Are you a foreign national with an immigration document nearing expiration? You can renew it to extend your stay in the country as a resident alien. Applications for immigration processing, such as FM3, FMM, or a resident card, can be completed electronically on the government’s website.
Most applications require both the original and a copy of your documents, including a valid passport under international law. You’ll also need an official ID from your home country showing your full name, nationality, date of birth, and a photograph.
Include three small photographs (2.5 cm x 3.0 cm): two front-facing and one right-profile. Photos must have a white background, with your forehead and ears visible. No glasses, earrings, or instant photos are allowed. Color is recommended.
You must appear in person at the immigration office to provide your signature and fingerprints.
Here are the current fees (in Mexican pesos and approximate USD equivalents):
- 1-year Temporary Residence: 1,319 MXN (~63 USD)
- 2-year Temporary Residence: 5,570 MXN (~270 USD)
- Permanent Residence Renewal: 6,798 MXN (~329 USD)
You can start your application online, print it, and submit it in person at the office corresponding to your address. If the office is far, call 800 004-6264 for guidance.
While permanent residency does not expire, the resident card must be renewed every 10 years. Check the issue date to know when it’s time to renew. The process can be confusing, so having a lawyer or translator can help.
“I went to the bank (BBVA) to renew my debit card, and when they entered my Residente Permanente number, it showed as expired. I went to Immigration, and it had indeed expired. The office told me all cards now expire 10 years after the issue date,” said Jim Anderson, retired and living in San Bruno, CA, and Baja California Sur. He recently paid 8,500 pesos to renew his card.
“It’s just semantics. You’re still a permanent resident, but if your green card lacks a chip, you need to update to the new, white (and thicker) version,” said Marcia Atkinson-Roy of San Felipe.
“Renewing every 10 years makes sense. It helps the government keep track of who’s still here or alive,” said Barbara Jean Kreinbihl Bott, a 25-year resident of Mulege.
“I’m a citizen now, but when I got my PR card, they said it never expires,” added Jean Burnham. “We had to renew ours in town. The new cards are white or cream-colored. We paid 400 USD each. Don’t worry, your residency doesn’t expire, just the card.”
For more information, visit the official government site: https://www.gob.mx/tramites/ficha/renovacion-de-documento-migratorio