When foreign individuals receive their visa in their passport, granting them permission to travel to Mexico, it marks the beginning of their journey. However, the process does not end with the issuance of the visa. Upon arriving at the designated point of entry in Mexico, travelers must undergo a series of procedures to ensure a smooth entry into the country.
Once travelers reach the point of entry, such as an airport or a border crossing, they are required to present their passport containing the visa to an immigration officer. The main purpose of this step is for the immigration officer to verify the purpose of the person’s entry into Mexico. They want to ensure that the traveler’s intentions align with the specific visa they possess and that they meet all the necessary requirements for entry.
After confirming the information provided by the traveler and approving their entry, in the case of foreigners with work permits, the immigration officer will instruct them to generate an electronic document known as the “Digital Multiple Migratory Form” (FMMD). This document serves as a temporary authorization to stay in Mexico and is valid for a period of 30 calendar days.
The FMMD is an essential document for foreigners arriving in Mexico. It contains crucial information about the traveler, including their personal details, visa type, duration of stay, and the purpose of their visit. Travelers must ensure they have this document with them at all times during their stay in Mexico, as it serves as proof of their legal presence in the country.
Within these first 30 calendar days, it is imperative for the foreign individual to begin the process of obtaining a temporary resident card. This card serves as the official identification for the foreign individual while in Mexico and allows them to stay beyond the initial 30-day period. To initiate this process, the foreign individual must contact the National Institute of Migration and submit the required documentation.
The process of applying for the temporary resident card may vary depending on the individual’s circumstances, such as the purpose of their stay and the intended duration.
Once the application is submitted and the documents are successfully verified, the National Institute of Migration will process the application and issue a temporary resident card if approved. This card grants the foreign individual the right to reside in Mexico for a specified period, initially one year, and renewable for up to four years if the conditions for their arrival in Mexico still exist. It is important to note that the process of obtaining the temporary resident card may take time, so applicants are advised to initiate the process as soon as they arrive in Mexico.
However, it is crucial to understand that failing to initiate the process of obtaining the temporary resident card within the 30-day period granted by the FMMD will have consequences. If the person does not take the necessary steps within this timeframe, they will not be able to obtain the card and, as a result, will be required to leave Mexico. In such a case, if the person wishes to return to Mexico in the future, they will need to restart the entire visa application process, which can be time-consuming and costly.
In summary, receiving the visa in the passport grants foreign individuals permission to travel to Mexico. However, upon arriving at the designated point of entry, travelers must present their passport with the visa stamp to an immigration officer, who grants them entry after verifying their information. Once entry is granted, travelers generate the FMMD document, allowing them to stay in Mexico for 30 days while initiating the process of obtaining the temporary resident card.
Vega, Guerrero & Asociados, through the Immigration Area team, is available to provide advice regarding any questions concerning the status of permanent resident in Mexico.
