Mexico Temporary Resident Visa with Work Permit: How to Apply and What to Expect. Learn about the step-by-step process, documentation, and tips for successfully applying for this visa.
Applying for a Temporary Resident Visa with Work Permit in Mexico. Discover the essential requirements, fees, and application process for obtaining a visa to work and live in Mexico.
General Information – Mexico Temporary Resident Visa with Work Permit.
A Mexico Temporary Resident Visa with a work permit allows individuals to enter Mexico legally, obtain a temporary resident card, and engage in paid employment.
This visa is designed for those intending to stay in Mexico for an extended period while working.
Employer-Initiated Application:
The application for a temporary resident visa with a work permit must be initiated by an employer registered with Mexico’s National Migration Institute (INM). Individuals cannot apply for this visa independently; it must be done by the employer.
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What are the Types of Mexico Visas?
There are three types of Mexican visas:
- The Tourist Visa allows the holder to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days for purposes that do not include lucrative activities (paid employment).
- The Temporary Resident Visa is issued to foreign nationals who want to live in Mexico for longer than 180 days. In addition to a Mexico Work Permit, the holder is allowed to live and work in Mexico legally for up to four years, which is known as a Mexico Work Visa.
- The Permanent Resident Visa is issued to foreigners who want to permanently settle in Mexico. This type of visa is most common for retirees, which is why it’s also referred to as a Mexico Retirement Visa. Foreigners with close family ties to Mexico, as well as those who have lived in Mexico for a considerable amount of time, are also eligible for permanent residency in Mexico.
Application Process
Once the employer has successfully submitted the necessary paperwork to the INM and received approval along with a Unique Processing Number (NUT), the applicant must then contact the relevant Mexican embassy to schedule a consular interview.
Upon a successful consular interview, the applicant will be granted a temporary resident visa with a work permit, valid for six months with a single entry.
Upon arrival in Mexico, visa holders must report to the INM within 30 days to exchange their visa for a Temporary Resident Card.
This card will allow them to stay in the country for up to four years, depending on the employment contract and other circumstances.
Documentation Requirements
To apply successfully, ensure that the following documents are prepared:
- Visa Application Form: Can be downloaded through this link: https://citas.sre.gob.mx/.
- Valid Passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months.
- Passport-Sized Photograph: The photo should have a white background and clearly show facial features.
- Proof of Residency (for non-Australian citizens): A valid Australian visa, either stamped or electronic, as proof of legal residency in Australia.
- NUT Confirmation Letter: Provided by the INM.
- Proof of Qualifications: Relevant documents such as diplomas, certificates, and CVs that demonstrate the applicant’s skills for the job in Mexico.
- Translation and Legalization: Documents that are not in Spanish or English need to be accompanied by a certified translation into Spanish. Additionally, official documents issued outside Australia or Mexico must be legalized or apostilled. More information can be obtained from the consular authorities of the issuing country.
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Scheduling an Appointment
Appointments must be booked via the MiConsulado system, which can be accessed at https://citas.sre.gob.mx/. Due to high demand, it is recommended that the appointment be scheduled as early as possible.
On the day of the appointment, the applicant must appear at the Mexican embassy with their passport, visa application form, passport photo, and all supporting documents for the consular interview.
The Consular Interview
At the interview, biometric data such as photographs and fingerprints will be collected, and the visa fee will be paid. If the interview is successful, the applicant will leave their passport and documentation at the embassy for processing, which usually takes about five days. The applicant will be notified by phone or email when their visa is ready for collection.
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa depends on the embassy in which you apply. You can expect to wait anywhere from one week to a month. This is why it is advisable that you apply for a visa at least one month before you plan to travel to Mexico.
Visa Fee and Payment
The fee for a Mexico visa is around $36. However, the visa fee may change depending on the country in which you submit your application, as does the payment method. Some embassies may require you to pay the cost upfront via bank transfer, while others ask you to pay in cash.
You will also have to pay for the Tourist Card once you land, which may be between $15-$30. The prices for a Mexico Tourist Card may change slightly from time to time.
Additionally, you also have to pay a fee for the Mexico Temporary Resident Card at the INM. You have to pay a processing administrative fee as well as the cost of the card itself. The price of the Temporary Resident Card depends on the number of years it is issued and ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 Mexican Pesos.
Consular fees are updated monthly, and the current fee can be verified at https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/australia/index.php/consular/menajeing.
Post-Visa Steps
Once granted, the temporary resident visa is valid for six months. Upon arrival in Mexico, the visa holder must visit the INM within the first 30 days to exchange their visa for a Temporary Resident Card. This card is necessary for long-term residence and employment in Mexico. More information can be found here: https://www.gob.mx/tramites/ficha/expedicion-dedocumento-migratorio-por-canje/INM811.
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How to Exchange the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa for a Temporary Residence Card
Within 30 days of arriving in Mexico with a Temporary Resident Visa, you must apply to exchange it for a Temporary Residence Card. You can get your residence card at the National Immigration Institute office in Mexico. When you apply, you should have the following with you:
- The Resident Card request form, which you can download from the website of the Immigration Offices.
- Your passport with the Temporary Resident Visa affixed
- The Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) which you received at the airport
- Payment of the Resident Card
- A cover/request letter for the Temporary Resident Card addressed to the Instituto Nacional de Migración
- Any additional documents related to your purpose of travel
How to Apply for a Mexico Work Visa?
The application for a Mexico Work Visa is the same as for all other types of Temporary Resident Visas (see above). However, the difference is in the process before you apply for the visa.
Before you submit a Mexico Work Visa application at the Mexican embassy, your employer has to get a Work Permit on your behalf from the National Immigration Institute. This means you must already have a job offer in Mexico beforehand. As such, the application process for a Mexico Work Visa is:
- Find a Mexican employer
- Your employer obtains a Mexico Work Permit for you
- Within 15-30 days of obtaining the Work Permit, you must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa from a Mexican embassy abroad
- Once you enter the country, you must get a Temporary Residence Card from the National Immigration Institute
How do I apply for a work permit in Mexico?
Your employer applies for the Mexico Work Permit on your behalf. When they apply, they must submit the following documents to the National Immigration Institute:
- The Mexico Work Permit Request Form
- The original job offer/contract stating the full details of the job: your salary, the duration of your work, your position, the company’s address, etc. The letter must be written on the company’s letterhead.
- A full photocopy of your passport
- Your original diplomas, transcripts, and other certifications (legalized)
- Your CV
- Documents related to the company that’s hiring you, such as:
- The Articles of Incorporation
- A list of the employees and their nationalities
- Proof the company’s paid the due taxes
- Documents regarding your financial status (bank statements, pay slips)
If the Work Permit application is approved, you will receive a Unique Processing Number (NUT) in a letter format. You must present to the Mexico embassy when you apply for the Temporary Resident Visa.
Can You Work in Mexico With a Visitor Visa?
If you intend to work in Mexico for less than 180 days, then you may apply for a “Visitor Visa with authorization to perform remunerated activities”. This type of Mexico visa allows the holder to work, but only for the 180 days that it is issued. Once it expires, you may not renew it.
You may apply for a Working Tourist Visa at a Mexico embassy with approval from the National Immigration Institute (INM).
However, if you enter Mexico with a regular Tourist Visa or Tourist Card, then you are not allowed to work.
Lose or Damage your Mexican Resident Card? – See how to get a replacement.
If you lose or damage your Mexican Resident Card, you must visit the local immigration office and apply for a replacement. You must have the following documents with you:
- Your passport (original and a photocopy)
- Residence card replacement fee
- Three pictures, two showing you face-front and one from your left side profile
- If your resident card was damaged, Submit the Tourist Card (FMM) and your entrance Visa along with the residence card
- If your resident card was stolen/lost, Submit the Tourist Card (FMM) and your entrance Visa
- Form to request immigration procedure stay (here)
- Any additional documents the immigration office may request
If you lose or damage your Mexican Resident Card while you are abroad, you must approach a Mexican embassy to request a replacement.
Additional Considerations
- Pending Applications: If there is already an application pending for another visa category with the INM, such as a visitor visa with permission for paid activities, the individual cannot apply for a temporary resident visa with a work permit.
- Unsuccessful Consular Interviews: If the consular interview is unsuccessful, the application will be returned to the INM for further consideration. All necessary supporting documents are to be brought to avoid delays.
- Start Early: Due to processing times and high demand, it is advised to begin the visa application process at least one month before the intended travel date.
- Travel Arrangements: Do not make travel arrangements until the visa has been approved. The embassy does not take responsibility for any travel plans made before visa approval.
- Household Goods: If you are planning to move household items to Mexico, you can apply for a certificate to exempt taxes on personal items if you are granted a temporary resident visa. More information here: https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/australia/index.php/consular/menajeing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need an appointment to apply for a visa?
Yes, it is mandatory to make an appointment for all visa applications. Each applicant must have their own appointment, though family units can use one booking for one adult and one child.
2. What type of visa should my family apply for if I receive a job offer in Mexico?
Your family will need to apply for Temporary Resident Visas as your dependents. They must provide proof of their relationship and show economic solvency to cover their expenses.
3. Can I apply for a work visa while in Mexico without a job offer?
No. Only temporary residents in Mexico can apply for a work permit. If you are not a temporary resident, you must apply for the visa from outside Mexico. More information is available here: https://www.gob.mx/tramites/ficha/obtencion-de-permiso-de-trabajo-para-extranjeros-residentes-temporales-en-mexico/INM795.
4. Can I apply for a work permit as the spouse of a Mexican citizen or resident?
As the spouse of a Mexican citizen or temporary/permanent resident, you can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa. However, once you are a temporary resident, you may then apply for a work permit at the INM. More information here: https://www.gob.mx/tramites/ficha/obtencion-de-permiso-de-trabajo-para-extranjerosresidentes-temporales-en-mexico/INM795.
5. What happens if my consular interview is unsuccessful?
If the interview is unsuccessful, your application will be returned to the INM for further consideration. Bring any additional documents that may help support your qualifications.
6. Can I bring household items when moving to Mexico?
Yes, if granted a temporary resident visa, you are eligible to apply for a certificate exempting you from taxes on household goods. More information here: https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/australia/index.php/consular/menajeing.
