Visa exchange

This page provides information, recommendations, and references related to entry into Mexico, the application process for the Temporary Resident Student Visa, and its subsequent exchange for a Temporary Resident Student Card for participants in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program (RYEP).

Its purpose is to serve as a practical guide to help exchange students, their families, counselors, and Rotary program leaders navigate the process by bringing together official information, practical recommendations, and lessons learned from previous cases in a single resource. However, each student is responsible for ensuring that they meet the current immigration requirements and for submitting any documentation required by the competent Mexican authorities in their individual case.

Visa Exchange for a Residence Card

The visa stamped in the passport only allows entry into Mexico. To remain legally in the country during the exchange program, it is mandatory to exchange this visa for a Student Temporary Resident Card.

This procedure must be initiated within 30 calendar days of entering Mexico at an office of the National Immigration Institute (INM). The residence card will serve as the official document proving the student's legal stay throughout the entire exchange period. However, the Rotary District requires that this exchange procedure be completed within the first 5 days after the exchange student's arrival.

Minors

Minor students must comply with the legal representation requirements applicable to them.

The Application for Stay and any corresponding forms must be signed by the person exercising parental authority or legal guardianship whenever required for the procedure.

In Rotary exchange programs, when the parents do not accompany the minor to Mexico, it is recommended that the student carry a notarized authorization or power of attorney through which the parents authorize the designated person in Mexico to represent the student during immigration procedures. Depending on the specific circumstances, the INM may request additional documentation to verify such legal representation.

Documentation Required for the Visa Exchange

Present the original documents and copies of the following:

Valid passport.
Student Temporary Resident Visa stamped in the passport.
Printed Digital Multiple Immigration Form (FMMd).
Application for Stay, generated online and signed (see below for instructions on how to complete this application).
INM Basic Form.
Proof of payment of government fees, when applicable.
If the minor is represented by a legal guardian other than the parents, documentation proving such representation (for example, a notarized authorization letter or power of attorney, in accordance with INM and Rotary program requirements).
Apostilled birth certificate and, if issued in another language, translated into Spanish by a certified translator authorized in Mexico (the translation is completed in Mexico).

Photograph and Biometric Data

During the appointment, the INM will normally take the applicant's photograph, fingerprints, and signature. However, some offices may require printed photographs, so it is recommended to verify this requirement before the appointment.

Government Fees

The procedure is subject to the fees established by the current Federal Fees Law. At present, there is no fee for this procedure.

The payment reference is generated when completing the application on the INM website and, when applicable, must be paid according to the instructions provided by the system before the scheduled appointment.

Application for Stay

The Application for Stay referred to in the previous section ("Documentation Required for the Visa Exchange") can be accessed as follows:

Go to the Immigration Procedures website:

https://www.inm.gob.mx/mpublic/publico/inm-tramites.html

Select the "Immigration Procedures" icon.
Select the "Issuance of Immigration Document" icon.
Select the "Application" icon located on the left side of the page. This will take you to the Application for Immigration Stay Procedure form. The form can also be accessed directly at https://www.inm.gob.mx/tramites/publico/solicitud_estancia.html

Completing the Application for an Immigration Stay Procedure

In the field "What would you like to do?", select "Exchange or Replace an Immigration Document."
In the "Specify" field, select "Exchange FMM for a Visitor or Resident Card."
Complete all the requested information in the form.
Click the "Save" button.
Verify that all the information is correct and, at the bottom of the page, answer "Yes" to the question "Is the information entered correct?"
A page will appear from which you can print the application.
On that same page, you will also find important information that you should keep, including the "Piece Number" and a "Key." The Piece Number is required to schedule your online appointment, and together with the Key it allows you to reprint the application at:

https://www.inm.gob.mx/tramites/publico/impresion-solicitudes.html

The application must be signed in the presence of INM personnel.

Scheduling an Appointment at the INM Office

Step 1. Access the INM Services Portal

Go to the National Immigration Institute (INM) Services Portal:

https://www.inm.gob.mx/spublic/portal/inmex.html

When you enter the portal, you will have two authentication options:

Option A. Sign in with Llave MX (Recommended)

If you already have a Llave MX account, click "Sign in with Llave MX" and log in using your credentials. This digital identity allows secure access to various services and procedures provided by the Government of Mexico.

Option B. Create an INM Portal Account

If you do not have a Llave MX account:

Click "Create Account."

Activate your account using the link sent to your email.

Step 2. Register an Appointment

Once you are logged in:

Select "Immigration Procedures."

Then select "Online Appointments."

The system will display "Registered Appointments" and "Appointment Registration."

Select "Appointment Registration."

Complete the requested information, including:

Piece Number
State where you reside in Mexico
Date of birth
Document number
CAPTCHA code

Click "Verify Information."

Select the appointment date that is most convenient for you.

Attend the Appointment

On the scheduled date and time, go to the National Immigration Institute (INM) office in Querétaro (see location, telephone number, and office hours) or to the office you selected (see locations throughout Mexico), bringing the original documents and copies of the following:

Valid passport.
Student Temporary Resident Visa stamped in the passport.
Printed Digital Multiple Immigration Form (FMMd).
Application for Stay, generated online and signed (see the instructions above).
INM Basic Form.
Proof of payment of government fees, when applicable.
If the minor is represented by a legal guardian other than the parents, documentation proving such representation (for example, a notarized authorization letter or power of attorney, in accordance with INM and Rotary program requirements).
Apostilled birth certificate and, if issued in another language, translated into Spanish by a certified translator authorized in Mexico (the translation is completed in Mexico).

Note: caps, hats, and mobile phones are not permitted inside INM offices.

Disclamer

The information contained on this page is provided for informational purposes only and is intended to assist participants in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program (RYEP) with procedures related to entering Mexico, obtaining a Student Temporary Resident Visa, and exchanging that visa for a Student Temporary Resident Card.

Requirements, procedures, forms, fees, processing times, and applicable regulations may be modified at any time by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores – SRE), the National Immigration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migración – INM), or any other competent authority. Therefore, each applicant is responsible for consulting the official sources and verifying that they have the current information and required documentation before beginning or completing any immigration procedure.

The Rotary Club, the Rotary District, and their members, officers, and volunteers provide this information solely as a reference guide. They do not represent the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Immigration Institute, or any other governmental authority. Accordingly, they assume no responsibility for changes in laws or regulations, modifications to requirements, processing delays, visa or residence permit denials, financial losses, or any other consequences resulting from the use of the information published on this page or from decisions made by the competent authorities.

If there is any discrepancy between the information contained on this website and the information published by the official authorities, the official information issued by those authorities shall always prevail.

If, during your application process, you become aware of any changes to procedures, requirements, or documentation, or if you would like to share an experience that could help improve this guide, we would appreciate it if you informed your club's Youth Exchange Officer (YEO) or the District Youth Exchange Committee, so that this resource can be kept up to date for the benefit of future exchange students.

Google Sites

Report abuse