, application form, and payment for visa fees.

Provide biometric information: Provide biometric information such as fingerprints and photograph, which will be collected at the embassy/consulate during the appointment.

Wait for visa processing: Wait for the visa application to be processed, which can take up to a few weeks depending on the embassy/consulate and the type of visa being applied for.

Collect passport and visa: Once the visa is approved, the applicant must collect their passport and visa from the embassy/consulate or have it mailed to their address.

Processing time for a Mexico Long-term (Temporary Resident) Visa

The processing time for a Mexico Long-term (Temporary Resident) Visa may vary depending on the applicant's country of origin and the Mexican consulate processing the application. Generally, it can take up to 30 business days to process the application.

However, it's important to note that the application process may take longer if additional documentation or information is required, or if the consulate is experiencing a high volume of applications. Therefore, it's recommended to submit the application well in advance of the intended travel date to allow for sufficient processing time.

Fees for a Mexico Long-term (Temporary Resident) Visa

The fees for a Mexico Long-term (Temporary Resident) Visa vary depending on the nationality of the applicant and the location where the visa application is submitted. Generally, the fee ranges from $36 USD to $55 USD.

It is important to note that additional fees may be required, such as fees for visa processing, consular services, and other administrative services. Applicants should check with the Mexican embassy or consulate in their home country for a complete list of fees and payment methods.

It is also advisable to apply for the visa well in advance of the planned travel dates to allow for any unforeseen delays or issues that may arise during the visa application process.

Benefits of a Mexico Long-term (Temporary Resident) Visa

The Mexico Long-term (Temporary Resident) Visa provides several benefits to foreign nationals who wish to stay in Mexico for an extended period.

Firstly, it allows the holder to stay in Mexico for a longer duration than a regular tourist visa. This visa is valid for up to four years and can be renewed at the end of the term.

Secondly, holders of this visa are permitted to work in Mexico legally, provided they obtain a work permit from the National Immigration Institute. This opens up opportunities for individuals to seek employment in Mexico or even start their own business.

Thirdly, the visa allows for multiple entries and exits from Mexico, which means that holders can travel outside the country and return without having to apply for a new visa.

Lastly, this visa is an excellent option for those who wish to apply for permanent residency in Mexico. After four years of holding the Temporary Resident visa, individuals may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Overall, the Mexico Long-term (Temporary Resident) Visa provides foreign nationals with greater flexibility and opportunities to stay, work, and potentially settle in Mexico.

Restrictions of a Mexico Long-term (Temporary Resident) Visa

While a Mexico Long-term (Temporary Resident) Visa has many benefits, there are some restrictions to be aware of, including:

Work limitations: With this visa, you are only allowed to engage in certain types of work. You cannot work in a job that could be filled by a Mexican citizen or work in certain professions, such as medicine or law.

Time limits: The visa is valid for a limited period, usually one year. After that time, you must apply for a renewal or switch to a different visa category.

Travel restrictions: If you leave Mexico during the validity of your visa, you may need to obtain a special permit to re-enter the country.

Criminal history: Applicants with a criminal record may be denied a Mexico Long-term (Temporary Resident) Visa.

Financial requirements: To qualify for this visa, you must show proof of financial stability, including a bank account statement, investments, or a job offer with a specific salary.

It is essential to understand the restrictions of the Mexico Long-term (Temporary Resident) Visa before applying to ensure that you meet all requirements and can comply with the regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mexico Visa