Foreign students who plan to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days must obtain a Mexico Student Visa. Mexico is the most populous of the Spanish-speaking countries, with a rich and diverse culture and numerous historical sites, many of which are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year who want to experience Mexico’s vibrant way of life. However, it also attracts foreigners who want to work for a Mexican employer or study at a Mexican educational institution.
Foreigners who plan to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days must apply for a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa. Are you wondering what types of student visas in Mexico are? Or the requirements needed for you to apply for a student visa in Mexico? In this article, all of these have been explained including the fees and processing time.
Table of contents
- Types of student visas in Mexico
- How do students’ visa work in Mexico?
- Requirements or Eligibility Criteria in Mexico
- Student Visa processing time in Mexico
- How Long Is the Mexico Student Visa Valid?
- Fees and Cost of student visa in Mexico
- How to apply for a student visa in Mexico?
- Student visa processing time in Mexico
- Can I get a student visa in Mexico without IELTS?
- Working while studying in Mexico
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
Types of student visas in Mexico
Every foreign student who plans to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days must apply for a Mexico Student Visa. Mexico Student Visas are available in two varieties:
- The Temporary Resident Student Visa is for students who will be studying for more than 180 days.
- The Visitor Student Visa is for students who will be studying for less than 180 days.
You do not need a visa to study in Mexico if you are from one of the following countries and your study course is less than 180 days long:
- Brazil
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Japan
- Monaco
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Hong Kong
- Iceland
- Israel
- Malaysia
- Macau
- Canada
- Chile
- United Arab Emirates
- The United States, amongst others.
Read this: Switzerland Student VISA: Easy Steps to get VISA to study in Switzerland
How do students’ visa work in Mexico?
All documents submitted must be in English or Spanish. If they aren’t, translate them and include the original as well as the translation.
All official documents (birth certificates, school diplomas/transcripts, etc.) must be legalized before being submitted, such as through an Apostille or the Mexican embassy.
This is not an all-inclusive list of prerequisites. The Mexican embassy may request any additional documents it deems necessary. The Mexico Student Visa cannot be renewed, but the Mexico Temporary Resident Card can.
You can renew your resident card at a National Immigration Institute office in Mexico at least 30 days before it expires.
Requirements or Eligibility Criteria in Mexico
When applying for a Mexico Student Visa, you must bring the following documents (original and copy) to the Mexican embassy:
- Mexico Visa Application Form, completed and signed
- Your passport, as well as photocopies of all relevant pages (first and last page, any visas and stamps you have received)
- Passport-size photo with a white background taken within the last six months.
- A plane ticket has been purchased (not necessarily purchased)
Acceptance letter from your educational institution, addressed to the Mexican embassy, containing the following information:
- Your complete name
- The level, degree, and field of study you will pursue
- The course title for which you have been accepted
- The course’s duration, including start and end dates
- The tuition fee, as well as information on whether or not you have received a scholarship
- Contact information for the school
- Last three months’ bank statements or investments
Evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover your stay, such as:
- You must provide proof of a consistent monthly income of at least $400 USD.
- Evidence of your savings or investments
- Evidence that you have received a scholarship
- If you are a minor, you must: Include your birth certificate and the identification of your parents or legal guardians.
- If you are not a citizen of the country where you currently reside, include evidence of legal residence, such as a residence permit.
Student Visa processing time in Mexico
The student visa in Mexico has a different processing time, depending on your location and the processes involved.
In summary, processing your student visa in Mexico should take about 6 weeks. Meanwhile, you can demonstrate sufficient financial means by submitting the following documents:
- Bank statements for the previous three months
- Proof of a monthly income of at least $800
- Evidence of your savings or investments
- Scholarship information, if you have any
- Requirements that are conditional
You must also prepare for the following conditional requirements:
- Minors should have birth certificate with parents’ or legal guardians’ identification
- Non-nationals of the country from which the visa application is being sent must provide proof of legal residence, such as a residence permit.
How Long Is the Mexico Student Visa Valid?
A Mexico Student Visa is only valid for a single entry and for a maximum of 180 days. If you plan to stay for more than 180 days, you must apply for a Temporary Resident Card.
The Temporary Residence Card allows you to stay in Mexico for a year and then renew it for the duration of your studies. It also permits multiple entries and exits from the country.
Fees and Cost of student visa in Mexico
The fee for a Mexico Student Visa is approximately $36, but it may vary depending on the country in which your application is submitted.
The payment method also varies, as some embassies may require you to pay the fee in advance via bank transfer, whereas others may require you to pay in cash.
You must also pay a fee at the INM for the Mexico Temporary Resident Card and a processing fee.
The fee for the Temporary Resident Card varies according to the number of years issued and ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 Mexican Pesos.
How to apply for a student visa in Mexico?
The following is the application procedure for a Mexico Student Visa:
- To schedule an appointment, contact a Mexican embassy.
- Fill out the Mexico Student Visa Application Form completely. The application form can be found on the website of the Mexico embassy, where you will apply, or at the embassy itself.
- Gather the necessary documents. See above for the requirements for a Mexico Student Visa.
- Submit your application and pay your visa fee. You may be required to attend an interview on the day of your appointment.
- Allow time for the visa to be processed.
- Get your passport. The visa will be attached to your passport if your application is successful.
- Travel to Mexico to convert your Student Visa into a Temporary Resident Card.
Keep in mind that different embassy offices may have different requirements for the visa application process. As a result, it is critical to always contact them or visit their website to learn about the specific requirements, opening hours, and so on.
Also, check this:Canadian Student Visa: Step by Step Procedures | 2024
Student visa processing time in Mexico
The student visa in Mexico can be processed between 100 to 120 days.
Can I get a student visa in Mexico without IELTS?
Yes. There are a lot of other examinations that are required for your entrance into Mexico. If you have any exams you have written within the past 3 years where you passed English language, it could suffice.
Working while studying in Mexico
The holder of a Mexico Student Visa may not work. If you have a job offer, your employer applies for a Mexico Work Permit on your behalf at the National Immigration Institute.
When applying for your work permit, they must submit the following documents:
Form for requesting a work permit in Mexico
The original job offer/contract includes all job details such as your salary, the duration of your work, your position, the company’s address, and so on.
- The letter must be typed on company letterhead.
- A photocopy of your passport in its entirety
- Original diplomas, transcripts, and certifications
- Your curriculum vitae Documents pertaining to the company that is hiring you
- Any other documents pertaining to your job, studies, etc.
FAQs
The length of time it takes to process any type of Mexico visa is determined by the embassy where you apply. You can expect to wait between one week and a month. This is why you should apply for a visa at least one month before you plan to travel.
Approximately $36 A visa to Mexico costs approximately $36. The visa fee, however, may vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for and the country in which you submit your application.
Yes. Apply for permanent residence at least 30 days before your temporary residence card expires. You can enjoy the following benefits with this residence permit: permitted to work without the need for a work permit Fill out an application for free health insurance.
No. However, once in Mexico, you may apply for a work permit at the National Migration Institute (INM).
Yes. Indians must apply for a Mexico visa at a Mexican embassy, such as the one in New Delhi. There, they can apply for the appropriate type of visa. They can apply for the Mexican Tourist Card online once they have received an approved Mexican visa. This is a quick and simple process.
Foreigners who wish to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days to attend classes, pursue studies, or conduct research projects at an educational institution affiliated with Mexico’s National Educational System must apply in person at the Consular Office for a Student Temporary Resident Visa.
The application must be submitted to the local office of the National Immigration Institute (INAMI) in Mexico, www.inm.gob.mx. INAMI will issue an interview authorization at the nearest Consulate or Consular Section.
Also, read this: Student Visa vs Immigrant Visa | Difference, Similarities
Conclusion
When looking for a study destination, you may want to go somewhere that provides a high-quality education while also having a low cost of living. For these reasons alone, Mexico is an excellent choice.
Furthermore, choosing to study here provides exciting experiences outside of the classroom. Consider learning another language, participating in local festivities, and eating delicious Mexican food.
You may need a visa to enter the country for your studies, as in many other countries around the world. We hope you learned how to get a student visa in Mexico from this article.
References
- visaguide.world– Mexico student visa
- uscollegeinternational.com– Student visa in Mexico
- nottingham.ac.uk– Mexico international student visa
- aljawaz.com– Student visa in Mexico
- educationusa.state.gov– Apply for student visa
- topuniversities.com– How to update student visa in Mexico
- dreamstudiesabroad.com– Student visa
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