If a foreigner is planning to work in Mexico for less than 180 days, their employer must submit the visa application before the local office of the National Immigration Institute (INAMI) in Mexico. This type of visa is known as a Non-Immigrant Business Visitor Visa and it allows the holder to engage in business-related activities, such as attending meetings, negotiating contracts, or conducting market research.

Once the application is submitted, INAMI will issue an authorization for an interview at the closest Consulate or Consular Section. During the interview, the applicant must provide all required documentation and submit biometric data, including fingerprints and a digital photograph.

Some of the required documents for the Non-Immigrant Business Visitor Visa include a passport that is valid for at least six months, a letter from the employer stating the purpose of the trip and the expected length of stay, proof of financial solvency, and proof of ties to their home country.

It is important to note that this type of visa does not allow the holder to perform work for a Mexican employer or receive compensation from a Mexican source. If the foreigner plans to work for more than 180 days, they will need to apply for a different type of work visa.

Overall, the Non-Immigrant Business Visitor Visa can be a useful option for foreigners who need to travel to Mexico for business-related purposes. However, it is important to carefully follow the application process and ensure that all required documentation is submitted in a timely and accurate manner.

Eligibility requirements for a Mexico Work (Short-term) Visa

To be eligible for a Mexico Work (Short-term) visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Job Offer: You must have a valid job offer from a Mexican company or organization.
• Temporary nature of the job: Your job must be of a temporary nature, and the duration of your employment in Mexico should not exceed 180 days.
• Qualifications: You must possess the necessary qualifications or skills required for the job.
• Experience: You must have relevant work experience to perform the job duties.
• Non-immigrant intent: You must demonstrate that you have no intention of settling permanently in Mexico.
• Good health: You must be in good health, free from any contagious or serious diseases.
• No criminal history: You must not have a criminal history, either in Mexico or any other country.
• Financial ability: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your expenses while in Mexico.

Please note that meeting these requirements does not guarantee the approval of your visa application, and the Mexican authorities may request additional information or documentation during the visa application process.

Required documents for a Mexico Work (Short-term) Visa

To apply for a Mexico Work (Short-term) Visa, you will need to gather and submit the following documents:

• Application form: The visa application form must be filled out completely and accurately.
• Passport: Your original passport with at least six months of validity remaining and a clear photocopy of the main page.
• National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different): If you are a non-citizen in the country you are applying from, you must submit a residence permit card.
• Photo: One recent passport-sized photograph (4.5 x 3.5 cm) with a white background, without glasses, and your face should cover 80% of the photo.
• Letter of Invitation from Employer: A letter from the employer in Mexico, detailing the purpose of the trip, the job title, the length of stay, and the compensation.
• Work Contract: A copy of the contract between you and the employer, detailing the terms of employment, such as salary, working hours, job description, and benefits.
• Proof of Economic Solvency: You must demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to cover your expenses while in Mexico. This can include bank statements, tax returns, or proof of income.
• Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage while in Mexico, including medical, hospitalization, and repatriation expenses.

Note: These requirements may vary depending on the country where you are applying from. It is advisable to check with the Mexican embassy or consulate in your country for the specific requirements.

Application process for a Mexico Work (Short-term) Visa

The application process for a Mexico Work (Short-term) Visa involves several steps:

Find a job offer: The first step to obtaining a work visa is to find a job offer from a Mexican company. The employer will need to obtain a work permit from the Mexican Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) before applying for the work visa.

Obtain work permit: The Mexican employer must obtain a work permit from the STPS by submitting a job offer and other required documentation, such as the company's tax registration and proof of financial solvency.

Submit application: Once the work permit is obtained, the employer can submit the work visa application on behalf of the employee to the local office of the National Immigration Institute (INAMI) in Mexico.

Attend interview: INAMI will issue an authorization for an interview at the closest Consulate or Consular Section. The employee must attend this interview and submit all required documents, including the work permit and a letter from the employer confirming the job offer.

Wait for visa processing: After the interview, the visa processing time can take between 2-15 working days depending on the visa application country.

Collect visa: Once the visa is approved, the employee can collect the visa from the Consulate or Consular Section.

It's important to note that the application process may vary slightly depending on the individual's nationality and the specific requirements of the Mexican Consulate or Consular Section in their country.

Processing time for a Mexico Work (Short-term) Visa

The processing time for a Mexico Work (Short-term) visa may vary depending on the country where the application is submitted. In general, it can take between 2 to 10 business days for the visa to be processed, but it is recommended to apply well in advance of the intended travel date to allow for any delays in processing.

It is important to note that the processing time can be longer if the applicant's documentation is incomplete or if further investigation is required by the Mexican government. Therefore, it is recommended that applicants carefully review the visa requirements and ensure that all required documentation is submitted with the application to avoid any delays in processing.

Fees for a Mexico Work (Short-term) Visa

The fees for a Mexico Work (Short-term) visa depend on the type of visa, the nationality of the applicant, and the location where the application is being submitted. As of March 2023, the fee for a Mexico Work (Short-term) visa is approximately 36 USD. However, it is recommended to check the official website for the fee and the acceptable methods of payment.

Benefits of a Mexico Work (Short-term) Visa

A Mexico Work (Short-term) Visa comes with several benefits, such as:

Legal employment: With a Mexico Work (Short-term) Visa, you can legally work in Mexico for a short period of time, up to 180 days.

Opportunity to experience Mexican culture: Working in Mexico will give you the opportunity to experience the country's rich and diverse culture, food, language, and traditions.

Potential for career advancement: If you are working for a multinational company that has operations in Mexico, a short-term work assignment could open up opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.

Networking: Working in Mexico can provide opportunities to network with professionals from different backgrounds and industries, which could lead to new business partnerships, collaborations, or job opportunities.

Language skills: Working in Mexico can also help you improve your Spanish language skills, which can be valuable in your future career or personal life.

Travel opportunities: With its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant cities, Mexico offers plenty of opportunities for travel and exploration. A short-term work assignment could allow you to explore the country while earning a salary.

Overall, a Mexico Work (Short-term) Visa can provide a unique and rewarding experience, both personally and professionally.

Restrictions of a Mexico Work (Short-term) Visa

There are several restrictions associated with a Mexico Work (Short-term) Visa, including:

• Time limit: The visa is valid for a maximum of 180 days and cannot be extended beyond that period.
• Work limitations: The visa holder is only authorized to work for the employer and in the position specified in the visa application. Any change of employment or work location requires a new visa application.
• No residency: The visa does not grant the holder residency in Mexico, and they must leave the country before the visa expires.
• No study: The visa holder is not authorized to study in Mexico under this visa category.
• No family members: The visa does not allow for the visa holder's family members to accompany them to Mexico.

It is important to note that violating any of the restrictions can result in the cancellation of the visa and deportation from Mexico

Frequently Asked Questions about Mexico Visa