Foreigners who wish to travel to Mexico with the intent to conduct remunerated activities must invariably have an offer of employment. The Mexican institution or person who intends to hire the foreigner must submit the visa application directly to the National Migration Institute in Mexico. The Embassy or Consulate can only issue a visa if it has been authorized by the Institute.

Once the foreigner has the corresponding authorization, he must make an appointment at the consular office closest to his place of residence and appear in person with the following documentation:

• Photocopy of the authorization from the National Migration Institute, which will be valid for 30 working days, after which we won't be able to continue with the processing of the visa in the Consular Office.
• Visa application form printed on one page, double sided, properly completed and signed.
• Passport or valid travel and identity document, original and a photocopy of the page containing the photograph and personal information.
• Original and a photocopy of the migratory document accrediting your legal stay in Canada (only for applicants who are not Canadian citizens).
• One photograph measuring 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm, face uncovered, no eyeglasses, frontal view, in color and with white background.
• Payment of fees in cash for the processing of visa application for foreign passports. When the period of stay is less than 180 days, the applicant must also pay the migratory fees.

Important Note:

For foreigners who obtain a valid single entry visa, once they enter Mexican territory they must, within the first 30 calendar days, apply to the National Migration Institute for the residence card that accredits their legal stay in the country and allows them to remain in Mexico for a period greater than 180 days.

Immigration authorities may decide to refuse the request to enter the country if the applicant is subject to criminal process or has been convicted of a serious crime as defined by national laws on criminal matters or provisions in international treaties or conventions that the Mexican State is party to, or if the applicant’s background in Mexico or abroad could compromise national or public security, in accordance with Article 43 of the Migration Law.

Foreigners who wish to remain in Mexico indefinitely may apply in person for a Permanent Resident Visa at the Consular Office closest to their place of residence.

Requirements:

• Visa application form printed on one page, double sided, properly completed and signed.
• Valid passport or travel and identity document, original and a photocopy of the page containing the photograph and personal data.
• Original and a photocopy of the migratory document accrediting your legal stay in Canada (only for applicants who are not Canadian citizens).
• One photograph measuring 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm, face uncovered, no eyeglasses, frontal view, in colour and with white background.
• Payment of fees in cash for processing of visa application.

Applicants must also present the following documents, depending on the category under which they are applying:

a) Retirees or Pensioners:

• Original and a photocopy of investment receipts or bank account statements showing an average monthly balance equivalent to $410,685.00 Canadian dollars during the last twelve months, or
• Original and a photocopy of proof of tax-free monthly income from pensions in an amount greater than $10,267.00 Canadian dollars during the past six months.

b) Family Unity:

• Ties to a Mexican citizen:
  • If the applicant has a child who is a Mexican citizen, the Mexican birth certificate of the child, original and a photocopy; or
  • If the applicant has a Mexican parent, provided that the applicant is a child or adolescent who is not entitled to claim Mexican nationality, and has not married or has been declared incompetent and under the parent’s legal representation, ties can be demonstrated by presenting the applicant’s birth certificate, original and a photocopy; or
  • If the applicant is the child of the spouse or common-law partner of a Mexican citizen, provided that the applicant is a child or adolescent, and has not married or has been declared incompetent and under the parent’s legal representation, ties can be demonstrated by presenting:
    • The applicant’s birth certificate, original and a photocopy; and
    • Marriage certificate or document proving the common-law union or equivalent relationship with the Mexican citizen, in accordance with the applicable legislation in the country where the legal act took place, original and a photocopy; or
  • If the applicant is the sibling of a Mexican citizen, birth certificate of the applicant and his/her sibling, original and a photocopy; and
    • Document proving Mexican nationality, in accordance with Article 3 of the Nationality Law, original and a photocopy.
• Ties to a foreigner holding a permanent resident visa:
  • If the applicant has a foreign child who holds a permanent resident visa, s/he must present the child’s birth certificate, original and a photocopy; or
  • If the applicant has a foreign parent who holds a permanent resident visa, provided that the applicant is a child or adolescent who is not married or has been declared incompetent and under the parent’s legal representation, ties can be demonstrated by presenting the applicant’s birth certificate, original and a photocopy; or
  • If the applicant is the child of the spouse or common-law partner of a foreigner who holds a permanent resident visa, ties can be demonstrated by presenting:
    • Applicant's birth certificate, original and a photocopy; and
    • Marriage certificate or document proving the common-law union or equivalent relationship with the foreigner who holds a permanent resident visa, in accordance with the applicable legislation in the country where the legal act took place, original and a photocopy; or
  • If the applicant is the sibling of a foreigner who holds a permanent resident visa, provided the applicant is a child or adolescent and has not married or has been declared incompetent and under the sibling’s legal representation, ties can be demonstrated by presenting the birth certificates of the applicant and his/her sibling, original and a photocopy of each;
    • Valid permanent resident visa, original and a photocopy, and
    • The applicant must prove economic solvency to support each of his/her family members during their stay in the country, with:
      • Original and a photocopy of investment receipts or bank account statements showing an average monthly balance equal to $2,053.00 Canadian dollars during the past twelve months, or
      • Original and a photocopy of documents showing that the applicant has employment or a pension with a tax-free monthly income greater than $2,053.00  Canadian dollars, during the past six months.
• Ties to a foreigner whose migratory status is that of permanent resident:
  • If the applicant has a foreign child whose migratory status is that of permanent resident, ties may be demonstrated by presenting the child’s birth certificate, original and a photocopy; or
  • If the applicant has a foreign parent whose migratory status is that of permanent resident, provided that the applicant is a child or adolescent who is not married or has been declared incompetent and under the parent’s legal representation, ties can be demonstrated by presenting the applicant’s birth certificate, original and a photocopy; or
  • If the applicant is the child of the spouse or common-law partner of a foreigner whose migratory status is that of permanent resident, ties can be demonstrated by presenting:
    • Applicant's birth certificate, original and a photocopy; and
    • Marriage certificate or document proving the common-law union or equivalent relationship with the foreigner whose migratory status is that of permanent resident, in accordance with the applicable legislation in the country where the legal act took place, original and a photocopy; or
  • If the applicant is the sibling of a foreigner whose migratory status is that of permanent resident, provided the applicant is a child or adolescent and has not married or has been declared incompetent and under the sibling’s legal representation, ties may be demonstrated by presenting the birth certificates of the applicant and his/her sibling, original and a photocopy of each, and
    • Valid Permanent Resident Card, original and a photocopy.

Requirements to Prove a Common-Law Relationship:

• A Common-Law Relationship is understood as being a relationship between a man and woman who live together outside the bonds of matrimony, in an ongoing and permanent fashion, for the period of time established by the legislation of the corresponding country. The couple does not need to have cohabited for the established term if there are children born of the union.
• The applicant must present a Statutory Declaration or Affidavit signed before a Canadian Notary Public, stating that as of the date of the visa application the interested parties have cohabited publicly and continuously for a minimum of two years. This declaration must contain certified copies (certified by a Notary Public) of the official photo identification of the interested parties (passport, driver’s license), as well as documents demonstrating their common-law relationship (rental contract or financing to purchase a home signed jointly; joint property; joint bank or credit accounts; income tax return showing the common-law union; life insurance policy listing the common-law partner as beneficiary, etc.).
• If the couple has children together, they should present the original birth certificate(s) of the child(ren). In this case, it is not necessary for the couple to have cohabited publicly and continuously for a minimum of two years. Nevertheless, they must show that they maintain a common residence by means of payment receipts for utilities issued under both names.
• If the Statutory Declaration is signed before a Notary Public from a province outside the jurisdiction of the Representative Office carrying out the procedure, or outside the country, it must be legalized by the corresponding Mexican Embassy or Consulate. In the document is issued outside Canada, it must be apostilled or legalized, depending on the country.

Important Note:

Issuance of the visa is subject to the outcome of the interview.

The visa may only be used during the period of validity, which begins on the date of issuance, and is valid for one single entry. Once you have entered Mexican territory, within the first 30 calendar days, you must go to the National Migration Institute to process the residence card that proves your legal status in the country and allows you to remain in Mexico.

Applications based on Family Unity may only be presented at a Consular Office, and the foreigner who is a permanent resident or the Mexican citizen must accompany the family member at the time the application is presented.

This only applies to foreigners who are the children; parents; children of a spouse or common-law partner; or siblings of a Mexican citizen or foreigner who is a permanent resident in Mexico.

A foreign spouse or common-law partner of a Mexican citizen or foreigner holding permanent resident status in Mexico may not, under any circumstances, be issued a permanent resident visa. Upon maintaining temporary resident status for a period of two years, the person may apply to the National Migration Institute for permanent resident status, provided the matrimonial or common-law relationship remains in force.

Immigration authorities may decide to refuse the request to enter the country if the applicant is subject to criminal process or has been convicted of a serious crime as defined by national laws on criminal matters or provisions in international treaties or conventions that the Mexican State is party to, or if the applicant’s background in Mexico or abroad could compromise national or public security, in accordance with Article 43 of the Migration Law.

Requirements for foreign visitors who intend to enter and remain in Mexico as temporary residents for a period greater than 180 days and less than 4 years.

• Visa application form printed on one page, double sided, properly completed and signed.
• Valid passport or travel and identity document, original and a photocopy of the page containing the photograph and personal data.
• Original and a photocopy of the migratory document proving your legal migratory status in Canada (only for applicants who are not Canadian citizens).
• One photograph measuring 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm, face uncovered, no eyeglasses, frontal view, in colour, with white background.
• Payment of fees in cash for processing of visa application.

In addition, the following documents must be presented depending on the category applied for:

a) Economic solvency:

• Original and a photocopy of investment receipts or bank statements showing an average monthly balance of $102,671.00  Canadian dollars during the past twelve months; or
• Original and a photocopy of documents showing that the applicant has employment or a pension with a monthly tax-free income of over $6,160.00 Canadian dollars during the past six months.

b) Scientific research in waters under Mexican jurisdiction:

• A copy of the communication through which the Mexican diplomatic office in the applicant’s country of nationality or residence notifies the foreigner that the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) received authorization from the competent national authorities, in the case of foreigners who wish to enter Mexico to participate in scientific research projects and/or collect samples in Mexican territory or waters under Mexican jurisdiction. The communication must contain the following information:
  
  • Full name and nationality of the applicant.
  • Business or company name of the public or private organization or institution inviting the foreigner.
  • Information on the activity to be conducted by the foreigner or the project in which the foreigner will participate, and
  • Estimated length or approximate end date of the activity to be undertaken.

c) Invitation from an organization or a public or private institution:

• Original letter from a public orprivateorganization or institution of renowned integrity inviting the foreigner to participate in a non-remunerated activity in Mexican territory. The letter must contain the following data:
  • Full name and nationality of the applicant or interested party.
  • Business or company name of the organization.
  • Official registration number, if applicable.
  • Purpose of the organization or private institution.
  • Complete address and contact information for the organization or institution.
  • Information on the activity to be conducted or the project in which the foreigner will participate. The foreigner’s activity must be related to the objectives of the inviting organization or institution.
  • Estimated length or approximate end date of the activity to be undertaken.
  • A statement of the binding responsibility to cover living expenses for the foreigner during his/her stay in Mexico, and to ensure the foreigner’s return to his/her country of origin or residence, and
  • A copy of the official identification of the person signing the letter of invitation.
• To prove that it has sufficient funds to comply with the binding responsibility referred to in section viii of the preceding numeral, the inviting organization or private institution will present the original and a photocopy of the investment receipts or bank statements showing an average monthly balance of $2,489,300.00 Mexican pesos or its equivalent of $205,342.00 Canadian dollars during the past twelve months. Public and private institutions belonging to the Mexican National Educational System do not need to prove economic solvency.
• The foreigner must present the original and a photocopy of documents proving that s/he has the necessary experience, capacity, skills or expertise to develop the activity for which s/he has been invited.
• In the event that the inviting institution will not cover living expenses:
  • Original and a photocopy of investment receipts or bank statements showing an average monthly balance of $102,671.00 Canadian dollars during the past twelve months, or
  • Original and a photocopy of documents showing that the applicant has employment or a pension with a monthly tax-free income greater than $6,160.00 Canadian dollars during the past six months.

d) Under the auspices of an international legal instrument governing mobility of people:

• Written document in which the applicant presents his/her candidature to the Consular Office, indicating under which instrument the visa is being requested, in the original.
• Compliance with each of the requirements set forth in the corresponding international legal instrument on mobility:
  • Mexico-Canada Youth Mobility Program.
  • Pacific Alliance Interinstitutional Agreement for a Working Vacation Program.

e) Family Unity:

Family Unity Applications can only be accepted at an Embassy or Consular Office if the Mexican citizen or foreigner with temporary or permanent resident status in Mexico is outside Mexico and accompanies the family member at the time the application is submitted. Family ties must be proven as follows:

• Ties with a foreigner who holds a temporary resident visa or temporary student resident visa:
  • If the applicant is the spouse or common-law partner of the foreigner holding a temporary resident or temporary student resident visa, ties can be demonstrated by a marriage certificate or common-law certificate or equivalent figure issued by a competent authority in conformity with the applicable legislation in the country where the legal ceremony took place, original and a photocopy; or
  • If the applicant has a foreign child who holds a temporary resident or temporary student resident visa, ties can be demonstrated by the birth certificate of the child, original and a photocopy; or
  • If the applicant has a foreign mother or father who holds a temporary resident or temporary student resident visa, provided that the applicant is a child, or an adolescent who has not married, or has been declared incompetent and under the foreign parent’s legal representation, ties can be demonstrated by the birth certificate of the applicant, original and a photocopy; or
  • If the applicant is the child of the spouse or common-law partner or equivalent figure of a foreigner who holds a temporary resident or temporary student resident visa, provided that the applicant is a child, or an adolescent who has not married, or has been declared incompetent and under the foreign parent’s legal representation, ties can be demonstrated by:
    • Applicant’s birth certificate, original and a photocopy, and
    • Marriage certificate or common-law certificate or equivalent figure issued by a competent authority in conformity with the applicable legislation in the country where the legal ceremony took place, original and a photocopy.
  • Temporary resident or temporary student resident visa, original and a photocopy, and
  • Economic solvency to support each of the family members during their stay in the country, may be proven with:
    • Original and a photocopy of investment receipts or bank statements showing an average monthly balance of $2,053.00  Canadian dollars during the past twelve months; or5
    • Original and a photocopy of documents showing that the applicant has employment or a pension with a tax-free monthly income greater than $2,053.00  Canadian dollars during the past six months.
•  Marriage or common-law relationship with a foreigner who holds a permanent resident visa:
  • Marriage certificate or common-law certificate or equivalent figure issued by a competent authority in conformity with the applicable legislation in the country where the legal ceremony took place, original and a photocopy;
  • Permanent resident visa, valid and in force, original and a photocopy, and
  • Economic solvency to support the spouse or common-law partner or equivalent figure during his/her stay in the country, may be proven with:
    • Original and a photocopy of investment receipts or bank statements showing an average monthly balance of $2,053.00 Canadian dollars during the past twelve months, or
    • Original and a photocopy of documents showing that the applicant has employment or a pension with a tax-free monthly income greater than $2,053.00 Canadian dollars during the past six months.
• Ties to a foreigner who holds the migratory statusoftemporary resident or temporary student resident:
  • If the applicant is the spouse or common-law partner of the foreigner whose migratory status is that of temporary resident or temporary student resident, ties can be demonstrated by a marriage certificate or common-law certificate or equivalent figure issued by a competent authority in conformity with the applicable legislation in the country where the legal ceremony took place, original and a photocopy; or
  • If the applicant has a foreign child whose migratory status is that of temporary resident or temporary student resident, ties can be demonstrated by the birth certificate of the child, original and a photocopy; or
  • If the applicant has a foreign mother or father whose migratory status is that of temporary resident or temporary student resident, provided that the applicant is a child, or an adolescent who has not married, or has been declared incompetent and under the foreign parent’s legal representation, ties can be demonstrated by the birth certificate of the applicant, original and a photocopy; or
  • If the applicant is the child of the spouse or common-law partner or equivalent figure of a foreigner whose migratory status is that of temporary resident or temporary student resident, provided that the applicant is a child, or an adolescent who has not married, or has been declared incompetent and under the foreign parent’s legal representation, ties can be demonstrated by:
    • Applicant's birth certificate, original and a photocopy, and
    • Marriage certificate or common-law certificate or equivalent figure issued by a competent authority in conformity with the applicable legislation in the country where the legal ceremony took place, original and a photocopy.
  • Temporary resident or temporary student resident card, original and a photocopy, and
  • Should the applicant have ties to a foreigner whose status is that of temporary student resident:
    • Letter or certificate issued by the educational institute confirming that the foreigner whose status is that of temporary student resident is continuing his/her studies.
• Marriage or common-law relationship or equivalent figure with a foreigner whose migratory status is that of permanent resident:
  • i. Marriage certificate or common-law certificate or equivalent figure issued by a competent authority in conformity with the applicable legislation in the country where the legal ceremony took place, original and a photocopy;
  • ii. Permanent resident card, valid and in force, original and a photocopy.
• Marriage or common-law relationship with a Mexican citizen:
  • Marriage certificate or common-law certificate or equivalent figure issued by a competent authority in conformity with the applicable legislation in the country where the legal ceremony took place, original and a photocopy; and
  • Document proving Mexican nationality, original and a photocopy.

Requirements to Prove a Common-Law Relationship

A Common-Law Relationship is understood as being a relationship between a man and woman who live together outside the bonds of matrimony, in an ongoing and permanent fashion, for the period of time established by the legislation of the corresponding country. The couple does not need to have cohabited for the established term if there are children born of the union.

The applicant must present a Statutory Declaration or Affidavit signed before a Canadian Notary Public, stating that as of the date of the visa application the interested parties have cohabited publicly and continuously for a minimum of two years. This declaration must contain certified copies (certified by a Notary Public) of the official photo identification of the interested parties (passport, driver’s license), as well as documents demonstrating their common-law relationship (rental contract or financing to purchase a home signed jointly; joint property; joint bank or credit accounts; income tax return showing the common-law union; life insurance policy listing the common-law partner as beneficiary, etc.).

If the couple has children together, they should present the original birth certificate(s) of the child(ren). In this case, it is not necessary for the couple to have cohabited publicly and continuously for a minimum of two years. Nevertheless, they must show that they maintain a common residence by means of payment receipts for utilities issued under both names.

If the Statutory Declaration is signed before a Notary Public from a province outside the jurisdiction of the Representative Office carrying out the procedure, or outside the country, it must be legalized by the corresponding Mexican Embassy or Consulate. In the document is issued outside Canada, it must be apostilled or legalized, depending on the country.

f) Real Estate Property in Mexican territory:

• Original and a photocopy of the Public Deed signed before a Commissioner of Oaths certifying that the foreigner is the holder of real estate with a value exceeding $9,957,200.00 Mexican pesos or its equivalent of $821,369.00 Canadian dollars.

g) Investor:

• Deed or policy from a Mexican corporation signed before a Commissioner of Oaths, or a document duly certified by the administrative body or a competent officer thereof, stating that the foreigner has shares in the capital stock of the Mexican corporation, and that the amount of the investment effectively disbursed for the foreigner’s share in the corporation would exceed $4,978,600.00 Mexican pesos or its equivalent of $410,685.00 Canadian dollars; this could be proven by a contract for the purchase of shares or stocks, contract for the transfer of assets or rights to the Mexican corporation, or a document issued by the corporation proving the amount contributed for shares in the capital stock, original and a photocopy;
• Document proving the ownership of personal property by a foreign corporation, with a value exceeding $4,978,600.00 Mexican pesos or its equivalent of $410,685.00 Canadian dollars, original and a photocopy; or
• Documentation proving the conducting of economic or business activities in Mexican territory, which could be proven by documents such as (but not limited to) contracts, service orders, invoices, receipts, business plans, licenses and permits, or a certificate issued by the Mexican Social Security Institute proving that the foreigner employs at least three workers, original and a photocopy.

Important Notes:

Issuance of the visa is subject to the result of the interview.

The visa may only be used during the period of validity, which begins on the date of issuance, and is valid for one single entry. Once you have entered Mexican territory, within the first 30 calendar days, you must go to the National Migration Institute to process the residence card that proves your legal status in the country and allows you to remain in Mexico.

In the case of Family Unity, if the supporting documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate or statutory declaration of common-law relationship signed before a notary public) are issued outside the jurisdiction of the Mexican representative office performing the procedure, the documents must be legalized by the corresponding Mexican Embassy or Consulate. If the documents are from a country other than Canada, they must be apostilled or legalized, depending on the country.

Residents who seek to conduct remunerated or philanthropic activities related to the practice of a profession or that require special authorization, must comply with the provisions of the applicable legislation on the subject and obtain authorization from the competent authorities.

Under no circumstances may the applicant apply for a visa for more than one spouse or common-law partner, even should the legislation of the other country allow for such. A second application would only possible upon proving to the consular office, by means of documents issued by a competent authority, that the previous relationship had been dissolved or terminated.

Immigration authorities may decide to refuse the request to enter the country if the applicant is subject to criminal process or has been convicted of a serious crime as defined by national laws on criminal matters or provisions in international treaties or conventions that the Mexican State is party to, or if the applicant’s background in Mexico or abroad could compromise national or public security, in accordance with Article 43 of the Migration Law.

Foreigners who experience the theft, loss or destruction of their temporary or permanent residence card while abroad, must file a Request for Replacement at the closest Mexican Embassy or Consulate. Issuance of this visa will depend on the authorization of the National Migration Institute.

Once the foreigner has the corresponding authorization, s/he must make an appointment at the consular office and attend in person with the following documentation:

• Visa application form printed on one page, double-sided, properly completed and signed.
• Valid passport or travel and identity document, original and a photocopy of the page containing the photograph and personal data.
• One photograph measuring 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm, face uncovered, no eyeglasses, frontal view, in colour, with white background.
• Original and a photocopy of the report filed with the competent authority in the location where the theft, loss or destruction of the temporary or permanent resident card occurred.
• Original temporary or permanent resident card, in the case of partial destruction.
• Payment of fees in cash for the processing of the visa application. When the period of stay is less than 180 days, the applicant must also pay the migratory fees.

Important Notes:

The visa may be used for one single entry and only during the period of validity that begins on the date of its issuance.

The foreigner must, within the first 30 days after entering Mexican territory, apply at the National Migration Institute (INM) for a replacement of the card accrediting the foreigner’s migratory status and enabling him/her to remain in Mexico.

Fees for replacement of the card accrediting migratory status are to be paid directly to the INM.

The interested party must allow for a period of 10 working days between the date of the visa application and the date of its issuance, if appropriate.

Canadian citizens carrying diplomatic or official (Special) passports DO need a visa to visit Mexico for official or tourist purposes.

The requirements to apply for a visa are:

• 1. Visa application form printed on one page, double sided, properly completed and signed.
• 2. Valid diplomatic or official passport and a photocopy of the page containing the photograph and personal data.
• 3. One photograph measuring 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm, face uncovered, no eyeglasses, frontal view, in color and with white background.
• 4. Diplomatic Note from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) requesting the visa and specifying the purpose and length of the visit to Mexico.

Foreigners who wish to remain in Mexico for a period greater than 180 days to attend courses, pursue studies or training, or conduct research projects at an educational institution belonging to the National Educational System in Mexico, must apply in person for a Temporary Student Resident Visa at the Consular Office closest to their place of residence.

Requirements:

• Visa application form printed on one page, double-sided, properly completed and signed.
• Valid passport or travel and identity document, original and a photocopy of the page containing the photograph and personal data.
• Original and a photocopy of the migratory document accrediting your legal stay in Canada (only for applicants who are not Canadian citizens).
• One photograph measuring 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm, face uncovered, no eyeglasses, frontal view, in colour and with white background.
• Payment of fees in cash for the processing of the visa application.
• Present supporting documents to accredit one of the following situations:
  • Studies.
    • Original and a photocopy of the letter of acceptance from the institution where the applicant intends to study. This letter must include:
      1. Full name of the interested party.
      2. Level, degree and area of study that will be pursued.
      3. Name of the course to which the applicant has been accepted.
      4. Start and end dates of the course.
      5. Cost of school fees.
      6. Contact data for the educational institution
    • Proof of economic solvency to cover the amount of enrolment, food and board during the applicant’s stay in national territory, which could be:
      1. Original and a photocopy of documents showing that the applicant has a job, pension or scholarship (original letter from the educational institution proving the awarding of the scholarship), with tax-free monthly income greater than $2,053.00 Canadian dollars during the past three months, or
      2. Original and a photocopy of bank account statements showing sufficient resources to support the applicant in Mexico, from the interested party or his/her parents in the case of applicants under the age of 25. These bank accounts or investments must show a minimum average monthly balance of $20,534.00 Canadian dollars during the past three months.
  • Under the auspices of an international legalinstrumentonmobility of people:
    • Written document in which the applicant presents his/her candidature to the Consular Office, indicating under which instrument the visa is being requested, in the original.
    • Compliance with each of the requirements set forth in the corresponding international legal instrument on mobility:
      1. Mexico-Canada Youth Mobility Program.
      2. Pacific Alliance Interinstitutional Agreement for a Working Vacation Program.

Important Note:

Issuance of the visa is subject to the outcome of the interview.

If all requirements are met a visa will be issued, valid for one single entry. Once applicants have entered Mexican territory, they must, within the first 30 calendar days, apply to the National Migration Institute for the residence card that accredits their legal stay in the country and allows them to remain in Mexico.

Immigration authorities may decide to refuse the request to enter the country if the applicant is subject to criminal process or has been convicted of a serious crime as defined by national laws on criminal matters or provisions in international treaties or conventions that the Mexican State is party to, or if the applicant’s background in Mexico or abroad could compromise national or public security, in accordance with Article 43 of the Migration Law.  

Students receiving a scholarship from the Mexican government do not need to prove economic solvency. The Consular Office can issue the corresponding visa upon receiving authorization from the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Starting November 1, 2010, the governments of Mexico and Canada simultaneously began receiving applications from youths in both countries interested in taking part in the Youth Mobility Program.

Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Mexican and Canadian governments agreed to issue 250 visas each for an equal number of youths interested in obtaining temporary work permits under three possible categories: temporary employment during academic holidays, pre-arranged work placement to fulfill part of an academic curriculum, or practical workplace experience for young professionals. The aim is to facilitate access to cultural exchanges that allow for personal growth and skills development through immersion in the host country’s language(s), culture and society.

In the case of Canadian nationals intending to work in Mexico, they should present their individual application at the Consular Section of the Embassy of Mexico in Canada, or through any of the Mexican Consulates in Canada.

Canadian youths interested in this program must fall under one of the following categories of eligibility:

• Registered students of a post-secondary educational institution in Canada who intend to fulfil part of their academic curriculum in Mexico by completing a pre-arranged work placement related to their field of study.
• Registered students of a post-secondary educational institution in Canada who intend to obtain temporary employment in Mexico during their academic holidays.
• Young citizens, including graduates of a post-secondary educational institution in Canada, who intend to obtain employment experience or practical workplace experience related to their professional field in Mexico, through a pre-arranged employment contract.

Should interested youths qualify according to the previous categories of eligibility, they may apply for the corresponding visa by satisfying the following requirements:

• Provide a written document, in the original, in which applicants present their candidacy to the Consular Office, indicating that they are requesting a visa under the Mexico-Canada Memorandum of Understanding for Youth Mobility;
• Present a valid passport, in force at the time of the application, to prove their nationality. This document must be valid throughout the anticipated period of stay, which may not exceed one year in any case;
• Complete the Visa application form and provide one passport-sized photograph;
• Be between 18 and 29 years of age on the date the application is presented;
• Present, prior to departure, a round-trip ticket or proof of sufficient financial resources to purchase such a ticket;
• Present proof of sufficient financial resources to support themselves at the beginning of their authorized stay, by presenting the original and a copy of investment receipts or bank account statements showing an average monthly balance of $37,221.50 Canadian dollars during the past twelve months; or the original and a copy of documents showing that the applicant has employment or a pension with a monthly tax-free income greater than $2,233.29 Canadian dollars during the past six months;
• Have comprehensive medical insurance, including hospitalization and repatriation, prior to arriving in Mexico and valid for the entire duration of their stay;
• Pay the applicable fees for the processing of the visa application, migratory form and work permit;
• For applicants in categories I and II, they should present documentation attesting to their enrolment at a post-secondary educational institution in Canada, and proving that they are students at the time of their Mexican visa application;
• For applicants in categories II and III, they should present documentation proving that they have obtained a pre-arranged contract for employment or practical workplace experience related to their professional field in a Mexican company or institution.

In addition, those interested in this program must comply with the following rules:

• Applicants may not be accompanied by economic dependants;
• Applicants who meet the requirements are allowed to benefit from the application of the MOU on a maximum of two (2) occasions. The stays must be discontinuous. Eligible applicants may submit a new application after three (3) years have passed from the expiry date of their work authorization document for the period of stay authorized under the MOU;
• Each stay will have a maximum duration of twelve (12) months;
• Applicants will not be able to request permission from the Instituto Nacional de Migración, INM (National Migration Institute) to remain in Mexico under this MOU after their authorized period of stay has ended.

Once the visa has been granted, Canadian youths will be able to enter into Mexico with their visa and a migratory form entitled “Forma Migratoria Múltiple” (FMM), which will be provided at the port of entry to the country. Within 30 days following the arrival in Mexico, applicants should then exchange the FMM for the Temporary Resident Card at the National Migration Institute.

Finally, Canadian youths are obliged to process their Work Permit through the National Migration Institute, by meeting the requirements laid out in Article 63 of the Guidelines for Migratory Processes and Procedures; to do this, applicants must present their Temporary Resident Card, proof of payment of the corresponding fees, as well as the offer of employment indicating the activity to be performed, required timeframe, place of work, and registration data for the employer.

Foreigners who wish to travel to Mexico in the aim of carrying out procedures to adopt a child and are nationals or residents of a country that belongs to the Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, or a country with which Mexico has an agreement on this topic, must apply in person for a Visitor Visa to conduct Adoption Proceedings at the Consular Office closest to their place of residence.

Requirements:

• Visa application form printed on one page, double-sided, properly completed and signed.
• Valid passport or travel and identity document, original and a photocopy of the page containing the photograph and personal data.
• Original and a photocopy of the migratory document proving the applicant’s legal status in Canada (only for applicants who are not Canadian citizens).
• One photograph measuring 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm, face uncovered, no eyeglasses, frontal view, in colour, with white background.
• Original and a photocopy of the Adoptability Report or pre-assignment issued by the National System for Integrated Family Development [Sistema Nacional para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (DIF)], including information on the identity of the child.
• and a photocopy of the document showing acceptance of the assignment of the child and continuation of the adoption proceedings. The document must be issued by the competent authority in the corresponding province, and must mention the interest of the authority and the applicants in continuing with the adoption process.
• Payment of the fees in cash for the processing of the visa application.

Important Note:

Issuance of the visa is subject to the outcome of the interview.

In compliance with all requirements a visa will be issued, valid for one single entry. Once the applicant has entered Mexican territory, s/he must, within the first 30 calendar days, apply to the the National Migration Institute for a visitor card for adoption purposes. With this document, the foreigner may remain in Mexico until the final adoption ruling is pronounced, and, where applicable, the birth certificate is inscribed in the Civil Registry, and the applicant obtains the child’s Mexican passport and other necessary documents to travel to the adoptive parent’s country of residence.

Immigration authorities may decide to refuse the request to enter the country if the applicant is subject to criminal process or has been convicted of a serious crime as defined by national laws on criminal matters or provisions in international treaties or conventions that the Mexican State is party to, or if the applicant’s background in Mexico or abroad could compromise national or public security, in accordance with Article 43 of the Migration Law.