The canje trámite (process/procedure) is the second and critical step to completing your legal residency in Mexico. This step involves finalizing and converting the visa in your passport issued by a Mexican consulate into your physical residency card. The process is completed at an office of the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) and must be initiated (not completed) within 30 days of entering the country. This article provides an in-depth look at the process, required documents, and guidance to ensure a smooth experience. 

Canje Trámite 

The canje trámite refers to the process of “exchanging” your visa in your passport for a temporary or permanent residency card. This step is mandatory for anyone entering Mexico with a residency visa and involves several formalities at the INM office, such as biometric registration and payment of fees. Without completing this process, your residency visa is not valid, and you risk being required to restart the entire process from scratch. 

Step-by-Step Process to Completing the Canje Trámite 

Step 1 – Obtain FMM: The first step in the canje process occurs at the point of entry and obtaining a FMM marked “CANJE”, which translates to exchange. This will be needed to finalize your residency at your local INM office. Be sure to show the INM agent at immigration the visa sticker in your passport and mention canje. They will know exactly what to do: 

• • By Air: 
    • The INM agent will stamp the visa sticker in your passport and mark it with canje and 30 days. Additionally, you might be issued a receipt with a QR code (depending on the airport), that you’ll need to scan and physically print off your FMMd (digital FMM), which will be needed at the INM office to complete the process. If you do not receive any type of scannable receipt, you can also access the online FMM portal (image below) and enter information from your passport to generate your FMMd, which you can print.  
    • If you enter an airport with automatic passport scanners, do NOT proceed forward through the scanners since these are meant for tourists and will potentially invalidate your residency. If there is a separate national’s line, it is recommended that you use that instead of queuing up in the tourist line. Otherwise, try and find an airline or airport employee who can direct you towards an actual INM agent who can process your canje correctly.  
    • Please note that some airports (e.g., BJX, QRO, etc.) may still issue you a paper FMM for your canje. 
  • By Land: 
    • The INM agent should issue you a paper FMM marked canje, which is valid for 30 days, and will stamp the visa sticker in your passport. They may also mark the visa sticker with canje and 30 days as well.  
    • Paper FMMs are still being used at the majority of land border crossings. There is a slightly different process if you are entering by foot at the CBX bridge in Tijuana.

Tip: Please note, if you are unable to download your FMMd or were not issued a paper FMM for whatever reason, at a minimum, ensure that the INM agent has stamped your visa sticker and marked it with canje and 30 days. Additionally, it would be advisable to consult an immigration attorney or facilitator in your area to verify whether the latter would be sufficient for your local INM office, in absence of an FMM.

Step 2 – Gather required documents and copies: You will need to prepare your documents before applying to finalize your residency. These include, but not limited to:    

• • Completed application form: Complete the Formato Para Solicitar Trámite Migratorio de Estancia form (image below) and this can be completed online at INM’s website. This general application form is used for the majority of immigration processes/procedures with INM.   
  • Completed basic format form: Complete the formato basico form and this can be completed online at INM’s website. This is a general form requesting personal details about yourself. 
  • Valid passport: You will need your passport with the visa sticker (issued at the consulate) as part of the application process.   
  • FMM: You will need the FMM marked canje that you received either at the airport or border crossing.
  • Appointment confirmation: You will need the appointment confirmation with the QR code you receive when you schedule your appointment online (see below).   
  • Photos: Photos for residency cards are taken on-site at INM offices.   
  • Payment: Applicable payment fees are paid on-site at INM offices. 

Make sure that all documents are up-to-date and that you have both originals and copies. Before your appointment, verify with your local INM office all the required documentation. Though immigration procedures have increasingly become more standardized across the entire country, nuances in the required documentation may still exist from office to office.

Step 3 – Schedule INM appointment: You will need to schedule an appointment first before proceeding to the INM office. This can be done on INM’s online appointment portal (image below). You will need to create a free user account and you will also need your “pieza” number, which will be included on your completed formato para solicitar trámite migratorio de estancia from above.

Step 4 – Attend INM appointment: The next step is to visit the INM office to submit your application and supporting documentation for finalizing your residency. Again, be sure to book your appointment in advance. You must:   

• • Present your application: You will need to submit your completed application form along with all the supporting documents listed above.   
  • Provide biometrics: During your appointment, you will be asked to have your fingerprints and photograph taken, which will be used for your temporary residency card.   

Step 5 – Provide payment: Payment of fees can be made with a debit or credit card at the office during your appointment. Cash is not accepted. Currently, these are the fees with this procedure and this is subject to change:   

• • 1 year temporary resident card fee: $5,570 MXN.  
  • 2 years temporary resident card fee: $8,347 MXN. 
  • 3 years temporary resident card fee: $10,571 MXN. 
  • 4 years temporary resident card fee: $12,529 MXN. 
  • Permanent resident card fee: $6,789 MXN. 

These fees reflect the increases that went into effect on January 1, 2025. Check back on INM’s website regularly as these fees are subject to change at any time and are typically updated once a year. Based on historical data, these fees have been steadily increasing over the years.   

Step 6 – Processing time: The processing time varies depending on the office, but it typically can be completed the same day. In years past, the process could take weeks or even months, including multiple trips to the INM office. However, this process has become a lot more streamlined with the modernization and standardization of INM’s various immigration procedures. However, in some cases, there may be a delay in receiving your physical card due to technical issues with the card printing machine, which is not uncommon. Even then, the delay may only be a few hours or a few days and in rarer cases, perhaps, a week. As such, be sure to take this into consideration if you are planning on traveling internationally. You will be provided documentation as proof of your application to finalize your temporary residency. Keep these documents safe, in case there is a delay in receiving your physical card.   

Step 7 – Collect card: As stated above, cards are typically issued the same day at the conclusion of your appointment. If not, the INM agent will either advise you of when to return or you will receive a notification via e-mail and/or online as to when to return to the office. Either way, you will receive a document from INM as proof of your application, which will contain a pieza and NUT (número único de trámite) number, in addition to an e-mail. The e-mail will contain a pieza number, password and an online link (image below) where you can check the status of your application, including when your card is ready for pick-up.

Additional Tips for Success 

Here are a few additional tips that can help ensure you have a smooth canje process: 

• • Start early: Begin the canje trámite as soon as you possibly can once you arrive in Mexico. 
  • Seek professional help: If uncertain about the process and/or your lack of Spanish, hire a facilitator or attorney. 
  • Stay informed: Monitor the INM website and local office updates for changes in procedures or fees. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: What happens if I miss the 30 day deadline for starting the canje trámite? 

A: If you don’t begin the process within 30 days, you will most likely need to restart the residency process all over again. Do not delay initiating the canje trámite and consult an immigration professional, if you anticipate any timing issues. 

Q: Can I complete the canje trámite at any INM office? 

A: No. Typically, you must go to the INM office that serves the geographical area where you reside. 

Q: Can I leave Mexico during the canje process? 

A: Technically yes with permission from INM but it’s generally advised not to leave Mexico until you physically receive your residency card. If you must travel, consult an INM office about obtaining an exit/re-entry permit in order not to jeopardize the finalization of your residency. 

Q: Can I bring my vehicle into Mexico while completing the canje trámite? 

A: Yes. If you have a pre-approved temporary residency visa sticker and are entering Mexico by car, you can obtain a temporary import permit (TIP) at the border, which is valid for 30 days. Once your residency is finalized, the TIP can be extended at the closest participating aduanas (customs) office to match the validity of your residency. 

Q: What should I do if my FMM is lost or invalid? 

A: Contact an immigration attorney or facilitator immediately. In some cases, INM can issue a replacement document, but this may delay your process. 

Q: How long does the canje process take? 

A: The answer completely depends on the INM office and their workload. With most offices, you can walk out the same day with your physical residency card. But it is not unusual for it to take longer if they are having issues with their card printing machine or if they have a very heavy workload. 

Q: Is there an expedited option for the canje trámite? 

A: No. While the process has become more streamlined, there are no official expedited options for residency procedures. 

Helpful Online Resources  

Stay up-to-date on all relevant information in regards to INM as it relates to immigration matters, as outlined in this article, by checking the following websites:  

• • Gob.mx: Mexico’s official federal government portal with details on all government matters, including providing detailed information on immigration and more.  
  • INM: Mexico’s official federal government agency responsible for all matters related to immigration.  
  • INM micro website: Official website of INM where you can complete all immigration procedures/processes (trámites), schedule an appointment and more.

Conclusion 

Finalizing your residency through the canje trámite is a crucial step toward legally living in Mexico and enjoying all the benefits that come with it. While the process may seem intricate, proper preparation and understanding of each step can make it straightforward and stress-free. By acting promptly upon entering Mexico, ensuring you have the correct documentation, and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can avoid common pitfalls and delays. Completing the canje trámite not only secures your residency status but also marks the beginning of your journey toward building a new life in this vibrant and welcoming country.