Migratory Process
How Long Will You Stay?
Your immigration requirements depend entirely on the duration of your exchange. Find your situation below.
No Immigration Process Required
Mexico allows students to enter freely for up to 180 days without a student visa. You do not need to follow this guide. Simply arrive with a valid passport and enjoy your stay.
Student Visa + Temporary Resident Card Required
You must complete a two-phase process: first obtain a Student Visa at a Mexican consulate, then exchange it for a Temporary Resident Card at the INM once in Mexico.
Is your country visa-exempt? Even if your country doesn't need a visa to enter Mexico as a tourist, your stay condition must be Temporary Student Resident — not tourist. You still need to complete the student visa process if you plan to study here officially.
4 Phases to Legal Student Status in Mexico
This applies to stays longer than 180 days or countries that require a visa to enter Mexico.
Receive
Welcome Letter
UP sends your original letter — this is your starting document.
Apply for
Student Visa
Visit the nearest Mexican consulate with your documents.
Enter Mexico
(within 180 days)
Your pre-approved visa is valid for 1 entry within 180 days of issuance.
Visit INM
in Mexico
Exchange your visa for the Temporary Resident Student Card. Free process.
Student Visa
UP will provide you with the necessary letter for visa approval. Apply at the nearest Mexican consulate as soon as you receive your acceptance letter. The visa process can take several weeks — start early.
🌍 Does Your Country Need a Visa?
Countries that DON'T need a visa
Check the official INM list to confirm your country's status.
View list →Countries that DO need a visa
If your country is on this list, a visa is required regardless of stay duration.
View list →Can I process the visa in Mexico? No. The student visa must be processed at a Mexican embassy or consulate outside of Mexico. If you are in a country other than your nationality, you may process it there with proof of legal stay in that country.
If you are under 18: You must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to all procedures, or have your parents assign a legal representative through a notarized power of attorney (in your country and in Mexico).
Your pre-approved visa is valid for 1 entry only and you must enter Mexico within 180 days of issuance.
Already have a US visa or tourist visa? It is still necessary to complete the student visa process. With a tourist visa your stay condition is tourist — it must be Temporary Student Resident.
Condition of Staying — Temporary Resident Student
After entering Mexico with your pre-approved visa, you have 30 calendar days to visit the National Migration Institute (INM) in your campus city and complete the final step: obtaining your Temporary Resident Student Card. This is a free process.
30-Day Deadline
You have exactly 30 calendar days from entry into Mexico. If you miss this window, you must leave the country immediately to fix your legal status from abroad.
INM Closes at 1:00 PM
Arrive on time for your appointment. The National Migration Institute closes at 1:00 PM. Do not be late — they won't make exceptions.
Book Your Appointment Early
Waiting times at the INM can exceed 30 days. Book your appointment as soon as you arrive in Mexico — don't wait until the last week.
📋 Required Documents for INM
Bring all of the following to your INM appointment — originals and copies:
- Acceptance letter to UP — Original. Request it again at the International Affairs office if needed.
- Passport — original and copy
- Student visa — original and copy
- Migratory format FMMD — original and copy. Get it online here →
- Basic format — fill it electronically before your appointment. Access here →
- Proof of address in your campus city (water or electricity bill, max 3 months old)
Important: Enter your full names and surnames exactly as they appear on your passport in all forms. Do not abbreviate or omit any name.
Bring some cash just in case you need to pay for printouts or copies near the INM office — printing services are usually available outside.
🖥️ How to Fill the Online Basic Format
When accessing the INM online form, select the following options exactly:
On the field "Tipo de Trámite" select:
🔍 Follow Up on Your Application
If your procedure was pending resolution on the day it was submitted, follow it up online using the email, part number and password sent to you electronically.
Check Application Status →
Documents to Always Carry in Mexico
📦 What to Bring With You to Mexico
- Original Birth Certificate
- Valid Passport (always carry the original)
- Valid and Original Student Visa
- Temporary Resident Student Card — once issued, always carry this
🌐 INM Contact & Useful Resources
Visa-Exempt Countries
Official INM list
Visa-Required Countries
Official INM list
Download FMMD Form
INM online portal
INM Online Application
Basic format & appointment
INM Telephone Guidance Center — Available 24/7, 365 days in English or Spanish:
01 800 00 INAMI (01 800 00 46264)