If you apply for Mexican residency, you must attend an appointment at a Mexican consulate. In this article, learn how to prepare for it, and what happens during and after your consulate appointment.
Making a Mexican Consulate Appointment
We advise that you make an appointment at the Mexican consulate that is most convenient for you. You can do this directly by email, phone or in person with your chosen consulate. Firstly, search in Google for Mexican consulate + location to find the contact details of your local consulate. Otherwise, refer to this world embassy website: Mexican embassies and consulates. If you cannot book directly, do it through Mi Consulado (formerly Mexitel) or contact info@immigrationtomexico.mx for assistance.
Booking Your Appointment with Mi Consulado
Mi Consulado is a website for booking appointments at Mexican consulates globally. Follow this link to access Mi Consulado’s online system: Citas SRE
For a step-by-step guide on how to use the Mi Consulado system, see our blog: How to Book an Appointment at a Mexican Consulate or Use Mi Consulado
Before Your Consulate Appointment
If your consulate is not in your current location, check the waiting time between your interview and getting the visa. Generally, in the USA, you get your visa within a few hours of your appointment. However, there are a few sites that take longer. Therefore, you should consult your consulate well in advance, in order to organize travel and accommodation.
Requirements
Keep in mind that every procedure and consulate has different requirements. Again, it is wise to contact your consulate for full details before your appointment. However, the basic requisites are listed below.
Documentation
- Passport of the applicant – original and copy
- Multiple Migratory Form (FMM) – original and copy
- Proof of fee payment – original and two copies
- Immigration request form, filled in online, and signed: https://www.inm.gob.mx/tramites/publico/estancia.html – original and copy
- Data Protection Form (‘Tratamiento de Datos’ Form) get it on-site
Payment: costs vary for each type of residency: temporary (1-4 years) or permanent. The amounts are updated every year. Check our blog for this year’s fees: How Much Are Mexican Immigration Fees in 2025?
At Your Consulate Appointment
A consulate interview should take approx. 20 minutes. However, it will depend on what the agent asks you. Remember to bring all required paperwork, and don’t forget cash to pay your fees and get photos in advance. Following a successful appointment, you’ll receive a visa in your passport. Well done! Now you’re one step closer to Mexican residency.
After Your Consulate Appointment
Officially, you have 180 days to enter Mexico with your new visa and exchange it for your resident’s card via the canje process. To do so, book an appointment online in advance at a local immigration office: https://www.inm.gob.mx/spublic/portal/inmex.html
To learn more about the canje process, see our blog: I Got My Mexican Visa at the Consulate – Now What? The Canje Procedure Explained.
For help with Mexican consulate appointments and other matters, contact Adriana at: info@immigrationtomexico.mx.