Consulado General de México en San Francisco

Non-lucrative

TOURIST VISA (For visitors without authorization for lucrative activities)

This type of visa is for you if:

• You are traveling to Mexico for vacations, transit, business, technical, artistic, scientific or sport activities, correspondence or journalism, or to participate as a religious minister.
• You’d be in Mexico for less than 180 days.
• You are not a holder of a green card or a valid and unexpired visa of any of the following countries: USA, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or any of the Schengen Space countries. 
• You don't have a work authorization for Mexico.

To schedule an appointment send an email to: Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo. 

Requirements:

1. Application form filled, available at: https://bit.ly/VisaApplicationForm
2. One Passport size photo, in color, no glasses, taken within the previous 6 months to the application (either 1.5 x 1.75 in or 2 x 2 in are accepted).   
3. Valid and unexpired passport in original and one photocopy of every page that contains personal information, visas or entry stamps
4. Proof of address in the USA (leasing, bills with magnetic band issued by US Postal Service, etc)
5. Original and one copy of proof of legal residency in the US (Not applicable for US nationals). Could be proven with any of the following (must be valid and unexpired):

• I-94, I-797 Notice of Action, I-20 properly endorsed, DS-2019, Advanced Parole. 

1. Proof of economic solvency. Could be demonstrated with any of the following:

• Original and copy of pay stubs or documents proving that the applicant has received a salary or pension with an average monthly balance of at least $1,243.93 US Dollars during the previous 3 months to the date of the application. 
• In addition, It is needed to present a verification letter from the employer or the pension institution that states the applicant has been employed or has received benefits during the entire year prior to the application. 
• Original and copy of investments or bank statements with an average monthly balance of at least $3,731.78 US Dollars during the previous 3 months to the date of the application. 
• Original of an invitation letter from a company/organization in Mexico that’d be sponsoring the applicant (the invitation must have a letterhead, address and signed in ink. Scanned or pdf versions won't be accepted).

1.  Payment of Consular fee ($53.00 USD). We accept either cash or card. Consider that if your visa is denied, the payment is not refundable.

NOTE:
To apply, minors (under 18 years old) must be accompanied by parents (or legal guardian) and to submit original and official documentation proving filiation (relationship between parents and child) or legal status as a legal guardian.

Work

WORK VISA (For visitors or residents with authorization for lucrative activities)

Through this visa you can obtain a residency permit that would allow you to work in Mexico. It is necessary that you’d be hired by a company/organization formally constituted in Mexico that will sponsor your application. Prior to the Consular Process,  the legal representative of the company must apply  for an authorization to the National  Institute of Immigration in Mexico (INM), which will issue a Unique Application Number (NUT), authorizing the Consular Process. 

After the NUT authorization has been issued you’ll have 30 days to attend to an appointment at any of the Consular Offices. To schedule an appointment send an email to: Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.  

One appointment is necessary for each applicant. 

Requirements for the consular application:

1. Application form filled, available at: https://bit.ly/VisaApplicationForm
2. One Passport size photo, in color, no glasses, taken within the previous 6 months to the application (either 1.5 x 1.75 in or 2 x 2 in are accepted).
3. Valid and unexpired passport in original and one photocopy of every page that contains personal information, visas or entry stamps. 
4. Original and one copy of proof of legal residency in the US (Not applicable for US nationals). Could be proven with any of the following (must be valid and unexpired):

• I-94, I-797 Notice of Action, I-20 properly endorsed, DS-2019, Advanced Parole. 

1. Original Approval letter from the INM with NUT
2. Original Certificate of Registration of the Company to the INM. 
3. Original job offer letter signed by the legal representative of the company, including job title, salary, length, description and classification according to the Sistema Nacional de Clasificación de Ocupaciones (SNCO).
4. Copy of ID of the legal representative who signs the offer.
5. Original and copy of documents proving the applicant is capable or has the experience to perform the activities described in the offer letter (Certifications, Degrees, Resumé, Recommendation Letter from previous employer, etc.)  
6. Payment of Consular fee ($53.00 USD) We accept either cash or card. Consider that if your visa is denied, the payment is not refundable

Note: Any document issued outside of the United States, must be apostilled (in case of official documents) or legalized. If any original document was issued in any language different to English or Spanish, it must be translated into Spanish by an official translator. Original and copy are mandatory, We do not accept scanned copies.

Temporary

TEMPORARY RESIDENT (More than 180 days and less than 4 years)

This status allows applicants who have a secured income to live as a temporary resident in Mexico. Under this category, applicants may NOT work in Mexico nor engage in any profitable activity. 

To schedule an appointment send an email to: Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo. 

One appointment is necessary for each applicant. 

Requirements:

1. Application form filled, available at: https://bit.ly/VisaApplicationForm
2. One Passport size photo, in color, no glasses, taken within the previous 6 months to the application (either 1.5 x 1.75 in or 2 x 2 in are accepted). 
3. Valid and unexpired passport in original and one photocopy of every page that contains personal information, visas or entry stamps.  
4. Original and one copy of proof of legal residency in the US (Not applicable for US nationals). Could be proven with any of the following (must be valid and unexpired):

• I-94, I-797 Notice of Action, I-20 properly endorsed, DS-2019, Advanced Parole. 

1. Proof of economic solvency. Could be demonstrated with any of the following:

• Original and copy of pay stubs or documents proving that the applicant has received a salary or pension with an average monthly balance of at least $3,733.88 US Dollars during the previous 6 months to the date of the application. In addition, It is needed to present a verification letter 
• From the employer, stating the applicant will be able to work remotely from Mexico 
• From the pension institution, stating the amount deposited every month and the account where it has been deposited. 
• Original and copy of investments or bank statements with an average monthly balance of at least $62,231.26 US Dollars during the previous 12 months to the date of the application. 
• If you own a property in Mexico with a value above $267,200.00 US Dollars, you can submit the original and a copy of the title stamped and signed properly.

All bank statements must be original. If you use paperless banking you must have your statements stamped by your bank. We do not accept simple prints from downloaded bank statements.

1. For applicants through family union, the following documents are also required:
   1. Spouse or Partner: Marriage certificate or document proving the civil union or concubinage.
   2. Children under 18 years old: Birth Certificate
1. Family link certificate:
2. Requirements 1 to 4 for each applicant. 
3. Additional monthly $670 USD in either salary, pension, investments or savings for each derivative application.
4. The person that is sponsoring the applicant must be present during the application. 

1. Payment of Consular fee ($53.00 USD). We accept either cash or card. Consider that if your visa is denied, the payment is not refundable.

Note: Any document issued outside of the United States, must be apostilled (in case of official documents) or legalized. If any original document was issued in any language different to English or Spanish, it must be translated into Spanish by an official translator. Original and copy are mandatory.

IMPORTANT - The visa is valid for six months and for one entry only.

The Mexican migratory authorities have the faculty to grant or deny the final entry into Mexico.

At the port of entry you must obtain an FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple), please fill in this form choosing the option “CANJE”. The immigration officer will stamp your FMM upon arrival. PLEASE KEEP your FMM IN A SAFE PLACE.

After entering into Mexico, you have 30 days to go to the nearest Immigration office (INM) with your passport, visa and your FMM in order to process your resident card.

For immigration offices locations and information visit www.inm.gob.mx

Students

STUDENT VISA

If you have been accepted for an education institution in Mexico, you’ll need to apply for this visa. 

Requirements:

1. Application form filled, available at: https://bit.ly/VisaApplicationForm
2. One Passport size photo, in color, no glasses, taken within the previous 6 months to the application (either 1.5 x 1.75 in or 2 x 2 in are accepted).
3. Valid and unexpired passport in original and one photocopy of every page that contains personal information, visas or entry stamps. 
4. Original and one copy of proof of legal residency in the US (Not applicable for US nationals). Could be proven with any of the following (must be valid and unexpired):

• I-94, I-797 Notice of Action, I-20 properly endorsed, DS-2019, Advanced Parole.

1. Original Acceptance letter from the School/Institution/University, which must include:
• Applicant’s full name 
• Level of study/ Degree
• Field/ Program of study
• Length of  the program 
• Tuition fee
• Full name and address of the institution 
2. Proof of economic solvency. Could be demonstrated with any of the following:

1. Original and copy of documents proving that the applicant has received a salary,  pension or scholarship of at least $1,243.93 US Dollars during the previous 3 months to the date of the application. 
2. Original and copy of investments or bank statements with an average monthly balance of at least $12,439.28 US Dollars during the previous 3 months to the date of the application. 

The requirement of economic solvency can be sponsored by parents or legal guardian (for students under 25 years old), it is necessary to submit along with the application:

• Original Letter from parents stating that they will be sending their son or daughter the amount of, at least $727.00.00 US dollars per month, besides tuition (Affidavit of support)
• ID copy of parents (valid passports) and Applicant’s birth certificate (original and copy).

7.   Payment of Consular fee ($53.00 USD) (we accept either cash or card). Consider that if your visa is denied, the payment is not refundable

Permanent residence

PERMANENT RESIDENT VISA

This status allows applicants who can prove that are already retired and have secured income to live as a permanent resident in Mexico. Under this category, applicants may NOT work in Mexico nor engage in a profitable activity.

To schedule an appointment send an email to: Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo. 

One appointment is necessary for each applicant. 

Requirements:

1. Application form filled, available at: https://bit.ly/VisaApplicationForm
2. One Passport size photo, in color, no glasses, taken within the previous 6 months to the application (either 1.5 x 1.75 in or 2 x 2 in are accepted). 
3. Valid and unexpired passport in original and one photocopy of every page that contains personal information, visas or entry stamps.  
4. Original and one copy of proof of legal residency in the US (Not applicable for US nationals). Could be proven with any of the following (must be valid and unexpired):

• I-94, I-797 Notice of Action, I-20 properly endorsed, DS-2019, Advanced Parole. 

1. Document proving that the applicant is already retired (Social security or pension institution verification letter). 
2. Proof of economic solvency. Could be demonstrated with any of the following:

• Original and copy of documents proving that the applicant has received a pension of at least $6,211.80 US Dollars during the previous 6 months to the date of the application. If you present the statements from the pension institution, it is necessary to present the last 6 monthly bank statements where the pension has been deposited. 
• Original and copy of investments or bank statements with an average monthly balance of at least $249,119.19 US Dollars during the previous 12 months to the date of the application.

All bank statements must be original. If you use paperless banking you must have your statements stamped by your bank. We do not accept simple prints from downloaded bank statements.

1. For applicants through family union with a mexican national or a permanent resident, the following documents are also required:
   1. Children under 18 years old: Birth Certificate
   2. Siblings of Mexican National: Birth Certificate
   1. Mexican National: Birth certificate and Mexican passport. 
   2. Permanent Resident: Visa or permanent residency card.
1. Family Link Certificate:
2. Proof of residency or nationality:
3. Requirements 1 to 4 for each applicant. 
4. The person that is sponsoring the applicant must be present during the application. 

1. Payment of Consular fee ($53.00 USD). We accept either cash or card. Consider that if your visa is denied, the payment is not refundable.

Note: Any document issued outside of the United States, must be apostilled (in case of official documents) or legalized. If any original document was issued in any language different to English or Spanish, it must be translated into Spanish by an official translator. Original and copy are mandatory.

We recommend that before submitting your application, verify your documentation to be sure that you fulfill all the requirements.

Be advised that the processing time to obtain a Mexican visa may vary (one to ten working days). We recommend that you do not purchase your travel tickets until the proper visa is obtained.

IMPORTANT - The visa is valid for six months and for one entry only.

The Mexican migratory authorities have the faculty to grant or deny the final entry into Mexico.

At the port of entry you must obtain an FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple), please fill in this form choosing the option “CANJE”. The immigration officer will stamp your FMM upon arrival. PLEASE KEEP your FMM IN A SAFE PLACE.

After entering into Mexico, you have 30 days to go to the nearest Immigration office (INM) with your passport, visa and your FMM in order to process your resident card.

For immigration offices locations and information visit www.inm.gob.mx

Import permit

Temporary Import Permit for Equipment

In order to obtain a Temporary Import Permit for Equipment it is necessary to submit 2 original letters with same content from the company or employer of the individual responsible for the equipment, requesting the permit and complying with the following:

• Declare purpose of the trip.

• State the location where the equipment will be used.

• List the names of the individuals responsible for the equipment.

• Include the company representative's signature (Person requesting the permit. Please note it may not be the same as that responsible for the equipment, nor the person transporting the equipment).

In addition, the following must accompany the letter:

• A detailed list of the equipment (brand, model and/or serial number) and should all be printed in company letterhead, with one photocopy.

• Two passport photocopies for the individual responsible for the equipment, as well as his/her Mexican Tourist Visa (if needed because of his/her nationality) and copies of the American visa or US Permanent Resident Card (if foreign national).

Check out the Sample Letter:

Household inventory service

Household Inventory permit

Requirements:

• Fill out the Application form, English or Español

• Valid passport with photocopies of all pages containing data.

• Visitor with authorization for lucrative activities card, Temporal Residence card or Permanent Residence Card (original and 1 copy).

• One photo passport size, no glasses.

• Present the household goods inventory. It must be in Spanish and type written, with one original plus four photocopies.

• First page must bear the name of the person who holds the authorization (Retiree Visa); the address in the U.S.A. and the length of time lived in that address, and the new address in Mexico.

• The last page of the original list and each of the copies must be signed in original by the authorized person (Mexican card holder).

• Payment or Consular fee (see fee tab) (only cash or money order)

Please bear in mind the following:

• All electronic/electric appliances are to be fully described, including brand, model, and serial number.

• Large furniture must be carefully described.

• Smaller articles should be listed generally in its boxes, example:

  • 2 large boxes of shoes

  • 6 large boxes of clothes

  • 2 medium size boxes of linen

* Please leave a space at bottom of each page for official stamping

Check out the Model of the household goods inventory

Fees

FAQ

If I’m traveling to Mexico with children, what do I need to bring with me?
Translated and apostilled Letters of parental consent are required by the Mexican migratory authorities if minor is traveling alone or with a third person (no parents). Minors should travel with a valid passport.

The parental letter of consent must include picture, name, place and date of birth of the minor, as well as information about the parents (names, passport numbers and contact information and one copy of their ID). This letter must be presented for departure of a minor.

Do I need to apply for a Mexican visa if I’m traveling by cruise?
A foreigner of any country traveling to Mexico on leisure trips visiting Mexican maritime ports by cruise, are not required to obtain a visa or consular stamp. The passenger must carry its valid passport.

If I’m traveling in transit through Mexico, do I need to get a Mexican visa before my trip??
Yes, you do. Apply for a Mexican visa at the Mexican Consulates or Embassy. When traveling through Mexico by plane, in order to make a connection to travel to a third country.

You won’t need to obtain a visa before if the Airport counts with a specific area (zona estéril in Spanish) for this purpose (in that case you will be required to stay in the designated area of the airport, while waiting for your second flight). If the Airport doesn´t have this area you won´t be able to wait for your next trip without Mexican Visa.

What kind of products can bring with me traveling to Mexico?
For information about the allowed products that you can import to Mexico on your next trip, consult the following Web site of the Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASICA): http://www.senasica.gob.mx/?id=622(English version)

If I’m traveling with pets (cats and dogs), what do I need to bring with me?
You must present to the authority the Zoosanitary Certificate for Export (Health Certificate) in original and copy, issued by the corresponding Federal Authority in the country or issued by a Veterinarian, in both cases from the country of origin of the pet.

Certificates issued by the Veterinarian should count with printed headed note paper; valid license number code that accredits the veterinarian for the exercise of this profession (or equivalent,) which should be presented printed or photocopied, valid within a 10 days period from issued where the next should be notified:

• Name and address of the exporter and importer, as well as the pet identification data and pet final destination;

• Rabies vaccine, indicating vaccination date and time of its effectiveness. Animals under three months of age are exempt from this requirement.

• It must indicate that the animals have been preventively treated against internal and external parasites within six months prior to their movement, therefore, stating that they are free from external parasites.

• It must state that prior to exportation, the pet was found clinically healthy at examination.

If during the procedure of document review and verification, the Medical/Health Certificate does not indicate any of the above mentioned requirements, you may present the vaccination card or immunization record (original and copy,) which should include those requirements that need to be fulfilled; or you may contact a reliable private Veterinarian of your choice for the administering of the corresponding treatments, with charge to the importer.

For more details click: http://www.senasica.gob.mx/?Idioma=1&id=623 (Spanish version)

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