The Mexico Student Visa is a type of Temporary Resident Visa designed for foreign nationals enrolled in courses, research, or study programs at institutions within Mexico’s National Educational System for longer than 180 days (over six months). Applicants must apply in person at a Mexican embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Once in Mexico, they must convert the visa into a Temporary Resident Card for Students within the first 30 days of arrival to legalize their stay.
Foreign nationals accepted into educational programs lasting more than 180 days in a recognized Mexican institution.
General Requirements:
Visa Application Form
Must be fully completed, signed, and typically printed double-sided.
Valid Passport (original and copy)
Must be valid, with photocopies of the personal details page.
Letter of Acceptance
Original plus copy from the Mexican educational institution, written in Spanish or English (depending on the consulate), including:
Full name, field of study, program details, start/end dates, tuition fees, institutional contact info and registration in the National Educational System.
Photograph
Passport-style in color, frontal view, white background, no glasses. Size roughly around 3–4 cm, exact dimensions per consulate.
Proof of Economic Solvency
Options include:
Bank statements showing consistent balance (e.g., average monthly balance over a recent period).
Proof of scholarship or income (salary, pension).
For applicants under 25, parents or guardians may provide solvency, backed by IDs and a support letter.
Consular Fee Payment
Typically paid on the day of the interview; fees vary (~USD 54 in some regions).$ Not refundable if visa is denied.
Appointment & Interview
You must apply in person. Book an appointment via the "MiConsulado" system or the embassy’s website. Processing time ranges between 2 to 10 working days after submission of complete documents.
Legal authorization to stay in Mexico for studies over six months, with ability to renew.
Multiple entries allowed into Mexico once you have the Temporary Resident Student Card.
Pathway to work—if needed: Holder may apply separately for work permit through INM while in Mexico.
No, the visa itself does not grant work authorization. However, once you are in Mexico, you can apply for a work permit through the National Institute of Migration (INM) if your institution or program allows it.
The student visa is a single-entry visa valid for up to 180 days to enter Mexico. After you arrive, you must visit the INM within 30 days to exchange it for a Temporary Resident Student Card. This card is usually valid for one year and can be renewed for the duration of your studies.
You can present recent bank statements showing enough funds to support yourself, proof of a scholarship covering tuition and living costs, or documents proving regular income (like salary or pension slips). If you are under 25, your parents or legal guardians can provide proof of funds along with a letter of financial responsibility.
If you are under 18, you will need a notarized letter of parental authorization, copies of your parents’ IDs, and possibly translated documents, depending on the consulate’s requirements.
At the border, you will receive a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM). Within 30 days, you must go to the INM to convert your visa into a Temporary Resident Student Card. This step is mandatory to legalize your stay and maintain student status during your program.