If you have a family member living in Mexico, you can join them through a family reunification visa.
There are two types of family visas—Temporary and Permanent—depending on your family relations and the immigration status of your family member.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a family reunification visa, you must be an immediate family member of either:
- A Mexican citizen
- A foreign national with a valid Residence Card (temporary or permanent)
Immediate family members include:
- Spouses or domestic partners
- Unmarried dependent children
- Parents of minor dependent children residing in Mexico
Navigating the visa process can be complex at times, and requirements may vary depending on your situation. Seeking guidance from certified professionals can help ensure a smooth application. Lexidy specializes in Mexican immigration law and can assist you in obtaining a family visa. You can schedule a free consultation to determine the best course of action for your case.
How to Apply for a Mexico Family Visa?
You have to apply for a visa at a Mexican embassy or consulate. Your family member has to be present with you when you apply. The application process is as follows:
- Schedule an appointment with the embassy or consulate. You can find a list of Mexican embassies here.
- Complete the visa application form. You can find the form here.
- Collect the required documents. Make sure you have all the requested documents, a list is typically provided by the embassy.
- Submit the application. On the date of your application, you have to:
- Submit your documents.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Provide your biometric information.
- Enter a visa interview.
- Wait for the visa to be processed. It takes around 10 work days to process a visa for Mexico.
- Pick up your passport. The visa will be affixed to your passport if the application is approved.
- Travel to Mexico and exchange your Mexico Visa into a Residence Card.
Different embassies may have their own requirements when it comes to the visa application process. This is why it is important to always contact them or visit their website to learn about the specific requirements or opening hours before applying.
Arriving in Mexico and Getting a Residence Card
Within 30 days of arriving in Mexico, you have to approach the offices of the National Immigration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM)) and switch out your visa for a Residence Card.
Application Documents
- The Resident Card request form, which you can download from the website of the Immigration Offices.
- Your passport
- The Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), which you received at the airport or on the plane
- Payment of the Resident Card fee. The fee for a Resident Card depends on the number of years it is issued for and ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 Mexican Pesos.
- A cover/request letter for the Resident Card addressed to the INM
- Proof of your relationship with your family member
- Any additional documents the INM may request
Depending on your situation, you may receive a Temporary Resident Card (up to one year and renewable) or a Permanent Resident Card (indefinite duration).
Who Is Eligible for Permanent Residence?
If you are the child or parent of a Mexican citizen or permanent resident, you may apply for a Permanent Resident Visa directly. You do not need to live
Foreign spouses or domestic partners of Mexicans or legal residents become eligible for permanent residency after two years.
Requirements for Family Reunification in Mexico
The documents you and your family member have to submit when applying for family reunification in Mexico are:
- Visa application form, printed and signed.
- Valid passport.
- Passport-size pictures.
- Proof of family relationship, such as:
- Marriage certificate or proof of common-law union for spouses/partners
- Birth certificates, for children, parents, or siblings, proving the family ties
- Note that marriage licenses or birth certificates from outside the U.S. or Mexico require an Apostille or legalization.
- Proof of Mexican nationality or residency status (as applicable):
- Original and copy of a birth certificate or Mexican passport.
- Original and copy of a Temporary or Permanent Resident Card or visa.
- Proof of financial solvency to support a family member (by the family member residing in Mexico):
- Original and copy of proof of investments or bank accounts.
- Original and copy of documents proving stable employment or pension.
- Additional documents by the family member living in Mexico (as applicable):
- Certified bank statements for proof of financial solvency.
- If employed, an original letter from the company confirming salary, stating that the applicant will not receive salary from a Mexican company, and confirming a stay in Mexico for more than six months.
- If receiving a pension, an original letter from the pension institution along with the last six-months’ pension receipts and bank statements where the income is deposited monthly.
This is not an exhaustive list of requirements. The embassy or consulate may request any additional documents as they see fit.
- All the documents you submit have to be in English or Spanish. If they are not, you must have them translated and submit both the original and the translation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Residency Will I Receive?
Whether you will receive permanent or temporary resident status depends on the relationship with your family member in Mexico as well as their nationality. As such, you will receive a:
- Temporary Resident Card if:
- You are the parent, child under 18, or spouse of a Temporary Resident in Mexico; or
- You are the spouse of a Mexican national or Permanent Resident
- Permanent Resident Card if:
- You have a child who is a Mexican citizen or Permanent Resident
- You are a child or adolescent and you have a parent who is a Mexican citizen or Permanent Resident
- You are a child or adolescent and you have a step-parent who is a Mexican citizen or Permanent Resident
- You are the sibling of a Mexican citizen or Permanent Resident
The Temporary Resident Card is initially issued for one year, and it can be renewed for another three years. Once you have four years of temporary residence in Mexico, you become eligible for a Permanent Resident Card. If you are the spouse of a Mexican citizen or permanent resident, then you become eligible for permanent residency after only two years.
The Permanent Resident Card, as the name suggests, does not have an expiry date.
How Long Does it Take to Receive the Visa?
The processing time for any type of Mexico visa depends on the embassy in which you apply. You can expect to wait anywhere from one week to a month. This is why you are advised to apply for a visa at least one month before you intend to travel.
What is the Duration of the Family Visa?
The Mexico Family Visa itself is only valid for a maximum of 180 days, and for a single entry. This is why you have to obtain a Residence Card upon arrival to Mexico. So, depending on what type of Residence Card you’re eligible for (as outlined above), the duration of your visa is:
- Up to four years, for Temporary Residence Card holders (with the possibility of converting into a Permanent Residence Card after the four years are up)
- Indefinitely, for Permanent Residence Card holders
Can I Renew my Visa?
You cannot renew the Mexico Family Visa itself, but you can renew the Residence Card for Family Unit purposes which you receive upon arrival.
If you have a Temporary Resident Card, you can renew it for up to four years, after which you can apply for permanent residency.
If you have a Permanent Resident Card, you do not have to renew it, since it does not have an expiry date at all.
Can I Work in Mexico With a Family Visa?
A Mexico Family Visa does not automatically grant you permission to work, except if you receive a Permanent Resident Card.
If you have a Temporary Resident Card and upon arrival, you find an employer, they must apply for a Mexico Work Permit on your behalf at the National Immigration Institute. If your Work Permit application is approved, then you are eligible to work.
What if I Lose or Damage my Mexican Resident Card?
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 Family (entrance) Visa along with the residence card
- If your resident card was stolen/lost: Submit the 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.