This information is from the Mexican Gov. website Portland Oregon Consulate
https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/portland/index.php/spe/ve?sectionid=5&id=65
Please note there is conflicting information on this website. The information listed here is only a guide for reference for the steps required to acquire Residency. The information concerning financial solvency is subject to change and may differ depending on the Consulate and the region of Mexico you wish to reside.
Travelers who are U.S. citizens with a valid U.S. passport or those with a valid U.S. permanent resident card or a valid U.S. visa and valid passport are not required to apply for a Mexican Visa, regardless of their nationality, when traveling for less than 180 days for non-lucrative activities.
THESE APPLY TO YOU IF
● You are traveling to Mexico for vacations, transit, business, studies, technical support, artistic or scientific activities, sports activities, or as a journalist or a minister of religion.
● You will be in Mexico for up to 180 days.
● You do not have work authorization.
● You have a valid I-94, and your U.S. visa stamp or U.S. permanent resident card is in the process (depending on your nationality).
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has automated Form I-94 at air and seaports of entry. The paper form will no longer be provided to a traveler upon arrival, except in limited circumstances. They will receive a CBP admission stamp on their travel document. For any traveler who needs a copy of their I-94 (record of admission) for verification of alien registration, immigration status, or employment authorization, the I-94 is available for download here.
https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home
The forms below are only needed if the special circumstance noted applies to you.
EVERYONE
I-94 Your passport stamp when you arrive in Mexico from the United States.
STUDENTS
I-20 Proves that you are enrolled legally in a program of study in the United States.
https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/2015/02/what-form-i-20-and-when-do-i-need-it
EXCHANGE STUDENTS/WORKERS
J-1 Non-immigrant visa, provided by the United States to students and professionals who engage in exchange programs.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange.htm
NON-NATURALIZED CITIZENS
I-797a Approval for the address change is evidence of the applicant’s lawful presence in the United States.
https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/form-i-797-types-and-functions
SPECIAL ALIEN STATUS
I-512L Authorization for Parole of an Alien into the United States.
● Fill out the Application form in English or Spanish.
● Valid passport and one photocopy of the pages containing personal information, the bearers photograph, and signature and expiration date/extensions.
● Last U.S. visa for multiple entries and one photocopy.
● Valid I-94 and, for the cases where it applies, valid signed I-20 or J-1 or I-797A or I-512L forms in original and one photocopy.
● One recent passport-size photo (size 1.5 x 1.3/4 inches), in color, white background, no glasses, no smiling.
● Original financial records under the applicant’s name (financial documentation must show applicants full name) and one photocopy of each, such as the last six months of bank statements (checking, savings, or investments) in U.S. Dollars with an average monthly balance of at least $2519.00USD*, or last six months of employment or pension pay stubs with a monthly balance of at least $839.00USD* after taxes and proof of stable employment for the past 12 months.
● If a company/organization in Mexico is inviting a foreign national, the applicant can submit an original invitation letter** from them. The invitation must have a letterhead, a valid address, and signed in ink (scanned or pdf versions will not be accepted) accompanied by official documents that prove the applicant is qualified to carry out the activities stated in the letter. Ministers of religion should also submit an original letter of anuencia (consent) of the Ministry of Interior (Secretaría de Gobernación) from Mexico. The applicant must also submit a letter from the U.S. company stating that they will be responsible for the applicant’s salary during the visit. The company in the U.S. must also provide proof of financial solvency with the last 12 months of bank or financial statements with a monthly average balance of $5,000.00 USD *
● For short-term students (less than 180 days): Original letter of acceptance from the School or University. The letter should be recent (no more than 30 days from the date of issue) and state:
■ The applicants full name, date of birth, and passport number.
■ Level and area of study to which the applicant is accepted.
■ The name of the course or program, to which the applicant is accepted.
■ The semester to which the applicant is accepted and dates of beginning and end of the course or program.
■ Deadlines for enrollment and registration.
■ Tuition and fees.
■ School or University information, including name, address, code number, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and names of the admissions office responsible personnel.
**INVITATION LETTER
● Original Invitation Letter from the company/organization based in Mexico must be addressed to the Consulate of Mexico in Portland requesting the visa and specifying:
● The company/organization’s primary activities/services/purpose.
● Applicants full name and nationality.
● Exact purpose of the trip to Mexico (the purpose should be directly related to the company/organizations activities/services/purpose).
● Length of the trip to Mexico.
● How the applicant’s expenses will be covered (if the company/organization does cover expenses, must present proof of financial records for the past six months).
● Registration number of the company/organization, plus address, complete name, and contact information of the company/organization and its representative.
● Copy of ID of the person who signed the invitation letter.
FINANCIAL RECORDS
Temporal (Temporary) Visa
Investment or bank account
$41,999.00 USD
OR
Employment or pension
$2,519.00 USD
● Payment of Consular fee of $48.00 USD in cash, debit, or credit card. Personal checks are not accepted.
*Amounts may change depending on the official Mexican minimum wage and the daily exchange rate.
FINANCIAL SOLVENCY
Monthly income from outside Mexico must equal 300 days’ pay at the Mexican minimum wage.
They want to see a stable income from outside Mexico. Any income from within Mexico does not count toward these requirements. The income MUST come from outside of Mexico. This will allow you to be a part of the National Healthcare System and, if a retiree, a Healthcare card.
The visa process can take up to 10 working days after the applications submission. When the application is processed, you will be contacted with appointment information for an in-person interview. An application for a visa does not guarantee the issuance of a visa, as every case will undergo review by a consular official, who will determine the approval of the visa issuance.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT
Some cases require an additional review and approval from the Mexican Immigration Authority; this process can take up to 10 working days in addition to the usual wait time. If your application is approved, you will receive a Special Temporary Residency form to keep with your passport. Once you are at the border, not enter as a tourist. You will need to present your Temporary Resident Form to get a Special stamp on your passport. You now have 30 days to go to a LOCAL immigration office to fill out more forms and pay a fee. If your Spanish is lacking or you are confused by the process, there are local Attorneys or fixers that can assist you. During this part of the process, you cannot leave Mexico. You will have to start the whole process over if you leave. After 30 to 45 days, you will receive your official Temporary Resident visa. This visa is valid for 1, 2, 3, or 4 years and is renewable, either as a Temporary Resident or apply for a Permanent Residency.