When a foreign person receives a visa stamp in their passport, it grants them permission to travel to Mexico. However, upon arrival at the point of entry in Mexico, they must present their passport with the visa stamp to the immigration officer. The purpose of this is for the immigration officer to verify the purpose of the person’s entry into Mexico.
Once the immigration officer has confirmed the information and approved the entry, they will instruct the foreign person to generate an electronic document called the “Forma Migratoria Múltiple Digital” (Digital Multiple Migratory Form or FMMD). This document serves as a temporary authorization to stay in Mexico and is valid for a period of 30 calendar days.
During these 30 calendar days, it is necessary for the foreign person to begin the process of obtaining a temporary resident card. This process involves contacting the National Institute of Migration and submitting the required documentation. The temporary resident card serves as official identification for the foreigner while in Mexico, which demonstrates the status under which he/she is in the country.
If the foreign person fails to initiate the process of obtaining a temporary resident card within 30 calendar days, they will not be able to obtain the card and will have to leave Mexico. In such a case, they would need to start the entire visa application process again if they wish to return to Mexico in the future.
In summary, when a foreign person receives a visa stamp, it allows them to travel to Mexico. Upon arrival, they present their passport and visa stamp to the immigration officer, who grants them entry. They then generate the FMMD document, which allows them to stay in Mexico for 30 days and start the process of obtaining a temporary resident card. Failing to initiate this process within the specified timeframe would require them to leave Mexico and restart the visa application process if they wish to return.
Vega, Guerrero & Asociados, through its Migration Area team, is available to provide advice regarding any doubts that may arise concerning this article.
