Mexico Work Visa: Temporary Residency Through a Job Offer

Mexico does not have a separate "work visa" category. Foreign workers usually hold temporary residency with permission to work (residente temporal con permiso para trabajar). Under Article 52 of the Migration Law, a temporary resident with a job offer gets permission to work in the activity described in that offer.

Unlike most residency visas, this one starts in Mexico, with the employer. Article 115 of the Migration Regulation lets a person or company legally established in Mexico ask INM to authorize a visa by job offer (visa por oferta de empleo). The consulate can only issue the visa after INM approves it.

For stays of 180 days or less, the same process can lead to a visitor visa with permission to do paid activities instead. See short assignments below.

The employer must hold a constancia de inscripción del empleador, a registration issued by INM (Regulation, Article 166). To get it, a company files its incorporation documents, the legal representative's powers and ID, proof of address, its tax registration (RFC) and last tax return, and a list of employees and their nationalities. Individuals can also register as employers.

The job offer itself must state (Article 115):

• Your full name and nationality.
• The job you will do and your pay.
• How long the job lasts and where you will work.
• That the employer will pay for your trip.

INM can inspect the employer to confirm the offer is real. The law also lets the government set quotas for job-offer visas. Employers can read more at hiring foreign workers in Mexico.

1. INM stage. The employer files the visa authorization request at INM with the job offer and its registration. INM checks the employer and your background.
2. NUT number. If INM approves, the employer receives a case number called a NUT (Número Único de Trámite) and INM notifies the consulate. Send the NUT to yourself so you can book.
3. Consular appointment. Book at a Mexican consulate. In the MiConsulado system, visa appointments are split between those without INM permission and those with INM permission; choose the second and have your NUT ready. The Regulation says the interview should take place within 12 business days of booking.
4. Interview. Bring your passport, the NUT, the visa form, a photo, and proof of legal status in the country if you are not a citizen there. The consulate cannot ask for requirements beyond the law and guidelines. Pay the visa fee.
5. Enter Mexico. The visa is valid for one entry.
6. Canje. Within 30 calendar days, apply at INM for your resident card. It will say you have permission to work. See the canje.

For paid work of up to 180 days (for example a short project, a performance, or seasonal work), the employer can ask INM to authorize a visitor visa with permission to do paid activities (visitante con permiso para realizar actividades remuneradas). The steps are the same, but you do not get a resident card and cannot stay beyond 180 days.

This visa has a higher consular fee than a regular visa. For example, the Toronto consulate listed US$321 (CAD 470) for it in July 2026.

There are three stages, each with its own timing:

Costs include the INM fee for the authorization request (usually paid by the employer), the consular visa fee (listed as US$56 at several US consulates in 2026), and the INM fee for the resident card, which depends on how long it lasts. INM updates its fees each January.

Common problems include an employer registration that has lapsed, a job offer that doesn't match the card you request, and entering Mexico as a tourist instead of as a resident. If INM refuses the authorization, the employer receives a written decision explaining why.

• The job in the offer. Your permission covers the activity in the job offer. If you change employers, the new employer must be registered with INM and you must ask INM to update your permission. See work permits for residents.
• Card length. Under Article 156 of the Regulation, a temporary resident card with a work permit lasts as long as the job offer, up to 4 years.
• Reporting. You must tell INM about changes of workplace, address, marital status, or nationality within 90 days. Employers must report changes to their address or legal representative within 30 days.
• Family. Your spouse, minor children, and parents can join you under family unity.

Once you work for a Mexican employer, you will need a tax ID (RFC) and your employer registers you with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). See getting an RFC, IMSS health insurance, and taxes for residents.

Yes. After 4 years as a temporary resident you can apply to change to permanent residency, which includes permission to work for any employer. See temporary to permanent residency.

If your situation is complex (a prior refusal in Mexico, a criminal record, or a past overstay), talk to a licensed Mexican immigration lawyer before the employer files.