The CANJE process is the formal procedure for obtaining a resident visa in Mexico after you have finalized the application processed in your home country’s Mexican consulate. This step is crucial if you plan to stay in Mexico long-term and enjoy all the benefits that come with permanent residency.
Please read this very detailed report. It’s a longer form that this article is derived from.
I won’t get into the benefits of permanent residency here. This is more focused on process.
CANJE is a stamp on your passport given by your home country’s Mexican consulate that’s outside of Mexico. It shows that you have successfully gone through the residency application process. The stamp is valid for up to 180 days upon arrival in Mexico, and it shows that you are pre-approved to get the residency card. The process is finalized at an immigration office (INM) in Mexico. It is best to travel to Mexico for the INM appointment 150 days from the date of the stamp.
At a Mexican Airport
Here is what you need to do upon arrival at the airport:
- Show the residency pre-approved stamp on your passport.
- Don’t assume they know you came for CANJE.
- Don’t use automated kiosks–make sure NOT to get stamped as a tourist with FMM. This cancels your residency status.
- The agent must write CANJE or 30 days on your residency stamp.
Online Appointments
- The appointment process begins 30 days after entry, but the timing of the actual appointment can be earlier.
- Most INM offices require online appointments. You can make from here. A few are walk-in only.
- It is strongly urged, for various reasons, that you work with an immigration facilitator. One reason is that the online appointments and documentation forms are in Spanish.
- Make your appointment for a few days to a couple of weeks ahead of your interview.
- Your documents are only in Spanish. Double check them for errors, including typos.
- Once you start the process you must finish.
Documents to Bring
- original passport with residency stamp
- digital FMM print out with two copies
- debit or credit card for government fees
- letter in Spanish requesting CANJE immigration
- bank statements showing funds available to you in Mexico, but no financial requirements are specified
- immigration forms filled out electronically and printed
Common Mistakes and Etc.
Please see this article for more important information.
