Mexico Resident Visas
Everything for Mexico's Temporary Resident Visa in one place — an interactive step-by-step checklist plus seven vetted firms and resources compared by cost and coverage.
Below is an example of a Temporary Visa Checklist. I use Seattle as the example consulate; you can find the full list of others in the US by removing/seattle from the URL.
Temporary Resident Visa
The Residente Temporal is a two-phase process: get approved at a Mexican consulate in the US, then exchange it for your card at an immigration office (INM) inside Mexico. Check items off as you go — your progress is saved on this device.
- Download and complete the visa application formconsulmex.sre.gob.mx/seattle
- Get 12 months of Vanguard statements plus an official account letter on letterheadcovers the ~$74k savings threshold; Vanguard has no branch, so the letter substitutes for a bank stamp
- Get a passport photo — white background, no glasses
- Confirm your passport has 6+ months of validity remaining
- Book an appointment at the Seattle consulate807 E Roy St · (206) 448-3526
- Set aside ~$56 USD for the consular fee (non-refundable)
- Attend the interview, submit all documents, pay the $56 fee
- Wait roughly 10 business days for a decision
- Collect your passport with the visa sticker insidevalid for ONE entry into Mexico within 180 days
- CriticalDo NOT use the automated kiosk — go to a human immigration officerkiosks stamp you as a tourist, which instantly voids the residency visa
- Tell the officer "Canje" and show the visa sticker
- VerifyConfirm your entry card (FMM) is marked "Canje" before leaving the booth
- 30-day clockStart the canje within 30 calendar days of entry — and do not leave Mexico until your card is issued
- Get proof of Mexican address — a rental contract or hotel confirmation works
- Book an INM appointmentcitas.inami.gob.mx
- Attend with: passport + visa, proof of address, passport photos, CURP application
- Pay the INM fee — roughly $600 USD for a 1-year cardfees roughly doubled on Jan 1, 2026
- Return to collect your resident card when INM notifies youfirst card is always issued for 1 year, regardless of what you pay for
- Engage Reloca for end-to-end handling (consulate + apostilles + INM)reloca.co — ~$500–$1,500 over government fees; can't fast-track INM, but prevents the costly mistakes
- Or use Mexperience for in-person INM accompaniment onlymexperience.com — fixed-fee packages per stage
Seattle
807 E Roy St, WA 98102
(206) 448-3526
Mon–Fri · 8:30–5:30
consulmex.sre.gob.mx/seattle
~$74k
Stable balance over the last 12 months. Easily met — the savings path, no income proof needed.
Don't miss these
180 days to enter Mexico on the visa sticker.
30 days from entry to start the canje.
~$660
~$56 at the consulate + ~$600 at INM for a 1-year card. Facilitator extra.
Here is a list of Agency and people resoruces that can help you with a Temporary or Long term Resident VISA.
Visa Help: Who to Hire
Verified facilitators and law firms for the Residente Temporal. Prices shown are the service fee only — government fees (~$56 at the consulate, ~$620 at INM) are separate. Filter by what you want.
San Miguel–based, the most-used immigration specialist in town. ~1,200 processes/yr, 11,000+ over 13 years, reportedly zero declines. Bilingual teammate Joanna Francis. Email-driven, meets clients in person at INM.
soniadiazmexico.comFull US-to-Mexico handoff, apostilles, and the airport-entry briefing that stops you getting stamped as a tourist. Hands-off, premium tier.
reloca.coMulti-country immigration law firm. Free initial case consultation. Legal-grade handling; quote-based, typically the higher end.
lexidy.comMexican law firm run by licensed Canadian & American lawyers partnered with Mexican attorneys. A big-firm option if you want full legal cover rather than a solo facilitator. Request a quote via their site.
mexlaw.comAdriana Vela's own boutique service. Covers SMA, CDMX, Oaxaca, Riviera Maya. Clients praise fast email replies. Mid-tier. Contact: info@immigrationtomexico.mx
immigrationtomexico.mxTele-assistance and in-person INM accompaniment with transparent fixed fees per stage. Good if you only want help with the canje, not the whole process.
mexperience.comStep-by-step DIY guide plus a directory of vetted facilitators nationwide. Notes independent facilitators average ~$200–$400 for the whole process. Cheapest route if you self-manage.
mexicorelocationguide.com