How To Get A Student Visa in Mexico 2022| Requirements & Costs

Student visa to Mexico: A Mexico Student Visa is required for foreigners who wish to study in Mexico for more than 180 days. One of the types of Mexican Temporary Resident Visas is the Mexico Student Visa.

Mexico is the largest of the Spanish-speaking countries, with rich and diverse culture as well as numerous historical sites, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year who want to experience Mexico’s vibrant culture.

It does, however, draw foreigners who want to work for a Mexican company or study in a Mexican educational institution.

Foreigners who plan to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days must first apply for a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa.

Who Needs a Mexico Student Visa?

A Mexico Student Visa is required for any foreigner who plans to study in Mexico for more than 180 days. Mexico Student Visas are divided into two categories:

• The Temporary Resident Student Visa is for students who will be studying for more than 180 days.
• The Visitor Student Visa is for students who will be studying for a period of less than 180 days.

If your study course is less than 180 days and you are from one of the following countries, you do not need a visa to study in Mexico:

What are the Requirements for a Mexico Student Visa?

When applying for a Mexico Student Visa, you must submit the following documents to the Mexican embassy (in original and copy):

• Mexico Visa Application Form, filled out and signed
• Photocopies of the required pages from your passport (first and last page, any visas and stamps you have received)
• Photograph taken within the last six months, passport-size, with a white background.
• A plane ticket that has been purchased (not necessarily purchased)
• Acceptance letter from your educational institution, addressed to the Mexican embassy, including the following information:
  • Your whole name
  • The level, degree, and field of study that you’ll pursue
  • The name of the course you’ve been accepted into.
  • The course’s duration, including start and conclusion dates
  • The cost of tuition, as well as information on whether you earned a scholarship.
  • Contact information for the school
• Last three months’ bank statements or investments
• Proof that you have enough money to pay your stay, such as:
  • You must show proof of a consistent monthly income of at least $400 USD.
  • Evidence of your savings or investments
  • You must provide proof that you have been awarded a scholarship.

• If you’re a minor, bring your birth certificate and your parents’ or legal guardians’ identification cards.
• If you are not a citizen of the country where you are currently residing, you must: Include documentation of legal residency, such as a residence permit, in this section.
• Fee for obtaining a student visa

Keep in mind the following:

You must submit all documentation in either English or Spanish. If not, translate them and include the original as well as the translation.

Before submitting any official documents (birth certificates, school diplomas/transcripts, etc.), they must be legalized, either through an Apostille or the Mexican consulate.

This is not an all-inclusive list of prerequisites. The Mexican embassy reserves the right to request any further papers it deems necessary.

What is the Cost of a Student Visa in Mexico?

The cost of a Mexico Student Visa is around $36, although it may vary depending on which nation you apply from. The payment method varies as well, with some embassies requiring you to pay the fee in advance via bank transfer and others requiring you to pay in cash.

You must additionally pay a charge at the INM for the Mexico Temporary Resident Card, as well as a processing fee.

The cost of a Temporary Resident Card varies depending on the number of years it is valid for and ranges between 3,000 and 7,000 Mexican Pesos.

How Long Does it take to Get a Student Visa in Mexico?

The length of time it takes to get a Mexico visa varies on the embassy where you apply.

You should anticipate waiting anywhere from a week to a month for your results.

As a result, it’s best to apply for a visa at least one month before you want to go.

What is the duration of a Student Visa in Mexico?

A Mexico Student Visa is only valid for a single entrance and for a maximum of 180 days.

If you want to stay for more than 180 days, you will need to apply for a Temporary Residence Card.

The Temporary Residence Card permits you to stay in Mexico for up to one year, after which it can be renewed for the remainder of your studies. It also permits repeated entries and exits from the nation.

How Can I Apply for a Student Visa in Mexico?

The application for a Mexico Student Visa is divided into two sections:

• Visiting a Applying for a Mexico Student Visa at a Mexican embassy in your country
• Turning the visa into a Mexico Temporary Resident Card upon arrival (for stays of over 180 days)

Applying for a Student Visa in Mexico

The following is the procedure for obtaining a Mexico Student Visa:

1. Make an appointment with a Mexican embassy: A list of Mexican embassies can be found here.
2. Fill out the application for a student visa in Mexico: The application form can be found on the website of the Mexican embassy where you will be applying or at the embassy itself.
3. Gather the necessary paperwork: See the Mexico Student Visa Requirements section for further information.
4. Fill out the application and pay the visa application fee: You may be required to attend an interview on the day of your appointment.
5. Allow time for your visa to be processed: Be patience enough for your visa to be processed.
6. Obtain your passport: The visa will be attached to your passport if your application is approved.
7. Visit Mexico and exchange your Student Visa for a Temporary Resident Card.

Keep in mind that when it comes to the visa application process, different embassy offices may have different criteria.

This is why you should always call them or go to their website to find out about their special criteria, opening hours, and other information.

Changing the visa into a Temporary Resident Card in Mexico

If your study course will last longer than 180 days, you must apply for a Temporary Residence Card at a National Immigration Institute in Mexico (Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM)) office within 30 days of being in Mexico.

You should bring the following items with you when you apply:

• The Resident Card Request Form, which you can get on the Immigration Offices’ website.
• The Temporary Resident Visa (Student Visa) must be attached to your passport.
• Also, The Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) which you received at the airport
• Payment of the Resident Card
• A cover/request letter for the Temporary Resident Card addressed to the Instituto Nacional de Migración
• Enrollment confirmation from a Mexican educational institution

How Do I Get Mexico Student Temporary Resident Visa

On an expired visa, most F-1 and J-1 students can go to Canada, Mexico, and the neighboring Caribbean Islands and re-enter the United States, but only for a period of fewer than 30 days.

Temporary Resident Visa for Students

Foreigners who wish to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days to attend classes, pursue studies, or conduct research projects at a Mexican educational institution that is part of the National Educational System must apply for a Student Temporary Resident Visa in person at the Consular Office closest to their residence.

Requirements:

1. A properly completed and signed visa application form.
2. Original passport or valid travel and identity document, as well as a photocopy of the page with the photo and personal information
3. The original and a photocopy of the migratory document confirming your lawful presence in Canada (only for applicants who are not Canadian citizens).
4. One color photograph with a white background, 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm, face uncovered, no eyeglasses, frontal view
5. Fees for visa issuance must be paid in cash.
6. Submit papers attesting to any of the following situations:

Studies.

1. Original and photocopy of the applicant’s acceptance letter from the institution where he or she plans to study. This letter must include the following information:
2. Full name of the person who is interested.
3. The level, degree, and field of study to be pursued.
4. The name of the course that the applicant has been admitted into.
5. The course’s start and end dates.
6. School costs are expensive.
7. The educational institution’s contact information

• Original and photocopy of proof of economic solvency, which could be:
• Original and photocopied documentation demonstrating that the applicant has a job, pension, or scholarship (original letter from the educational institution proving scholarship awarding) with tax-free monthly income of more than $907.00 Canadian dollars in the previous three months, or
• An original and a photocopy of a bank account statement from the interested party or, in the case of applicants under the age of 25, his or her parents, demonstrating sufficient resources to support the application in Mexico. During the previous three months, these bank accounts or investments must have a minimum average monthly balance of $9,067.00 Canadian dollars.

b) Under the aegis of an international treaty governing human mobility:

Original and photocopy of the applicant’s acceptance letter from the institution where he or she plans to study. This letter must include the following information:

Each of the standards outlined in the applicable international law document on mobility must be met:

i. The Youth Mobility Program between Mexico and Canada.

ii. Interinstitutional Agreement for a Working Vacation Program in the Pacific Alliance.

Important Reminder:

The visa will be issued pending the outcome of the interview.

A visa will be awarded if all requirements are completed, and it will be valid for only one entry. Applicants must apply for a residence card with the National Migration Institute within the first 30 calendar days of entering Mexican territory. The residence card certifies their legal stay in the country and allows them to continue in Mexico.

In accordance with Article 43 of the Migration Law, immigration authorities may refuse an application to enter the country if the applicant is under criminal investigation or has been convicted of a serious crime as defined by national criminal laws or provisions in international treaties or conventions to which the Mexican State is a party, or if the applicant’s background in Mexico or abroad could jeopardize national or public security.

Students who receive a scholarship from the Mexican government are not required to demonstrate financial stability. After getting authorization from the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Consular Office can issue the necessary visa.

How Do I Renew My Student Visa in Mexico?

A Mexico Student Visa cannot be renewed, but the Mexico Temporary Resident Card can be renewed.

At least 30 days before your current resident card expires, you can apply for renewal at a National Immigration Institute office in Mexico.

Can I Work in Mexico While on a Student Visa?

No, the holder of a Mexico Student Visa is not permitted to work. If you have a job offer, your employer must go to the National Immigration Institute and file for a Mexico Work Permit on your behalf. When applying for your work permit, they must submit the following documents:

• Request for a Work Permit in Mexico
• The original job offer/contract, which contains all of the pertinent information about the position, such as your salary, the period of your employment, your position, the company’s address, and so on. The letter must be typed on the business’s letterhead.
• a photocopy of your passport in its entirety
• Diplomas, transcripts, and other credentials in their original form (legalized)
• Your curriculum vitae
• Documents pertaining to the company that is going to hire you
• Any other documentation pertaining to your work, studies, or other endeavors.

What if my Mexican Resident Card is lost or damaged?

If you lose or damage your Mexican Resident Card, you must ask for a replacement at your local immigration office.

The following documents must be brought with you:

• Your travel document (original and a photocopy)
• Fee for replacing a residence card
• Two of the photos are of you from the front, and one is from your left side profile.
• If your resident card has been damaged, you must: Along with the residency card, submit the Tourist Card (FMM) and your Student Visa.
• If your resident card has been stolen or lost, you must: Submit your Tourist Card (FMM) as well as your entry visa.
• Form for requesting a stay in the immigration process (here)
• Any other documentation that the immigration office may ask for

If your Mexican Resident Card is lost or damaged while you are overseas, you must contact a Mexican consulate to seek a replacement.

Can I Travel to Mexico with a Student Visa?

On an expired visa, most F-1 and J-1 students can go to Canada, Mexico, and the neighboring Caribbean Islands and re-enter the United States, but only for a period of fewer than 30 days.

Conclusion

Before you begin studying in Mexico, you should familiarize yourself with the Mexican visa laws and make the necessary preparations.

The full guide above will walk you through the process of acquiring a student visa in Mexico, including the requirements and costs.

References

• visaguide.world – Mexico Tourist Visa
• consulmex.sre.gob.mx – Student Temporary Resident Visa

Recommendation:

• How to Get a Student Visa to Sweden 2022 |Study in Sweden
• How to Get a Student Visa for the Netherlands | The Ultimate Guide
• Study Abroad to Spain for International Student | A complete Guide 2022
• How to Become a US Citizen | All You Need to know in 2022
• How to Get Student Visa for Singapore | 2022 Requirements