FAQ
Common questions.
What do I need for the Mexico student visa?
The official page asks for: acceptance letter from a Mexican education institution, passport valid for at least six months and recent colour photo, as well as the money to live on.
How much money do I need for the Mexico student visa?
Monthly income from a job, pension or grant above 100 days of the general minimum wage over the last three months, or an average monthly bank balance of 1,000 days of the minimum wage over the last three months. The Quetzaltenango consulate lists about Q8,200.83 and Q54,000, subject to change. The money must also cover tuition.
Do I need to pay tuition before I apply?
The acceptance letter must state the course fee, and the money shown must cover tuition as well as housing and living costs.
Can I work while I study in Mexico?
Students must ask the National Migration Institute (INM) for permission to do paid work.
Can I stay in Mexico after I graduate?
The official pages describe no post-study permit.
How long can I stay on the Mexico student visa?
The visa allows one entry within six months. Within 30 days of arrival it must be swapped for a Temporary Resident Student card at the INM. The official pages do not give the card's length.
How much does the Mexico student visa cost?
A consular visa fee charged in US dollars or local money. The Quetzaltenango consulate listed USD 51 in its 2023 sheet. The Washington embassy listed USD 54 in 2025 for a related temporary resident visa. The INM card fee was not found.
Who can apply for the Mexico student visa?
Open to citizens of any other country. Foreign nationals accepted by an institution in Mexico's national education system for courses, study or research lasting more than 180 days.
How do I apply?
At a Mexican embassy or consulate abroad, by appointment through citas.sre.gob.mx. This status cannot be obtained from inside Mexico.
Sources
- Mexico: Temporary resident student visa (Visa de residente temporal estudiante) (consulmex.sre.gob.mx)
- Mexico: Temporary resident student visa (Visa de residente temporal estudiante) (consulmex.sre.gob.mx)
General information, not legal advice. Last checked 11 Oct 2026.