¹ The “migratory document” evidences a foreigner’s legal residence in Mexico.  The “renewal” application seeks to extend the length of the legal residence.

² The “permanent resident card” evidences a foreigner’s legal permanent residence in Mexico obtained under one of three conditions: the foreigner (1) completed four years of residence in Mexico; (2) has been married to a Mexican citizen for two years; or (3) has a child born in Mexico.

³ A “change of condition” application seeks to change the foreigner’s immigration status or basis for being authorized to remain in Mexico.  For example, the change may be from a tourist status to a temporary resident, or from a temporary resident to a permanent resident.

⁴ “Regularization” is known as the process through which a foreigner obtains “legal immigration status” in Mexico.  It typically is needed when a foreigner remained in Mexico without authorization or beyond the limits established by their initial migratory document.  It also may be needed if the foreigner has been performing unauthorized activities (such as working without a work permit).

⁵ The “exit permit” allows the foreigner to exit and reenter the country, even while having a process pending before the National Institute of Migration. 

⁶ The “work permit” evidences a foreigner’s authorization to work, tied to a temporary residence and an offer for employment.

⁷ This application allows the foreigner to replace the migratory document if it has been lost or stolen.