HOW TO MOVE TO MEXICO | GETTING A TEMPORARY RESIDENCY VISA (PART 1: STATE SIDE)

[@TravelWTravis]

Let us know your questions or any experiences you had getting a visa for Mexico!

[@KareemPinkston]

I’d just like to say a big THANK YOU for ALL of your videos and efforts to keep us all informed about the happenings in Mexico. I’m glad that you are sharing your experiences with us, whether it be easy or difficult. I’m glad you were so thorough with the info too! Love y’all!!

[@KareemPinkston]

Also, I LOVE your detailed caption info!!

[@Rockstarmami]

Will you make a video about the second half of the process at Immigration Office?

[@TravelWTravis]

@@Rockstarmami yep!

[@Rockstarmami]

@@TravelWTravis Great, I’ll look out for that video, I’m interested in applying for residency and moving to Cancun next fall.

[@MRJLS15]

Omg my faves are back sending so much love and hugs 🤗

[@TravelWTravis]

❤️❤️❤️

[@lencrites7044]

Thanks for this important information. 😎

[@daniellewarnholtz3385]

Great information, thanks guys !!!

[@ronaldoago-go5907]

Haha - David asleep like *SNAP* always cracks me up. And thanks for sharing your experience!

[@enriquebaez4727]

That's awesome congratulations 👏🏽 gentlemen

[@xlovebugx586]

Thanks for the info! Congrats! 🎉

[@TravelWTravis]

Thanks Amber!

[@gailtriplin9785]

Thank you guys!

[@lesliealessandro2838]

Love your videos!!!!! When are you traveling to Chiapas and Isla Holbox?

[@TravelWTravis]

Soon!

[@juliocesarzermenolotina3708]

¡Felicidades!🎉

[@TravelWTravis]

Gracias!

[@vivianhart8579]

Congratulations!!

[@TravelWTravis]

Thanks Vivian!

[@sharonl4821]

Congrats!

[@TravelWTravis]

Thanks Sharon!

[@taneishasharee7333]

Thank you guys sooo much! I’m planning to go to the DC consulate and this was a great find!!

[@TravelWTravis]

We're so glad - good luck on your appointment!

[@JaypeaFoto]

Great Video as always. Congratulations on your Temporary Residency

[@TravelWTravis]

Thanks!

[@karenfritz127]

Congratulations guys!!

[@mattmdd80]

Just got my temporary residency visa approved in Tucson, Arizona today! Thank you both for the top-notch videos.

[@TravelWTravis]

Congrats!!

[@mrtry29927]

Another great video gentleman. February 21st is my day. Looking forward to my new experience...

[@TwoMadExplorers]

Hola Café con Leche Travels! We love your videos and are currently in Mexico as well Keep up the good work! We would be delighted to meet you on our travels

[@Tina23Taurus]

Congrats lovely's a celebration dinner is due!! Looking forward to the next chapter, may 2022 be all blessings for you both that your cups runneth over! xx

[@kenyaj6707]

Congratulations guys! 🎉I’m so glad you were able to get those temporary residency visas without any drama!😅

[@TravelWTravis]

Us too!

[@pbjsilverstudio4882]

So helpful, thanks guys. I’ve been taking notes from all the channels I subscribe to with regards to moving to Mexico since we decided that’s where we are moving to.

[@dannymarcil]

Hi guys! One of our followers on our channel suggested you guys to us. We are a Canadian couple and on our last videos we shared with our audience that we are going to move to Mexico. We feel we have a lot to talk about!

[@johntirado-glover3574]

Congratulations!!!. Thanks so much for this information, and keep enjoying your in journey in Mexico. Safe travels, Johnny & Johann/ Los Angeles 🙆‍♂️👏🥂

[@juliehoward2618]

I love you guys. I've been watching you for a long time now. I'm here in Merida and spent the last 2 hours trying to find information on how to get my permanent residence visa and up pops your video. I wish you guys the best always.

[@TravelWTravis]

Aw thanks Julie! And good luck on your visa!!

[@Dmarquez369]

What about a lump sum distribution payment. If its 6 figures...it wouldn't be good unless I show 6 months of 2200 per month payments....

[@TravelWTravis]

Not in our experience - but there's also a savings account option (last we checked it was $30K in an account over the last 12 months). Definitely check your consulate's website for the most up-to-date requirements though!!

[@lisadebraga8327]

Thanks for your informative videos. I got my temporary resident visa!!! Planning to move to Mérida with my mexican love soon. In Canada I needed ONE year of bank statements!

[@TravelWTravis]

Ah congrats!! 🎉🍾🎉

[@rebeccar4312]

Oh my, Thursday (Dec. 16th), has come and gone and no new video from Cafe con Leche...ought we be concerned?

[@acajudi100]

I will start on my retirement visa in 2022 at the age of 79. I am loving living in beautiful, safe and super clean Queretaro, Mexico. Thank you young men, and all, who share. I hope to do it all here, because air travel is so difficult at my age. I am in great health, but the walking is not like it was. I have been coming to Acapulco since 1962, I will do it. Acapulco's earthquakes were the deal breakers.

[@JosueDerasJustMe]

When are you starting to sell kcups with your cafe brand?

[@ashndz]

Hi guys! Great info! I am wondering if the income requirements are for net or gross income?

[@brendahardin4168]

Ever think about Ecuador?

[@tyler-alexander-walton]

Great video!! Question, the employment verification letter, what does it need to say on it? Do you need it to say you're allowed to work remote?

[@jeffsimpson46]

Funny video idea, or a segment at least, edit together some choice moments from this video with the video when you tried to get a visa the first time. Your adventurous spirit runs through both videos. However, you are much more the voice of experience this time around. 🙂

[@karenfritz127]

My appointment for the DC embassy was in November i live in NYC and i traveled there a day early. I also had my bank stamp my bank statements. I had a snafu I forgot the verification letter for my pension income and a Chase bank statement for November 1. The staff was so accommodating they asked if I lived local and I stated I'm from NYC they allowed me to run to the hotel and print the pension verification letter and Chase bank statement. I was approved once I returned with all the documents. I phoned the DC embassy in October for an appointment left a message and they returned my call the same morning and answered my questions along with advising me the date for appointment schedule will be available. I had the utmost experience there. They asked me why I wanted a visa for Mexico my response I want to explore all of Mexico and learn more Spanish.

[@billhanson7944]

Good news. A friend did all of his application in Oaxaca and then he just got his residency. He is here now and has to go back to Mexico before July to renew and then he will be good for 5 years. I love all your videos as you know. So when you hit the road again I hope you will go to San Cristobal de Las Casas. We stayed in a wonderful little hotel within walking distance to everywhere. Hung out in a coffee shop on the zocalo. Can send that to you before you go and a few more suggestions. standing by for your next one! Abrazos from Portland.

[@mariagkok4me]

Congratulations! no worries for the both of you and getting kicked out due to lack of legal status. Thanks for the info on the process. Hopefully i ll be doing the same next year.

[@TravelWTravis]

Yay, thanks Maria!

[@jackieturner4629]

CONGRATS! 🎉 I applied at the DC Consulate (so easy) as well in April.I was pretty much in and out, no questions asked. Didn't know I was approved until it was time to get fingerprints and take pic. In fact, once I went to Mexico to complete the process, I discovered that I had been approved for a permanent visa because I'm retired. One and done! ❤

[@TravelWTravis]

So awesome!

[@therealmellyb]

any idea of married couples?

[@TravelWTravis]

Not sure but plenty of couples have done it! Check your local consulate’s website for the requirements!

[@melissamiller8416]

Like Travis and David said, it depends on your local consulate or at least the one you plan on applying with. For DC, you will each need to show economic solvency, but you can use the same accounts as long as both of your names are on the accounts. Both of you will also need to make your own appointments.

[@subaru4me]

Did you guys do a followup video on what you needed to do in Mexico within 30 days to complete this process? Thanks for the videos!

[@TravelWTravis]

Not yet but we will!

[@EricOnYouTube]

Nice info. But this is for folks who've already had the 180 day visa, right? The temp residency visa is for 4 years?

[@toddruth8312]

In my experience interviewing at a Mexican consulate there was no mention of any 180 day visa or whether or not I'd ever been to Mexico.

[@TravelWTravis]

Nope, you don’t have to have had the 180 day first!

[@tunemistress8433]

Temporary residence grants you one year first, then you renew for one, two, or three more years.

[@Traveler-PKK]

What did they say you have to provide to immigration when you get to mexico? This is like part 2 of getting the resident visa.

[@TravelWTravis]

We’re doing a whole video on that - but they provide a written list with everything you need to show at the US consulate!

[@brownsugarbayb]

So you have to get all your bank statements the day of your appointment? Would they accept bank statements with end balances from a couple days earlier? It doesn't make sense that they would want you to hustle to banks on the day of your appointment of which is probably scheduled in the morning

[@judit1783]

CONGRATS!! glad it went well. Did you two live in California?? Why did you get renewal in DC?

[@dianakurland2500]

This brought back memories; I’m now applying for my permanent visa four years later. Update; got my permanent visa last Thursday. I’m in the states as of yesterday but will be back in Mexico in June. I really, really want to meet up with the two of you. I’ll even come to Merida.

[@TravelWTravis]

Wow - congrats!

[@DavidAlbertoGamez]

Congrats!!! My partner just got his temporary residency card here in GDL. I recommend have a checklist of all the new paperwork you will need to fill out for the INM where you do it. Here in Guadalajara the same day of the appointment, he got his card!! Super quick and efficient!! Good luck guys!!

[@lisamccrea7243]

Hello! My husband and I have our temporary resident visas from our Mexican Consulate. We are looking for some help to get the exchange process completed in or near Ensenada. Do you know anyone or have any advice? Thank you!

[@lisamccrea7243]

Do we have to wait until we get to Mexico to get an appointment with the INM? Is there any way we can book the appointment ahead of time?

[@trafalgat]

Great video guys, thank you! What if you’re an independent contractor that isn’t paid $2200 or more a month/ but make over that over the course of the year - when projects close? Also, NYC consulate is impossible to make an appointment. They only open 2 weeks at a time and there has never been an opening for over 4 months.

[@rebeccar4312]

Hop on the train qnd do it in DC

[@agl5132]

Yes, it is confusing. I know some have only needed to show 1400-1500 for financial requirements and retired folks who don't make that but are excepted as well. Still confused lol

[@tunemistress8433]

I just absolutely love your grateful attitude towards whether you're granted residency. If you're paying the fee in cash you used to have to have the exact change. I don't know about now, that was over three years ago, but I'd still be prepared with it. No, no, no..... someone has probably said this already, I haven't read through the comments first like I normally do. You have 180 days to enter Mexico after getting your residency application approved. Once you land in Mexico, you have thirty days to get to immigration to continue the process. Can't wait to see the upcoming travels. Now to read the comments :) - Anne

[@therealmellyb]

does it need to be remote work?

[@TravelWTravis]

Yep, it can’t be work inside Mexico (other side you’d be applying for a work visa, which are trickier to get)

[@glony01]

Hello Cafeinos... You guys are so cute..love your videos. Hope you guys get the visa (i dont believe you mentioned it if you guys rec'v them in the video). I have heard some people get it same day and others within 10 business days. I am curious, did yall go to DC bc the consulate ( I have also heard some consulate are quicker and easy to deal with than others). My son, 5 fur babies and I will be moving to Mexico in May/June and will set an appointment In February.

[@TravelWTravis]

Thanks so much! We went to DC because our family is out this way and we also heard it was a relatively painless consulate (as opposed to nyc or LA, which are not as easy). And it was! Good luck on your move!!

[@juang2944]

Bienvenidos de vuelta a México 😄

[@toddruth8312]

Congratulations! Now you can travel without the fear that that some immigrations official might say that have overstayed your welcome. That would be NO BUENO.

[@TravelWTravis]

Amen!

[@rochellebassarear9078]

Congratulations you guys! So exciting. Just curious why you did it in DC rather than LA? I’ve watched many videos & read comments that some consulates take forever to get an appointment, and of course every consulate is different as far as requirements. I won’t be able to do it for about a year, so I guess I will just keep soaking up info on the best consulates to go through.

[@TravelWTravis]

We were in DC for the holidays so it worked out, and they’re also just super streamlined here so it was easy to get an appointment and be in and out in the same day!

[@seanriley8448]

I've heard that you need 25000 in savings besides the 2200 a month income. What you think?

[@tomasmundo3367]

I have heard that also. Hope to find out. Tengo de la Migra!

[@toddruth8312]

There might be a consulate that requires savings but none of the consulates I'm familiar with ask for savings. The $2200 monthly income was for DC. Some consulates require less income. Check out different consular websites starting with the one closest to you.

[@bjones9942]

It's either savings OR monthly income, not both.

[@TravelWTravis]

It should be either - and we think the savings requirement could be a bit higher? But everything depends on the consulate - so double check the requirements for where you want to go!

[@zalayshiaimintuit]

Congratulations 🎉 and thanks for sharing! Do you have any insight on what the requirements would be if someone is self-employed? I heard you mention paystubs and the consulate having to see a consistent company for 6 months. So I'm curious🤔

[@TravelWTravis]

We think in that case you'd need tax returns showing your annual income, buuuut double check that with other people because we're not entirely sure!

[@zalayshiaimintuit]

@@TravelWTravis Thank you for your response! I just talked to someone and he just had to show 6 months of bank statements and business registry and one of his business owned his other business so he had to show account for the "owner" business.

[@TravelWTravis]

@@zalayshiaimintuit ah wonderful - figured there had to be a solution with so many people freelancing nowadays!

[@michaelsisk8750]

Hey guys!! We have tried two months in a row to get appointments with DC consulate. Check at 8-9 am last ten days of month and this month nothing at 9 and rurally booked at 11. Anything you can share to help us know how we can get appointments booked as we are really wanting tu get it done. Thanks so much and love your channel!

[@TravelWTravis]

Ugh that’s frustrating! We emailed and asked when they were opening new appointments for the following month and it happened to be the day we were flying back, so we were up early anyway. We refreshed the page for a bit and think they went live around 8:00 or 9:00 EST, and got our spots as soon as they became avail! Hopefully that helps!

[@michaelsisk8750]

@@TravelWTravis thanks much, guys:)

[@melissamiller8416]

Hey! In case you or anyone else is wondering, I emailed the consulate and they said slots open for March on Feb 18 at 10am EST. Also, periodically check the booking site because people may cancel appointments. We were able to snag one in two weeks because of it!

[@TravelWTravis]

@@melissamiller8416 oh amazing! Congrats and good luck!!

[@mattmdd80]

Congratulations! I have my appointment at the Tucson consultant next week. What if you use an online bank and can't go get a stamp from a banking location of your statements?

[@TravelWTravis]

We’re not sure, buuuut maybe have a notary attest to their accuracy? Just a thought though, they might not ask for that!

[@jonyork9143]

Love your channel Thank you for this video! My wife and I are getting ready to do this in February in DC! One question, did you have to prove that your income will be ongoing? Given that I will be retiring, do you think I should bring additional financial statements? Thanks again for the help.

[@TravelWTravis]

Good question! They didn’t ask for proof that it would continue, buuuut the more paperwork you have, probably the better!

[@thekrypticlady]

Congrats on getting your temp residency visas! Did you guys already get your ID cards in Merida? If so, how was that process? I’m trying to figure out if I should go to Merida or Mexico City to complete the process.

[@TravelWTravis]

We're finishing it in Merida and are still in the process - we'll make a video on it once it's all complete!

[@LS-id5hc]

Your allergy shoots must be working three doggies 🐾

[@TravelWTravis]

They are!! 🐶🐕🦮

[@LS-id5hc]

@@TravelWTravis Wow. On my to do list, when I move to Mexico.

[@tecoboy]

Congratulations Cafeiños! Whether you have a visa, that grant you temporary residency, or not… be safe and stay healthy! Love your vids!

[@TravelWTravis]

Thanks Tony! Same to you!!

[@markymarktraveler8075]

What was the process in completing your residency when you returned to Mexico? Who helped you with the Spanish translation at the Mexico immigration office and on their web site? Please let us know. You guys are great.

[@seetheworld268]

Good video. However I am confused. Unless immigration has changed you covered the application process. The visa in your passport is only an entrance visa for temporary residency. The process isn’t completed until you arrive in México and then you go through another round of processes with immigration. It takes 30-90 days to complete. Unless you are fluent in Spanish it’s easier to have an attorney handle it. I have permanent residency. I was very impressed with the process at the embassy and the professionalism of everything. Good luck on the last leg of this.

[@TravelWTravis]

Yep, you’re right - we’ll make another video once we’re back in Merida!

[@jayjones1961]

Congratulations guys! Do you happen to know if a married couple applies for temporary residency, do they need to each make 2200 or can one make more and the other one less as long as it’s around 4400?

[@TravelWTravis]

We’re not entiiiirely sure, but we think it’s a combined $4400ish (for DC - every consulate has different requirements so definitely double check everything!)

[@renomotel5342]

I am Canadian, but when I looked you need proof of marriage (longer process if your common law) and income, but the 2nd person isn’t required to earn the full$2200. Check online, We are applying in the Spring, when we get back to Canada.

[@melissamiller8416]

I asked the DC consulate and they said you and your spouse will need to provide the economic solvency accounts. However, they can be the same accounts as long as both of your names are on them.

[@sfllouis2117]

What is the process in Mexico once you get the ok from the Mexican embassy in the US, do you take the paper work from the Mexican embassy and give it to the Mexican government in Mexico?

[@TravelWTravis]

We’ll make another video showing that, but basically you make an appointment at the local immigration office in Mexico and bring your passport in to finalize the process.

[@michaelsisk8750]

Hey guys! We have tried to get online slots in DC and missed them two months in row. Today we checked at 9 am and February not open yet, checked just now and all are booked for February. Any counsel on timing or process to get a slot? Thanks much!!

[@cynthiacarlson4427]

Nice you two took the leap and applied! Please clarify: did you get approved same day as your initial appointment in Washington or are you now waiting for official approval of your application?

[@TravelWTravis]

We got the approval the same day!

[@cynthiacarlson4427]

@@TravelWTravis wow! Thanks and congratulations. I think I’ll pursue the process, too. I’ve been living in Central America and Mexico for 6 years, always traveling every 90 or 180 days to renew visas! I now have a good place in beautiful San Cristobal, Chiapas and I want to stay put. Wishing you happy travels and joyous holidays.

[@bellanegrin3915]

Did you have to provide a permanent address in Mexico for the interview?

[@TravelWTravis]

Not for the DC one, but for the follow-up in Mexico we had to give an address. Not sure it has to be permanent though - double check that with someone who knows more than us!

[@bellanegrin3915]

@@TravelWTravis thank you both. Have a wonderful holiday! Oh, by the way, do they, in Mexico, celebrate Christmas like those of us in the U.S.?

[@claudiasutherland3544]

I’m stuck on this requirement:To present Valid U.S. visa for multiple entries, with at least 3 months of validity at the time of your filing. Did you encounter this?

[@TravelWTravis]

Hm, not sure what this is? We didn’t see that - maybe they’re talking about a valid passport?

[@claudiasutherland3544]

@@TravelWTravis no this was in addition to valid passport. This was from the Kansas City Missouri consulate. I sent an email requesting info.

[@CrossroadsWellness13]

This sounds like it would be for someone who is not a US citizen… Who may be applying to the Mexican consulate somewhere in the US… Double check that this area or requirement applies to you. It may not be applicable if you are a US citizen.

[@johnneycoon7808]

Great informative video! My husband and I are thinking about applying for residency. We want to use an attorney as we believe our application would be complicated. Can you recommend or do you have any suggestions regarding an immigration attorney? Enjoy your upbeat videos!

[@TravelWTravis]

Thanks so much! We don't know any good attorneys, but would recommend searching the local expat groups for recs!

[@Indicesproptrader]

Can you apply for the temporary resident even if you've never visited Mexico before.

[@TravelWTravis]

Sure can! If you plan on living there and meet the requirements, definitely get it before you go!

[@Indicesproptrader]

@@TravelWTravis awesome that's what I plan to do. Thanks for the reply

[@fordwebster8113]

Out of interest do you have to do a Mexican tax return if you're living in Mexico on a temporary resident visa?

[@loricarrasco1256]

Do you feel like you needed a lawyer from Mexico to help you with any of these things? I’ve seen many advertise a smooth process with their help. Thanks so much for all your helpful videos.

[@TravelWTravis]

We’ve seen that too, buuuuut everything up until now has been pretty straight forward. We’ll keep you posted on how the last bit in Mexico goes, but from what we’ve heard it’s also a pretty simple process 🤷‍♂️

[@Sickofthesheet]

Hi gentlemen! Since my husband is Mexican, the process will be fairly simple for my temp resident visa (applying when we arrive in January) but funny thing happened when we came down to Merida to close on our house last week. Customs asked how long I was staying and I told him ‘about five days’. He gave me six!! 😳

[@TravelWTravis]

Yeah, they’ve been tightening how many days they’re giving out!

[@julietschida9114]

Hi Guys! How long will your temporary residency good for? I thought I’d heard on sites that there is an option of different timelines?

[@TravelWTravis]

This one is good for one year, and then you can renew it every year for four years, at which point you’re eligible for the permanent residency. (We think - double check that but that’s what we understand!)

[@oneofus7738]

Temporary residency is for up to four years. When you first apply, you are granted one year. At the end of that year, you can renew for one, two or three years. These renewals are processed in Mexico, don’t have to go back to a Mexican Consulate overseas. At the end of the 4 years as temporary resident you will have the choice of moving to permanent resident or start over as a temporary resident. Said move to permanent residency is processed in Mexico, staying as temporary resident implies going back to the Mexican Consulate.

[@thomastroub4563]

Guys, I am shocked at the bare minimum requirements for you....In LA, for me personally, it was a matter of proving that there is an account balance in either my checking or savings account (and no, 401K and other retirement accounts are not accepted as Savings accounts, because they are not accessible for the most part while you work) that does not drop below $33,000 month over month. In other words, it has to be that balance, or more, every single month for the last 12 months. I know of a person (ok, that was me) who dipped below for a matter of 2 weeks during the year, and I was denied until I could document a contiguous balance for 12 months, which, incidentally, went up by 5K somewhere in between. But I'm glad it turned out to be fairly easy for you guys 🙂 Maybe I'll run into you in Merida one day.....assuming that is where you will stay 😉

[@TravelWTravis]

Yes, we also had that experience when we tried in LA last year, which is why we went to DC this time! So nuts, but glad you were able to get one eventually!

[@SEA-ff1zu]

Any idea if it has to be a personal bank account or can it be business? Thank you.

[@TravelWTravis]

Hm, we used our personal? Probably have to show the biz paying you enough each month for 6 months to qualify (but double check us on that!)

[@sarahcoggins6225]

Things to go places to do… 😂

[@baberuthlessanddownton9647]

Question re Luis - is thar his WhatsApp number? Thanks!

[@TravelWTravis]

No, that’s his cell number. You can also find him on Facebook and message him via Messenger if that’s easier: facebook.com/luis.galinasolache

[@baberuthlessanddownton9647]

@@TravelWTravis thank you so much 💓

[@FindingHome2024]

Congratulations!!

[@TravelWTravis]

Thanks Trina!

[@luyzqint3760]

Congratulations!.✌️