Mexico Student Residence Card
Within 30 days of arriving, go to the National Migration Institute (INM, Mexico's immigration office). There you exchange your FMM (the entry form you fill in when you land) for a student residence card (tarjeta de residente temporal estudiante).
MexicoMEXICO RESIDENCE CARD
Type: Estudiante
ID#: Example
ID: Example
Status: Estudiante
Program: Example programme
Institution: Example university
Example card. ACTIVO means valid. Estudiante means student. Residente temporal means temporary resident. Your own card shows your details.
What Is the Student Residence Card?
It is the card that shows you live in Mexico legally as a student. The National Migration Institute (INM) issues it.
Visa vs. Card
Stamped in your passport
Lets you enter once, within 180 days of the date it is issued
You still need the residence card to stay
Issued in Mexico by the INM
Shows your CURP
Renewed while you study
Your CURP
When the INM gives you residence, it also gives you a CURP, your personal ID number in Mexico. It stays the same for life and is printed on your card.
Key Papers
Student residence card
Shows your legal stay as a student.
Student visa
Lets you enter Mexico once.
FMM entry form
Filled in when you enter Mexico.
Keep Your Card Valid
What You Must Do
Get the card within 30 days
Exchange your FMM for the card.
Report changes within 90 days
Tell the INM if you move, change your marital status, change nationality or change employer.
Renew on time
Renew while you keep studying.
Card Procedures for Students
The INM procedures a student may need.
Key Time Limits
Fill in the online form
Before your visit
Visit the INM office
Within 30 days of arrival
Give photo, signature and fingerprints
At the office
Get your card
Same day if papers are complete
Procedures
Card exchange (canje)
Exchange your FMM for your first student residence card.
Key Requirements:
- Passport, original and copy
- Mexican visa, original and copy
- FMM entry form, original and copy
- Online form, printed and signed
Renewal (renovación)
Renew the card while you keep studying.
Key Requirements:
- Your student residence card
- Letter from your university saying your studies continue
Work permit
Ask the INM for a work permit. Fee 4,341 Mexican pesos (MXN).
Key Requirements:
- Proof of payment of the fee
Replacement (reposición)
Get a new card if yours is lost, stolen or damaged. Fee MXN 1,780.
Key Requirements:
- Passport
- If you lost the card outside Mexico, a paper that shows when you entered Mexico
Getting Your First Card
Fill in the online form
Fill in the INM form online, print it and sign it.
Duration: Before your visit
Visit the INM office
Bring your passport, visa and FMM entry form, each in original and copy.
Duration: Within 30 days of arrival
Give photo, signature and fingerprints
You must go in person.
Duration: At the office
Get your card
Your card shows your CURP (your personal ID number in Mexico).
Duration: Same day if papers are complete
How to Get Your Card
You fill in the form online. All other steps happen at an INM office, in person.
First Card
Fill in the form
Choose 'Canje de FMM por Tarjeta de Residente' (exchange FMM for a residence card).
Print and sign it.
Go to the INM
Bring passport, visa and FMM with copies.
Go after you arrive.
Photo, signature, fingerprints
The officer takes them at the office.
You must be there in person.
Get your card
Keep it with you.
It shows your CURP.
Renewing Your Student Card
Get a university letter
Your university confirms your studies continue.
Fill in the online form
Choose renewal of a residence card.
Visit the INM
Bring your student residence card and the letter.
Changing Status After Studies
| From Status | To Status | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student (residente temporal estudiante) | Temporary resident (residente temporal) | A job offer from an employer registered with the INM, or an average bank balance of 20 thousand UMA days over the last 12 months. UMA is a daily amount the Mexican government uses to set money rules. In 2026 one UMA day is MXN 117.31. | Change fee (cambio de condición): MXN 1,847. Then the card fee: MXN 11,141 for a one-year card. |
Papers for the Residence Card
Bring originals and plain copies. Papers from another country, except your passport, need an apostille or legalisation (an official stamp that proves a paper is real). Add a Spanish translation by a perito (an official translator approved in Mexico) where needed.
Card exchange (canje)
Online form
Filled in online, printed and signed.
Passport
Original and copy.
Mexican visa
Original and copy.
FMM entry form
Original and copy.
Card renewal
Student residence card
Original.
University letter
Says your studies continue.
After Your Studies: Change to Temporary Resident
Student to temporary resident
- Passport, original and copy
- Your student residence card, not expired
- Proof of the MXN 1,847 fee
- A job offer from an employer registered with the INM, or an average bank balance of 20 thousand UMA days over 12 months. UMA is a daily amount the Mexican government uses to set money rules. In 2026 one UMA day is MXN 117.31.
Residence Card Time Limits
Dates that matter for your card.
From Visa to Card
Visa at the Mexican embassy or consulate
Your student visa from a Mexican embassy or consulate (a Mexican office in your country).
Key Activities:
- A consulate has at most 10 working days (Monday to Friday) to decide. In New Delhi, the visa is done the same day if all papers are in order.
Entry to Mexico
The visa lets you enter once.
Key Activities:
- Fill in the FMM entry form
Card at the INM
Exchange your FMM for your card.
Key Activities:
- Passport, visa and FMM, original and copy
Time Limits
Fastest Cases
Keeping Your Card Valid
A few simple rules keep you legal in Mexico.
What to Do
Report changes in 90 days
Address, marital status, name, nationality or employer.
Use the INM 'notify changes' form.
Carry your card
You must keep and show your migration papers.
Show it when an officer asks.
Mistakes to Avoid
Plan Ahead
Mark your card's end date and ask your university for a letter before it.
Common Mexico Residence Card Questions
Short answers about the student residence card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Links
Complete Guide to Mexico
Explore all aspects of studying in Mexico with our comprehensive guides
Post-Arrival - Detailed Guides
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