Mexico immigration lawyers and facilitators

Residency in Mexico is a two-part process: a visa from a Mexican consulate in the US, then a resident card from the immigration office in Mexico. An attorney or facilitator helps mainly with the second part, and with checking that you qualify before you apply.

What they do

• Review your income or savings against the current requirements and tell you which residency type to apply for.
• Prepare the forms and letters for the immigration office, which are in Spanish.
• Book and attend the appointments with you, and translate.
• Handle renewals, changes of status, work permission and lost cards.

Attorney or facilitator

A licensed attorney (abogado) can advise on the law and represent you if something goes wrong. A facilitator (gestor) handles paperwork and appointments and usually charges less. For a simple application either can work. If you have a past refusal, an overstay, a complicated family situation or a business, use an attorney.

When to bring one in

As early as you can. A short consultation before your consulate appointment can save a wasted trip, and you will want them ready when you arrive, because the card exchange has to start within 30 days of entering Mexico.

What to ask before hiring

• Are you a licensed attorney, and can I see your licence number (cédula profesional)?
• What is the total fee, and what is included? Are government fees extra?
• Which immigration office do you work at most often?
• What happens, and what do I pay, if the application is delayed or refused?

Read the temporary resident visa guide first so you know which questions apply to you.

Common questions

Do I need a lawyer to get residency in Mexico?

No. Many people complete the consulate stage on their own. A lawyer or facilitator is most useful for the second stage at the immigration office in Mexico, which is in Spanish and has a 30-day deadline, and for anything unusual in your case.

What is the difference between an immigration lawyer and a facilitator in Mexico?

A lawyer holds a professional licence, can advise on the law and can represent you if an application goes wrong. A facilitator prepares paperwork and attends appointments with you, usually for a lower fee, but can't give legal advice.