On this page
- Overview (What is Form Resident Card?)
- Context and workflow
- Requirements snapshot
- Failure prevention (What causes Form Resident Card rejections?)
- What it asks for (What does Form Resident Card ask for?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form Resident Card?)
- Checklist (What is the Form Resident Card checklist?)
- Processing times
- Where to file
- Fees
- Form sections (What sections does Form Resident Card have?)
- Key terms
- Choose your path
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form Resident Card?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form Resident Card?)
- Scenarios
- Key differentiators
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
Overview (What is Form Resident Card?)
#The Resident Card - Temporary Resident Card Application is designed for foreign nationals who wish to reside temporarily in México for periods longer than 180 days, up to a maximum of 4 years. It allows applicants to work within the terms of their authorization in México, provided their salary is paid from abroad. Typically, this form is filed by individuals who have secured employment, are participating in scientific research, or have family ties in México.
After filing, applicants must apply for a residencia card at the National Immigration Institute (INM) within the specified timeframe of entering México to complete the residency process. Depending on your eligibility category, the tarjeta may be filed alongside Form CURP-APPLICATION or other related forms.
Context and workflow
#Starting the application process for temporary residency
Where it fits in the workflow
- Processing time for Resident Card varies by case type and current workload — always check the official INM processing time tool.
- Initiating the application process for temporary residency.
- Collecting personal information and supporting documents.
- Setting the stage for further steps like biometrics appointments and card production.
Who uses it
Foreign nationals seeking temporary residency in Mexico for stays longer than 180 days, up to 4 years, use the Resident Card - Temporary Resident Card Application. This form is intended for solicitantes who wish to obtain a temporary resident status. Applicants must provide specific supporting documents based on their situation, including proof of economic solvency or family unity. It is important to note that filing for a temporary resident card does not guarantee approval.
When it is used
- TEMPORARY-RESIDENT: Temporary Resident Visa
- Foreign workers with employer sponsorship and INM-authorized employment in Mexic…
- Foreign students enrolled at a Mexican educational institution, exchanging their…
- Foreign family members of Mexican citizens or permanent residents, exchanging th…
Requirements snapshot
#- To gather necessary information and documentation to process residency applications.
Failure prevention (What causes Form Resident Card rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Not applying for the residence card within the required timeframe after entering Mexico.
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Failing to demonstrate economic solvency or other eligibility criteria.
- To avoid incomplete or incorrect information: Double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions.
What it asks for (What does Form Resident Card ask for?)
#- Supporting documents for specific eligibility criteria
- Your reason for seeking temporary residency in Mexico
- Your current immigration status and legal stay evidence
- Applicant identification information
- Supporting documentation inventory
- Eligibility or purpose details
- Declarations and signatures
- Your full legal name as it appears on official documents
- Your date and place of birth
- Your current passport number and issuance details
- Documentation related to: The Resident Card - Temporary Resident Card Application is used by foreign nationals seeking temporary residency in Mexi
- Documentation related to: Republic of Colombia passport holders must pre-register for their trip by filling out the form at the following link: ht
What you need (What do you need for Form Resident Card?)
#- The current edition of Resident Card
- Proof of permanent resident status
- Proof of identity
- Photos meeting specifications
- Valid passport (original)
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
- Submitting incomplete supporting documents for eligibility criteria
- Copy of your filed or approved CURP-APPLICATION (Get CURP after resident card)
Checklist (What is the Form Resident Card checklist?)
#- Download the current Resident Card and instructions from the official INM website
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of Resident Card
- Sign, date, and submit Resident Card with all required supporting evidence
Example receipt notice for Resident Card
Processing times
#| Category | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Tourist / Visitor Visa | 1 to 10 daysas of February 2026 |
- Processing time for Resident Card under "Tourist / Visitor Visa": 1 to 10 days (as of February 2026).
- Processing times for Resident Card vary by category and processing location. Verify current processing times with the issuing authority.
- Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
- Processing times for this form vary by INM office and current workload. Verify current processing times with INM.
Auto-extension note: The Resident Card - Temporary Resident Card Application is used by foreign nationals seeking temporary residency in Mexico for stays longer than 180 days, up to 4 years. It allows work if the salary is paid abroad and requires specific supporting documents based on the applicant's situation.
Where to file
#Submit your application at the designated INM office, embassy, or consulate. Check the official website for the location with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Submit application
Submit your application at the INM office or designated embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct location.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official INM website before submitting. For related guidance, see temporary-resident-work.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form resident card. Check the official fee schedule for the current amount. | See official schedule |
| Biometrics Services FeeA biometrics fee may be required depending on your category. Check the official fee schedule. | See official schedule |
Can the Form Resident Card fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
INM will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see temporary-resident.
Fees change; always verify on INM.
Form sections (What sections does Form Resident Card have?)
#Personal Information
Applicant identification.
- Full name as on passport
- Nationality and date of birth
- Entry date and port of entry
- Current address in Mexico
Visa Details
Consular visa information.
- Visa sticker number
- Visa category
- Consulate where visa was issued
Biometric Data
Identity verification collected at INM.
- Fingerprints
- Photograph
- Signature
Key terms
#- Temporary Resident Card
- A document allowing foreign nationals to reside in Mexico temporarily.In this form: It is the main purpose of the application, granting temporary residency rights.
Choose your path
#Choose your path based on your eligibility category. Each block summarizes who qualifies, what to file, common mistakes, and typical processing time.
Work-Based Resident
RT-TRABAJO
Foreign workers with employer sponsorship and INM-authorized employment in Mexico, exchanging their work visa for a resident card within 30 days of arrival.
File with:
- Passport with valid work visa
- Employer's INM authorization
- Employment contract
Common mistakes:
- Missing the 30-day deadline to register at INM after arrival
Typical processing: 2-4 weeks
Student Resident
RT-ESTUDIANTE
Foreign students enrolled at a Mexican educational institution, exchanging their student visa for a resident card within 30 days of arrival.
File with:
- Passport with valid student visa
- Enrollment confirmation from institution
- Proof of financial means
Common mistakes:
- Not having updated enrollment documentation at the INM appointment
Typical processing: 2-4 weeks
Family-Based Resident
RT-FAMILIAR
Foreign family members of Mexican citizens or permanent residents, exchanging their family visa for a resident card within 30 days of arrival.
File with:
- Passport with valid family visa
- Apostilled marriage or birth certificate
- Sponsor's Mexican ID or residence card
Common mistakes:
- Civil documents not properly apostilled or translated
Typical processing: 2-4 weeks
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete or incorrect information | Delay | Double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions. |
Examples (What are examples for Form Resident Card?)
#- Strong application: A foreign national submits their application with a valid passport, proof of employment in Mexico, and financial statements; they receive their temporary resident card without issues.
- Common weakness: An applicant submits their form but forgets to include proof of legal stay; the application is delayed while they gather the missing documents.
- Strong application: A filer provides complete and consistent information with clearly labeled supporting documents.
- A foreign national who has been granted permanent residence applies through Resident Card for their residence card or permit
- A permanent resident whose card is expiring files Resident Card to renew it before travel
- An applicant in the Temporary-resident category files Resident Card as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form Resident Card?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- A PR card is proof of status, not the status itself—you remain a PR even without the card
- Replacement does not extend or change your PR status
- Holding a permanent residence card means you can be absent from the country indefinitely — Most permanent residence permits have physical presence requirements that must be maintained to keep your status.
Scenarios
#A German national who entered Mexico on a work visa visits the INM office within 30 days of arrival to process their Temporary Resident Card.
Biometric data collected and temporary resident card issued within 2-4 weeks. Valid for 1-4 years depending on the visa.
You MUST visit an INM office within 30 days of entry. Missing this deadline can void your visa and create illegal stay issues.
An applicant misses the 30-day deadline to register with INM after arriving on a temporary resident visa.
The entry visa may be voided. The applicant may need to leave Mexico and restart the process from the consulate.
The 30-day registration window is strictly enforced. Schedule your INM appointment immediately upon arrival, as wait times can be long.
A temporary resident needs to renew their card before it expires.
Renewal must be filed at INM 30 days before expiration. If approved, a new card is issued for an additional period.
File renewal at least 30 days before expiration. Late renewals may require starting the residency process from scratch.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike Permanent Resident Visa: Allows temporary residency for up to 4 years, whereas the Permanent Resident Visa is for indefinite stay.
- Unlike Form Visa Application: Mexican Visa Application Form: Next step after approval: Apply within 30 days of arrival (Post Arrival pathway)
- Unlike Form CURP: Unique Population Registry Code Application: Filed together: Get CURP after resident card (Post Arrival pathway)
- Unlike Form Permanent Resident Card: Permanent Resident Card Application: Related form in this immigration process (Post Arrival pathway)
Why it matters
#Applicants must apply for a residence card at INM within 30 days of entry.
Why it matters: Failure to do so can result in legal issues and potential deportation.
Supporting documents vary based on eligibility criteria such as economic solvency or family unity.
Why it matters: Providing incorrect or incomplete documents can lead to application denial.
Temporary residency allows work if salary is paid abroad.
Why it matters: Understanding this condition is crucial for applicants planning to work while in Mexico.
Next steps
#- Receive a notice confirming the application has been filed.
- Attend a biometrics appointment if required.
- Wait for the processing of the application.
- Receive the temporary resident card if approved.
- Understand the validity period and any conditions attached to the residency.
Verification
#This guide is derived from official INM instructions for Resident Card and is updated when form editions or filing rules change. Always verify current requirements at the official INM website.
FAQs
Does Resident Card guarantee approval of my case?
No. Resident Card has specific limitations. Filing this form alone does not guarantee any particular outcome. The decision depends on whether all requirements are met.
Do I need to file Resident Card if I'm only updating my address or contact information?
Address or contact updates may be handled through a dedicated form or through your online account, depending on the agency's procedures. Resident Card may not be required for simple address changes. Check the official instructions to see which form or process applies to your type of update.
What is Resident Card?
Resident Card is the Temporary Resident Card Application.
Where can I file this form?
Consult the official instructions to find the most up-to-date filing addresses and methods.
What is the filing fee?
Check the current fee schedule on the official website.
When should I file a renewal using Resident Card?
The timing for a renewal filing depends on your eligibility category and the expiration of your current authorization. Review the official Resident Card instructions for renewal-specific guidance and file early enough to avoid gaps.
Will I need to provide biometrics for my Resident Card application?
Biometrics, which include fingerprinting, a photo, and a signature, may be necessary based on your eligibility category. If this is the case, you will receive an appointment notice detailing the time, date, and location once your application has been accepted.
Can I file Resident Card together with other forms?
Depending on your eligibility category, you may file the Resident Card application alongside other forms. It is essential to review the official instructions to determine which forms can be submitted together based on your specific circumstances.
How long does it take to process Resident Card?
Processing time for Resident Card under "Tourist / Visitor Visa": 1 to 10 days (as of February 2026). Processing times vary by eligibility category, filing location, and current workload. Check the INM processing times tool for the most current estimates for your specific category.
Can I request a fee waiver for Resident Card?
Fee waivers may be available for certain applicants who demonstrate financial hardship or meet specific criteria. Not all forms are eligible for fee waivers. Review the official instructions for Resident Card and the INM fee waiver policy to determine whether your situation qualifies.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
Find my visa