MexicoStudy and training

Mexico student visa (temporary resident student)

Temporary resident student visa (visa de residente temporal estudiante)

In short

Students accepted by a Mexican institution of the National Education System for studies, exchanges or research longer than 180 days apply for the temporary resident student visa at a consulate. It costs USD 56, requires income above 220 UMA days a month or savings of 2,290 UMA days, and is decided in about 10 working days. Within 30 days of arrival the visa is exchanged for an INM student card.

Apply on gob.mx – SRE-01-034 student visa checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
For the length of studies, documented by a student card
Validity
Single visa valid 180 calendar days to enter Mexico; card to be requested within 30 days of entry
Fee
US$56Consular fee (SRE-01-034), set by oficio 349-B-1-II-138 of 19 December 2025; INM card fee is separate
Funds required
MX$25,808.20 per monthMore than 220 UMA days (UMA 2026 = MXN 117.31) in monthly income over the last 3 months; or an average balance of 2,290 UMA days (about MXN 268,640)
Processing time
10 working days
Work
Not authorised by the visa itself
Family
Parents can file for minors; relatives apply separately under family unity
Path to permanent residence
Student residence does not count toward naturalisation
Where to apply
At the Mexican embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence; exchange at the INM in Mexico

Who qualifies

You need acceptance by an institution of the National Education System (Sistema Educativo Nacional) for technical, undergraduate or postgraduate studies, or an exchange, research or mobility programme of more than 180 days; shorter courses use a visitor visa. Students under an international mobility agreement also meet its own conditions, and Mexican government scholarship holders do not have to prove solvency.

Documents

The acceptance letter must give your name, level, year and field of study, course name, start and end dates, tuition cost and the institution's details. Add a free-form letter requesting the visa, the form, your passport and original statements, plus proof of legal stay if you apply outside your own country.

Required documents

Identity

  • Valid passport and completed visa application form

Money

  • Original bank, income or scholarship statements for the last 3 months
  • USD 56 fee receipt

Study

  • Acceptance letter from a National Education System institution with level, field, dates and tuition cost

Other

  • Free-form letter requesting the visa

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Identity

  • Proof of legal stay if you apply outside your country of nationality

Family

  • Parent's or guardian's statements and proof of relationship if they fund a student under 25

Proof of means

The visa guidelines in force since August 2025 accept either monthly income from a job, pension or scholarship of more than 220 UMA days over each of the last three months, or an average balance of 2,290 UMA days over the same period. With the 2026 UMA of MXN 117.31, that is about MXN 25,808 a month or MXN 268,640. Students under 25 may use a parent's or guardian's statements, and a school scholarship letter or bank loan document also counts.

Applying at the consulate

Book through the SRE's Mi Consulado system at the Mexican embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence. Attend in person for the interview and fingerprints, pay the fixed USD 56 fee and return on the date given, normally within 10 working days. The visa allows one entry within 180 calendar days. Parents can apply for a minor.

  1. Obtain an acceptance letter from a Mexican institution in the National Education System.
  2. Collect three months of statements meeting the income or balance threshold.
  3. Book an appointment through Mi Consulado at the Mexican embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence.
  4. Attend the interview, pay USD 56 and give fingerprints.
  5. Enter Mexico within 180 days of issue.
  6. Within 30 days of entry, exchange the visa for a student card at the INM.

After arrival: the student card

Within 30 calendar days of entry, request the student card from the INM by exchange (canje): bring the INM's printed online form, your passport, the entry record (FMM), the fee receipt and photos. Fingerprints are taken in person. Missing the deadline can lead to an order to leave.

Renewal and long-term plans

To renew the card, the INM asks for a letter or certificate from the school confirming that you continue your studies. Time spent as a temporary resident student does not count toward the five years of residence required for naturalisation.

Minors and family

A spouse or children coming along need their own visa under the family-unity rules.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a student visa for a 3-month Spanish course?

No. Studies of less than 180 days can be done on a visitor visa.

How much money do I need for a Mexican student visa?

Income of more than 220 UMA days a month, about MXN 25,808 in 2026, or an average balance of 2,290 UMA days, about MXN 268,640, over the last three months.

Can my parents' bank account be used?

Yes, if you are under 25. A scholarship letter from the school or a bank loan document is also accepted.

How much does the Mexican student visa cost?

USD 56 at the consulate; the INM card in Mexico has a separate fee.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Mexico

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Up to 180 days, as authorised by the INM at entry

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: Depends on the authorised category: up to 180 days as a paid visitor, or temporary residence of more than 180 days up to 4 years
  • Digital nomad visa Maximum stay: More than 180 days and up to 4 years of temporary residence

Family

Residence

Protection

Mexico visa guide