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:

  1. Visa application form printed on one page, double-sided, properly completed and signed.
  2. Valid passport or travel and identity document, original and a photocopy of the page containing the photograph and personal data.
  3. Original and a photocopy of the migratory document proving the applicant’s legal status in Canada (only for applicants who are not Canadian citizens).
  4. One photograph measuring 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm, face uncovered, no eyeglasses, frontal view, in colour, with white background.
  5. 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.
  6. Original 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.
  7. Payment of the fees in cash for the issuance of the visa.

Important Note:

In compliance with all requirements a valid single-entry visa will be issued. Once the applicant has entered Mexican territory, s/he must, within the first 30 calendar days, apply to 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.

 

Beginning December 1, 2016, Canadian citizens who are holders of diplomatic or special passports and wish to transit or remain in Mexican territory for a period of up to ninety days, will not require a visa.

The requirements for holders of diplomatic or official passports who do require a visa, are as follows:

  1. Visa application form printed on one page, double-sided: English version
  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 Embassy or consular office of the country the passport holder represents.
  5. In the case of Canadian officials who will remain in Mexico for more than ninety days or be accredited in Mexico, a diplomatic note from Global Affairs Canada or an official note from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will be required.

Student Temporary Resident Visa

Foreigners who wish to remain in Mexico for a period greater than 180 days to attend courses, pursue studies, or conduct research projects at an educational institution belonging to the National Educational System in Mexico, must consult the up to date requirements before submiting your application by sending us an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Requirements:

1.Visa application form properly completed and signed.

2.Passport or valid travel and identity document, original and a photocopy of the page containing the photograph and personal data.

3.Original and a photocopy of the migratory document accrediting your legal stay in Canada (only for applicants who are not Canadian citizens).

4.One photograph measuring 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm, face uncovered, no eyeglasses, frontal view, in colour and with white background.

5.Payment of fees in cash for the issuance of the visa.

6.Submit the documents certifying any of the following cases:

A) Studies.

  1. Original and a photocopy of the letter of acceptance from the institution where the applicant intends to study. This letter must include:
    I.       Full name of applicant.
    II.      Level, grade and area of study to be performed.
    III.     Name of the course that the applicant was accepted in.
    IV.     Date of start and completion of the course.
    V.      Cost of tuition
    VI.     Information of the educational institution.

2.Proof of economic solvency, original and a photocopy, which could be:

I.   Original and a photocopy of the 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 $2,305.00 Canadian dollars during the past three months, or

II.  Original and a photocopy of the bank account statement 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 $23,050.00 Canadian dollars during the past three months.

 

 

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.

 

 

Visa due to theft, loss or destruction of temporary or permanent resident cards

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.

To initiate the request, the foreigner must consult the up to date requirements before submiting your application by sending us an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.:

  • 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 or photocopy both sides of the card

The consular office will request that the National Migration Institute authorize the issuance of a new visa. Once this authorization has been granted, the interested party can make an appointment at the consular office to obtain the visa, after paying the fees in cash for the issuance of the document.

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.

Permanent Resident Visa

Foreigners who wish to remain in Mexico indefinitely must consult the up to date requirements before submiting your application by sending us an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

General requirements (not all):

    1. Visa application form (Properly completed)
    2. Copy of your passport
    3. Copy of the migratory document proving your legal status in Canada (only for applicants who are not Canadian citizens).
    4. Economic solvency (please consult up do date amounts by sending an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

     

    Friendly reminder: We do not accept applications from lawyers/agents. The applicant must apply directly and comply with all the requirements or it will be disregarded.

A) Family Unity (Must complete process in Mexico at the National Migration Institute):

1. Ties to a Mexican citizen: 

I. If the applicant has a child who is a Mexican citizen, the Mexican birth certificate of the child, original and a photocopy; or
II. 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
III. 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 

Important Note:

  • 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. Please consult the up to date requirements before submiting your application by sending us an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

    1. Visa application form (Properly completed)
    2. Copy of your passport
    3. Copy of the migratory document proving your legal status in Canada (only for applicants who are not Canadian citizens).
    4. Economic solvency (please consult up to date amount by sending an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

     

    Friendly reminder: We do not accept applications from lawyers/agents. The applicant must apply directly and comply with all the requirements or it will be disregarded.

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

A) 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:
  1. Full name and nationality of the applicant.
  2. Business or company name of the public or private organization or institution inviting the foreigner.
  3. Information on the activity to be conducted by the foreigner or the project in which the foreigner will participate, and
  4. Estimated length or approximate end date of the activity to be undertaken.

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

1. Original letter from a public or private organization 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:

I.       Full name and nationality of the applicant or interested party.
II.      Business or company name of the organization.
III.     Official registration number, if applicable.
IV.     Purpose of the organization or private institution.
V.      Complete address and contact information for the organization or institution.
VI.     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.
VII.    Estimated length or approximate end date of the activity to be undertaken.
VIII.   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
IX.     A copy of the official identification of the person signing the letter of invitation.

2. 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 $3,122,560.00 Mexican pesos or its equivalent of $230,475.84 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.

3. 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.

4. In the event that the inviting institution will not cover living expenses:

I.       Original and a photocopy of investment receipts or bank statements showing an average monthly balance of $124,902.00 Canadian dollars during the past twelve months, or
II.      Original and a photocopy of documents showing that the applicant has employment or a pension with a monthly tax-free income greater than $4,610.00 Canadian dollars during the past six months.

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

1. 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.

2. Compliance with each of the requirements set forth in the corresponding international legal instrument on mobility:

I.         Mexico-Canada Youth Mobility Program.
II.        Pacific Alliance Interinstitutional Agreement for a Working Vacation Program.

D) Family Unity

 

 

E) Real Estate Property in Mexican territory:

  1. 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 $12,490,240.00 Mexican pesos or its equivalent of $921,904.00 Canadian dollars.

F) Investor:

1. 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 $6,245,120.00 Mexican pesos or its equivalent of $460,953.00 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;

2. Document proving the ownership of personal property by a foreign corporation; or

3. 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 apostille 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 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/she must send the following requirements by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

General requirements (not all):

  1. Photocopy of the authorization from the National Migration Institute.
  2. Visa application form printed on one page, double sided, properly completed and signed.
  3. Passport or valid travel and identity document, original and a photocopy of the page containing the photograph and personal data.
  4. Original and a photocopy of the migratory document accrediting your legal stay in Canada (only for applicants who are not Canadian citizens).
  5. One photograph measuring 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm, face uncovered, no eyeglasses, frontal view, in colour and with white background.
  6. Payment of fees in cash for the issuance of the visa. 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.