
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.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration trends across both Europe and Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2025.

Video
In this video, Partner Jack Kim explains how Canada’s Express Entry system works.

Awards
Fragomen and Partner Julia Onslow-Cole are shortlisted for the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards.

Media mentions
Associate Aisha Shahid highlights how upcoming UK immigration reforms may impact key sectors and urges businesses to prepare.

Awards
Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger are named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in Law list.

Blog post
Business Immigration Manager Yvonne Lee and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Shirley Kock discuss bespoke services and residency planning options for private clients in the Asia-Pacific region.

Media mentions
Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights the importance of understanding local laws and protections when LGBTQIA+ individuals consider emigrating.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how proposed student visa limits could create challenges and add administrative burdens for international students.

Podcast
David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.

Blog post
Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer discusses workations as a way to support talent retention, noting the legal, tax and immigration considerations involved.

Blog post
Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration trends across both Europe and Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2025.

Video
In this video, Partner Jack Kim explains how Canada’s Express Entry system works.

Awards
Fragomen and Partner Julia Onslow-Cole are shortlisted for the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards.

Media mentions
Associate Aisha Shahid highlights how upcoming UK immigration reforms may impact key sectors and urges businesses to prepare.

Awards
Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger are named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in Law list.

Blog post
Business Immigration Manager Yvonne Lee and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Shirley Kock discuss bespoke services and residency planning options for private clients in the Asia-Pacific region.

Media mentions
Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights the importance of understanding local laws and protections when LGBTQIA+ individuals consider emigrating.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how proposed student visa limits could create challenges and add administrative burdens for international students.

Podcast
David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.

Blog post
Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer discusses workations as a way to support talent retention, noting the legal, tax and immigration considerations involved.

Blog post
Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.