According to the legal provisions that govern entry and residence in Mexico, foreigners may enter Mexico under the following categories, either to take part in activities or reside in the country:

NON-IMMIGRANT: This category applies to a foreigner who enters Mexico with the authorization of the National Immigration Institute. The intention of the foreigner is to not live permanently in our country. The non-immigrant only enters the country for a determined period of time.

IMMIGRANT: This category applies to a foreigner who enters Mexico with the authorization of the National Immigration Institute. The intention of the foreigner is to live in our country for the long term (more than five years). The immigrant is authorized to engage in any legal activity as stipulated by our immigration laws.

LONG-TERM IMMIGRANT: This category applies to a foreigner who enters Mexico as an Immigrant and who has acquired the rights for permanent residence in the country (more than five years).

The following immigration characteristics are listed under the corresponding Non-Immigrant and Immigrant status:

NON-IMMIGRANT
A) Tourists (6 months)
B) Trans-migrants (30 days)
C) Consultants (1 year, 4 extensions)
D) Political refugees
E) Refugees
F) Students
G) Local visitors
H) Distinguished visitors
I) Provisional visitors
J) Visitors (1 year, 4 extensions)
K) Visitor - business visitors and investors
L) Technical or Scientific

IMMIGRANT
A) Investment-income person
B) Investor
C) Professional
D) Management position
E) Scientist
F) Technician
G) Family member
H) Artists or Athletes