Our Visit to the Mexican Consulate Office in Washington, D.C.

A few weeks after getting back from our vacation/research trip to Playa del Carmen, Mexico,  it was time to move on to the next step; understanding the legal processes and requirements of going to another country as a resident versus a tourist. 

In reading through immigration law blogs and forums, many changes have occurred to Mexico’s laws which impact the how, when and where of making application for residency status.  We had to admit that after reading through all the information, the entire process seemed to be a little nerve-racking and scary. But we pushed on and contacted the Mexican Consulate office in Washington, D. C. to determine what requirements were needed.

The consulate office provided a list of requirements listed below: 

Provided that you both are US citizens, a married couple, and that you will not gain employment or engage in profitable activities, the following are the requirements to get temporary resident visas:

1 - Fill out the visa application form.

2 - Apply at the Consular Section in person (2827 16th St.
     NW, Washington, DC 20009) from 8:30 to 11:30 am,
     Monday through Friday, except holidays.

3 - Original passport and one copy of the pages containing
     personal information, photograph of bearer, expiration
     date and extensions.

4 - One front view color passport size photo, without
     eyeglasses and white background.

5 - Original and copy of the document that proves that the
     applicant is a legal resident in the USA if he/she is a
     foreigner.

6 - Payment of the consular fee: $36.00 (Exact change, VISA
     or MASTERCARD).

7 - Proof of economic solvency: 

       a - Original and copy of documents showing that the
            applicant has a bank account or investments with
            balance of at least $95,892.00 US dollars after
            taxes during the  previous 12 months.

OR
       b - Original and copy of documents showing that the
            applicant has had a pension or monthly income of
            $2,000.00 US dollars after taxes during the previous
            6 months.

Additionally, in order to prove economic solvency on behalf of your spouse:

• Original and copy of documents showing that you have a bank account or investments with a balance of at least $1,600.00 US dollars after taxes during the previous 6 months.

OR

• Original and copy of documents showing that you have a pension or monthly income of $550.00 US dollars after taxes during the previous 6 months.

SPOUSE

1 - Fill out the visa application form.
2 - Apply at the Consular Section in person (2827 16th St.
     NW, Washington, DC 20009) from 8:30 to 11:30 am,
     Monday through Friday, except holidays.

3 - Original passport and one copy of the pages containing
     personal information, photograph of bearer, expiration
     date and extensions.

4 - One front view color passport size photo, without
     eyeglasses and white background.
5 - Original and copy of the document that proves that the
     applicant is a legal resident in the USA if he/she is a
     foreigner.

6 - Payment of the consular fee: $36.00 (Exact change, VISA
     or MASTERCARD).

AND

•  Original and copy of marriage certificate.

After reviewing the information provided, we gathered the appropriate documentation and headed to the Mexican Consulate in Washington, D.C. to start the process of obtaining our temporary residence visa. 

Documents we submitted:

 - Application form (completed in advance, they provided this
   form to us electronically)
 - Original and copy of passports
 - Original and copy of marriage license
 - Passport photos
 - 401K retirement information

The entire process took about an hour, with most of the time going toward completing data entry by the staff.  The staff was very nice, friendly, warm and engaging.  They answered our questions and were very helpful and professional.  In addition to the documents, they also took an additional photo and scanned digital fingerprints.

We paid our $36.00 each and received our Mexico Visa sticker that they affixed to our passports.  They explained that we would need to show this sticker, along with our other documentation to the INM office within 30 days of arrival in Playa del Carmen, Mexico to complete the process.

Whew!  It felt like we have been holding our breath for months waiting to start proceedings with immigration.  Although the process is far from complete, with this part done, it really is starting to feel like we are making our dreams come true.  Playa del Carmen, Mexico…here we come!

Disclaimer:  The information above is from our experience. Always check with your local Consulate office or immigration attorney to determine what is needed before moving to another country.