Renewing Mexican Residency: Temporary Resident Card Renewal Rules

Article 156 of Mexico's Migration Regulation says a temporary resident can request renewals within the 30 calendar days before the card expires, until completing 4 years from when they first got the status.

A typical pattern:

You choose the renewal length when you pay; longer cards cost more. At the end of 4 years you cannot renew temporary residency again. Apply instead for permanent residency.

Cards based on a job offer last as long as the job offer. Children under 3 receive only 1-year cards and renew each year until they turn 3.

Article 159 of the Regulation lists the requirements:

• The INM application form, completed online and printed.
• Your current resident card.
• A signed statement (escrito bajo protesta de decir verdad) that the conditions under which you received your status still exist. For example, that you are still married to your sponsor or that you still have the income or support that qualified you.
• Students: a letter or certificate from your school showing you are still enrolled.
• Proof of payment of the fee set in the Federal Duties Law.
• Any other documents required by rules published in the DOF.

You must appear in person at INM and provide your biometric data if asked. Bring your passport and copies of your card and passport.

1. Mark the date 30 days before your card expires.
2. Fill out INM's online form for renewal of your resident document and print it.
3. Pay the renewal fee for the number of years you want. INM publishes current fees; they change each January.
4. Submit your file at your local INM office within the 30-day window. You receive a case number (NUT) to track your case.
5. Attend the biometrics appointment if INM schedules one, and collect your new card.

While your renewal is pending, keep the receipt INM gives you. If you need to travel, ask about an exit and return permit (Regulation, Article 161).

INM fees are set by the Federal Duties Law and published each year. For renewals, the amount depends on how many years you request (1, 2, or 3), so a longer card costs more but saves a visit.

In most cases, INM's online system gives you a payment form (hoja de ayuda) that you pay at a bank or online banking before you submit your file. Keep the bank receipt; you must include it with your application. Pay only through official channels, and be wary of anyone who asks you to transfer money to a personal account.

Article 160 of the Regulation has a specific rule:

• You can re-enter Mexico with the expired card as long as no more than 55 calendar days have passed since it expired. No penalty applies.
• You must then apply for renewal within 5 business days of entering.
• If more than 55 days have passed, you cannot re-enter with that card. You would need a new visa from a consulate, which usually means starting over.

If you missed the renewal window and are still in Mexico, go to INM as soon as possible. Late cases may involve a fine or a regularization process. If INM refuses a renewal and your card has already expired, the Regulation gives you between 20 and 30 calendar days to leave, apply to regularize, or file a legal challenge.

Because the consequences can be serious, talk to a licensed Mexican immigration lawyer if your card expired more than a few days ago, or if you have other immigration problems. See how to verify a lawyer or consultant.

• Adult permanent residents do not renew. Article 157 gives the card indefinite validity.
• Children with permanent cards renew every year until age 3, then every 4 years until they turn 18.
• Students with temporary resident student cards renew every year and show they are still enrolled. See student visa.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, request a replacement (reposición) from INM rather than a renewal.

• Job-offer cards. If your card is tied to a job offer, the renewal follows your job. Bring an updated job offer or employer letter, and make sure your employer's INM registration is current. If you changed employers, you also need updated work permission.
• Family unity cards. Your card can only last as long as the status of the relative you are joining. If their card is being renewed, renew yours at the same time.
• Students. Renew every year with a current enrollment letter. If you have finished your studies, ask INM about changing to temporary residency instead of renewing as a student.
• Children. Parents or guardians sign and attend with minors. Bring the child's birth certificate and the parents' cards.
• Name or nationality changes. If your passport or nationality changed, report it to INM within 90 days and bring the documents to your renewal.

• Keep INM up to date. Report changes of address, workplace, marital status, or nationality within 90 days. Unreported changes can delay a renewal.
• Check your passport. Renew your passport first if it expires soon; INM links your card to your passport details.
• Don't let the window pass while traveling. Plan trips around your renewal dates.
• Think about the total. If you are in year 1, choosing a 3-year renewal takes you to the 4-year point with a single visit.

If you are still waiting for your first card, see the canje. For the overall process, see temporary residency.