Mexico: Stricter Requirements for Family Reunification Applications

The National Immigration Institute (INM) has implemented new rules for family-based residence procedures involving foreign spouses, partners, and children of Mexican citizens or permanent residents. For these procedures, both the foreign applicant and the Mexican citizen or permanent resident – and in the case of minors, both parents – must appear in person to complete the process. Previously, only the applicant was required to appear, or in the case of minors, one parent. Additionally, for all procedures – including first-time residence applications and renewals – applicants must now present the original marriage or birth certificate (as applicable) each time. These documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish if issued in a language other than Spanish. Previously, this requirement applied only to initial residence applications. Certificates issued in Mexico or those issued abroad that cannot be validated (e.g., via a verification QR code) will be subject to internal verification by the INM with the corresponding civil registry. Depending on the registry involved, this process may take anywhere from two to three business days to three to four weeks. As a result, many procedures can no longer be completed on the same day as the application, as was often the case previously.

In addition to longer processing times and increased administrative requirements, affected applicants may face travel restrictions. Foreign nationals with pending procedures before the INM must obtain a special exit/re-entry permit to leave and return to Mexico while their application is being processed and until they receive their resident identification card. It is unclear if the INM will publish official regulations on the above with additional details or implement additional changes.

We will monitor the situation and report on relevant developments. Affected foreign nationals should consult with their immigration professional for case-specific guidance.