We coordinate the authorization process with the INM, the consular preparation, and, when applicable, the exchange of the visa for a residence card.
Approval, visa issuance, and processing times are solely at the discretion of the competent authorities.
The company initiates the process; the foreign national handles the consular stage; the authorities verify and make a decision.
You must have an Employer Registration Certificate and submit to the INM a job offer specifying the position, compensation, employment duration, and work location.
Submit your personal information and passport, attend the consular interview in person, and enter Mexico with the required documentation.
The INM reviews the application for a work visa. The consular office conducts the interview and, if appropriate, issues the visa in accordance with the instructions received.
The Unique Processing Number (NUT) identifies the case file and the authorization processed through the INM. It allows the consular stage to be linked to the decision issued in Mexico.
It is not, in and of itself, a visa, a residence card, or a standalone document that allows you to start working. Each step must be completed in the proper order.
The employment process does not begin at the consulate: it begins with a company in Mexico that is able to make an offer.
The temporary nature of the offer determines the terms of stay
| Temporality | Migration Route | Closure in Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 180 days | Visitor authorized to engage in paid activities. | The stay is documented upon check-in; this option does not require a card. |
| More than 180 days | Temporary residence permit linked to an authorized job offer. | The visa must be exchanged for the card within 30 calendar days of entry. |
The final category is determined based on the application, the authorized duration of employment, and the INM’s decision; it is not a business decision made by the employer or the candidate.
View the temporary residency guideAn international hiring process integrates employer preparation, immigration authorization, and consular processing into a single, continuous workflow.
Employer review, actual duration of employment, work location, and alignment between job duties and the candidate's profile.
The company must have a valid registration with the INM. If registration or an update is required, this must be completed before submitting the bid.
Formal submission to the INM, including earnings, position, employment duration, workplace, and supporting documentation.
Once the INM has issued the official notice, the foreign national must schedule a consular appointment within the timeframe specified in the resolution.
In-person appointment. The consular office verifies the applicant's identity and documentation and decides whether to issue the corresponding visa.
For temporary residents, the process to exchange the card for a physical one must be completed within 30 days of arrival in Mexico.
The greatest friction arises when corporate documentation, job offers, and personal data tell different stories.
We organize the application materials, identify the relevant departments in advance, and ensure that the company and the hired individual remain on the same page.
MIGRALAW S.A.P.I. de C.V. operates out of Mexico City with a practice focused on transforming complex processes into actionable steps for foreign companies and individuals.
An individual or legal entity that is a legally established employer in Mexico submits the authorization application to the INM. The foreign national then participates in the consular phase.
Yes. The regulations under the Migration Act require that the person making the job offer have a certificate issued by the INM. You must verify its validity and status before submitting the application.
The official guide states that you must contact a Mexican consulate and schedule an interview within 30 business days, starting from the day after you receive notification of the authorization letter. It is always a good idea to review the specific letter and the instructions provided by the consulate you have chosen.
That possibility should not be assumed. To continue on this path, entry must be made with the authorized visa and under the authorized conditions. Any other type of entry may prevent the exchange and require a case-by-case review.
No. A temporary residence permit does require that you exchange it for a card within 30 calendar days of entry. A person authorized as a visitor with permission to engage in paid activities provides the necessary documentation upon entry and does not need to exchange the permit.
This case requires immediate review before taking any further action. It should not be assumed that the card can still be issued through the standard process; the consequences and alternatives depend on the applicant’s admission history and current immigration status.
No. The consular interview is in person. MIGRALAW can review the strategy and prepare the applicant within the scope of the contract, but does not intervene or accompany the applicant during the interview.
Based on the company's situation, the duration of the opening, and the candidate's location, we can identify dependencies and plan the next step.
Information reviewed on September 14, 2026. Administrative rules and criteria are subject to change.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an individual determination of eligibility. Authorization is granted by the INM, and visas are issued by the appropriate consular office. The scope of services and fees charged by MIGRALAW are set forth in the applicable service proposal.
