¿Who must fulfill immigration procedures?
Mexican law establishes special norms for regulating the foreigners’ presence in this country. Consequently, people from abroad who have come to visit Mexico or live in Mexico, must fulfill certain migratory obligations. The type of these obligations depends on the time foreigners plan to stay in the country and on the activities they plan to do.
Types of visas
Mexican law defines three general immigration categories:
- NON-IMMIGRANT
- Tourist visa, Business visa, FM3 visa - For foreigners who do not plan to permanently stay in Mexico.
- IMMIGRANT
- FM2 - For individuals wishing to permanently reside in Mexico
- PERMANENT RESIDENT
- Inmigrado status - For individuals who have obtained rights of residence in Mexico
Foreigners’ legal obligations
In Mexico, foreigners have to obtain an immigration document, and must renew it periodically. In addition, they have to notify to the migratory authorities of their changes of activity, address, nationality, legal status, etc.
Firms with foreign employees’ obligations
On the other hand, firms that have hired or plan to hire foreign workers must also fulfill a set of legal obligations. Not only do they have to request the authorization by the National Institute of Immigration, but they also have to apply for the opening of a special file called Basic File.
