MX · Expiry & renewal tracking
Never let a foreign employee's residence card expire
Mexico's temporary resident card is valid for one to four years; with a work permit it lasts as long as the job offer (Regulation of the Migration Law, Article 156). The holder applies for renewal in the 30 calendar days before expiry; otherwise they get 20 to 30 days to leave or regularise (Article 165).
The temporary resident status allows a foreign national to stay in Mexico for no more than four years, with the possibility of obtaining a work permit tied to a job offer (Migration Law, Article 52, section VII). Temporary residents have 30 calendar days from entry to apply to the National Migration Institute (INM) for the residence card, which remains valid for the authorised period and proves regular migration status while valid (Article 59).
The temporary resident card may be valid for one, two, three or four years from the date the status was authorised. When the temporary resident obtains a work permit, the card has the same validity as the job offer. Within the 30 calendar days before expiry, the holder may apply for the renewals needed to complete four years (Regulation of the Migration Law, Article 156). When a temporary resident has a work permit, this must be stated expressly on the card (Article 164).
To renew, the foreign national files the application with the migration document, a sworn statement that the conditions of the stay still apply, proof of fee payment and any other requirements set by the Ministry, and appears in person (Regulation, Article 159). Where the status was granted on a job offer, a letter of continued employment on the employer's letterhead stating the period of employment is submitted; the renewal is granted for one year, or for two or three years where employment continues for the same period, with a maximum decision time of 15 working days (Guidelines for migration procedures, DOF 08/11/2012, Article 34).
The employer is involved at two points: the job offer that gives rise to the work permit must state the activity, duration, place of work and the details of the employer's registration certificate with the INM (Regulation, Article 165, section I, item e), and any individual or company that hires foreign staff must hold that certificate (Article 166).
At a glance
| Issued by | The National Migration Institute (Migration Law, Articles 19, 20 and 59) |
|---|---|
| Validity | 1, 2, 3 or 4 years from authorisation of the stay; with a work permit, the same validity as the job offer (Regulation, Article 156) |
| Cap on the status | Up to four years in total as a temporary resident (Migration Law, Article 52, section VII; Regulation, Article 156) |
| Renewal window | The 30 calendar days before expiry (Regulation, Article 156) |
| Employer document | Letter of continued employment on letterhead stating the period of employment (2012 Guidelines, Article 34, requirement 6, item d) |
| Decision time | Up to 15 working days (2012 Guidelines, Article 34) |
| Expired while abroad | May re-enter with the card if no more than 55 calendar days have passed, and must apply for renewal within the next 5 working days (Regulation, Article 160) |
Who is responsible?
The renewal application is filed by the foreign national, who must appear in person before the migration authority (Regulation of the Migration Law, Article 159, section II). The employer provides the letter of continued employment (2012 Guidelines, Article 34) and must hold a valid, up-to-date employer registration certificate (Regulation, Article 166). The resident must also notify the INM of changes of address or place of work within the following 90 calendar days (Regulation, Article 167; Migration Law, Article 158).
If the deadline passes
If the migration document is no longer valid and the foreign national did not apply for renewal in time, the authority grants between 20 and 30 calendar days to leave the country, apply to regularise their migration status or lodge the available appeals (Regulation, Article 165, section III, item b, second paragraph). Anyone who has overstayed the authorised period may apply for regularisation within 60 calendar days of expiry (Migration Law, Article 134, section I), and a fine is imposed on those whose regularisation is granted on that ground (Article 146). A resident who fails to inform the INM of a change of workplace, or does so late, is also fined (Article 158).
Watch the card date, not the job offer date
With a work permit, the card lasts as long as the job offer (Regulation, Article 156), so a one-year contract produces a one-year card. Since renewal can only be requested in the 30 days before expiry, ExpirySuite's 30-day reminder marks the opening of the window; use the 60-day reminder to prepare the letter of continued employment.
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each foreign employee and record the expiry date printed on their temporary resident card.
- Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before expiry and on the expiry day; the 30-day reminder coincides with the opening of the renewal window.
- The employee can upload the renewed card through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
- Assign a responsible person, such as HR; if a card expires, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the temporary resident card valid?
- One, two, three or four years from authorisation of the stay; with a work permit, the same validity as the job offer. Renewals may be requested until four years are completed (Regulation of the Migration Law, Article 156; Migration Law, Article 52, section VII).
- When is renewal requested?
- Within the 30 calendar days before the card expires (Regulation, Article 156). The authority decides within a maximum of 15 working days (2012 Guidelines, Article 34).
- What must the company provide for the renewal?
- Where the stay was granted on a job offer, a letter of continued employment on the employer's letterhead stating the period of employment (2012 Guidelines, Article 34, requirement 6, item d). The company must also hold its employer registration certificate (Regulation, Article 166).
- What happens if the card expires without renewal?
- The authority grants 20 to 30 calendar days to leave the country, regularise migration status or lodge appeals (Regulation, Article 165, section III, item b). Regularisation for overstaying may be requested within 60 calendar days of expiry and carries a fine (Migration Law, Articles 134, section I, and 146).
- What if the worker is abroad when it expires?
- They may enter Mexico with the expired card if no more than 55 calendar days have passed since expiry, without penalty, and must apply for renewal within 5 working days of entry; after 55 days entry with that document is not allowed (Regulation, Article 160).
Sources
- Ley de Migración (Migration Law), Articles 19, 20, 52, 59, 134, 146 and 158 (Chamber of Deputies, current text, last amended DOF 15-01-2026, in Spanish)
- Reglamento de la Ley de Migración (Regulation of the Migration Law), Articles 156, 159, 160, 164, 165, 166 and 167 (Chamber of Deputies, current text, last amended DOF 23-05-2014, in Spanish)
- Lineamientos para trámites y procedimientos migratorios (Guidelines for migration procedures), Article 34 (Ministry of the Interior, DOF 08/11/2012, in Spanish)
Last checked: Oct 10, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
Made for temporary resident card (with work permit) (Mexico)
A ready template for temporary resident card (with work permit) (Mexico) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.
Reminders on time
Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each temporary resident card (with work permit) (Mexico) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each temporary resident card (with work permit) (Mexico) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.