Immigration
Three status tracks under the 2011 Migration Act
The Migration Act replaced a criminal-law approach with an administrative one and decriminalised irregular entry. Status is either visitor, temporary resident or permanent resident, and most applications begin at a Mexican consulate abroad rather than inside the country.
Key rules
- Visitor status runs up to 180 days, with or without permission to work.
- Temporary residence is granted for one year and renewable up to four; after four years it converts to permanent residence.
- Permanent residence is available immediately by economic solvency, retirement, or family unity with a Mexican national.
- A consular visa must be exchanged for a residence card at an INM office within 30 days of entry.
- Irregular status is an administrative matter, and migrants retain the right to due process, healthcare and education.
Governing law
- Ley de Migración (DOF 25 May 2011)Principal migration statute.
- Reglamento de la Ley de MigraciónImplementing regulation and point thresholds.
- Ley sobre Refugiados, Protección Complementaria y Asilo PolíticoRefugee status through COMAR.
In practice
Changing from visitor to resident inside Mexico is generally not permitted, so the consular step matters. Family-unity applications and asylum claims through COMAR are the main exceptions. Card renewals should be started 30 days before expiry.