Mexico family reunification: residence by family unity

Family unity is one of the grounds the SRE lists for both temporary and permanent resident visas. It covers the spouse, cohabiting partner or equivalent, and other relatives of a Mexican national or of a foreigner holding a temporary, temporary student or permanent resident card, according to the relationships set in the migration guidelines. Whether temporary or permanent residence is granted depends on the relationship and on the status of the family member in Mexico.

You prove the link with a marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation, or birth certificates for parent-child and sibling relationships, issued by civil authorities. You also present the Mexican relative's nationality document or the foreign relative's INM residence card. The SRE also asks for bank statements in some cases. Foreign civil records are usually presented as an international (multilingual) extract or an apostilled certificate.

Book through Mi Consulado and attend with the application form, passport, relationship documents, your relative's ID or residence card and the fee. After the interview and biometrics, the consulate decides within about 10 working days. Enter Mexico within the visa's validity and exchange it at the INM for the corresponding residence card.

If you only want to visit, the 10-year long-duration visitor visa (USD 54) is available to spouses or partners of Mexicans and of temporary or permanent residents, and to relatives of residents, for stays of less than 180 days per entry.