Residence Registration in Mexico: The INM Canje (2026)
Key Facts
—A 30-day deadline. If you arrived on a consular resident visa, residence registration in Mexico — the canje — must begin within 30 days of entry, or you risk having to start the visa over.
—It is an exchange. The canje swaps the visa sticker in your passport for a physical resident card issued by the immigration institute, INM.
—Book online first. You create an INM account, complete the formato básico, pay the fee at a bank and request an appointment (cita).
—Biometrics and CURP. At the appointment INM takes your photograph and fingerprints and generates your CURP; the card follows within days to a couple of weeks.
—Keep INM informed. Residents must report changes such as a new address within the period the law sets, so note the rules when you collect your card.
Residence Registration in Mexico: What the Canje Is
Residence registration in Mexico is the canje: exchanging the visa sticker you received at a consulate abroad for your physical resident card from the National Institute of Migration (INM). You have 30 calendar days from entering the country to begin it.
Miss that window and you may have to restart the visa process, so treat it as your first major task after arrival.
Booking Your INM Appointment
Create an account on the INM online portal, complete the basic format (formato básico) and request an appointment (cita) at your local office. You pay the government fee (derechos) at a bank or online and bring the stamped receipt.
Appointment availability varies by city, so book as early as you can inside the 30-day window.
Documents to Bring
Carry originals plus a full set of photocopies, and arrive early.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport with visa sticker | The consular visa you entered on |
| Entry form | The FMM or digital entry record |
| Photographs | Passport-style, to INM specification |
| Appointment confirmation | Printed from the INM portal |
| Fee payment receipt | Stamped proof of paid derechos |
| Proof of address | Requested by some offices |
At the Appointment: Fingerprints, CURP and Your Card
At the appointment INM takes your photograph and fingerprints and processes your file. Your CURP, the population ID you will use everywhere, is generated as part of registration.
The physical resident card is usually ready within a few working days to a couple of weeks, depending on the office; you return to collect it.
Fees and Timelines
Budget for the INM card fee, which scales with the length of the card and runs from a few thousand pesos upward. The whole canje typically takes from a couple of weeks to a month, mostly driven by appointment availability and card production.
After You Register
Keep your card on you and remember that residents must notify INM of changes such as a new address, marital status or nationality within the period the law sets. Note your card’s expiry: temporary cards are renewed before they lapse, while permanent cards do not expire.
More: Mexico news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
Next in the series
- 03 — Residency in Mexico: Temporary vs Permanent
- 02 — Your CURP and RFC: The Numbers That Unlock Mexico
- 05 — Open a Bank Account in Mexico as a Foreigner
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the canje in Mexico?
The canje is residence registration: you exchange the visa sticker placed in your passport by a consulate for a physical resident card issued by INM after you arrive.
How long do I have to start residence registration?
You must begin the canje within 30 calendar days of entering Mexico on your resident visa. Booking the INM appointment early is strongly advised.
What happens if I miss the 30-day deadline?
You risk losing the visa and having to restart the process at a consulate abroad. If you are close to the limit, prioritise booking any available INM appointment.
Do I get my CURP during registration?
Yes. INM generates your CURP as part of the canje, and you can then print it for free from the government portal.
How long until I receive my resident card?
Usually a few working days to a couple of weeks after the appointment, depending on your INM office. You return in person to collect it.
Can I leave Mexico while my card is being processed?
Only with a re-entry permit from INM if your canje is in progress and you do not yet hold the card. Ask the office before making travel plans.