On May 14, 2026, the Agreement issued by the Ministry of the Interior (SEGOB) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) entered into force, amending and supplementing the General Guidelines for the issuance of visas by both agencies.
This Reform incorporates significant changes in immigration matters that affect Mexican employers who hire foreign personnel to participate in specialized projects, as well as foreign nationals applying for visas under the job offer category. Among the main changes, four key aspects stand out:
- New Pathway to Temporary Residence: Highly Specialized Technical Assistance
A new category has been added to the Temporary Residence Visa process, applicable to foreign nationals who are experts in technical or highly specialized fields and who enter Mexico to provide technical assistance or specialized consulting services for strategic projects, provided that there is no subordinate employment relationship and no remuneration is received within the country.
- Changes to the Visa Application Process Based on a Job Offer
The job offer supporting the application for a temporary residence visa—or a visitor visa with permission to engage in paid activities—already had to specify the occupation in accordance with the current National Occupational Classification System and the amount of compensation along with its payment frequency. With this Reform, the following information is now required:
- Required Timeframe and work arrangement (in-person, remote, or hybrid).
- Location(s) where the activities will take place, including the full address (registered office, branches, operational locations, or other sites).
Special Case—Highly Specialized Strategic Projects: When the job offer is part of a strategic project requiring highly specialized professional or technical knowledge, the offer must also specify the knowledge transfer and training program for Mexican personnel and be accompanied by documentation certifying the foreign national’s specialization. This provision applies only when the employer is a legal entity.
The Agreement expressly clarifies that a work permit or the granting of a status of stay that involves performing activities in exchange for compensation does not imply validation of professional degrees, certifications, or licenses by the immigration authority; it only validates the authenticity of the job offer. The foreign national becomes subject to Mexican tax obligations.
- Changes to the visa application process for visitors without permission to engage in paid activities for humanitarian reasons, visitors with permission to engage in paid activities, temporary residents, or permanent residents, filed with the Institute
For those involved in highly specialized strategic projects, a new requirement is added: They must submit, in original form for verification, documents attesting to the foreign national’s knowledge and experience. The list of applicable fee payments is also updated.
- Consular Interview
The last paragraph of Section V, Subsection B (Consular Interview), of Article 19, Chapter XVI, is amended to specify that the consular authority may not request, during the interview, any requirements beyond those expressly provided for in the Immigration Law, its Regulations, the Guidelines, and other applicable provisions. This provides greater certainty regarding discretionary requests at Consulates.
In general terms, this amendment is relevant for companies that regularly hire specialized foreign talent—whether through one-time consulting arrangements, technology transfer, or formal employment contracts—as it seeks to provide greater clarity on the type of immigration status applicable based on the actual nature of each relationship.
At VAHG, we recognize that proper immigration management is a strategic element for companies operating in Mexico that need to hire specialized foreign talent. Our practice encompasses the comprehensive analysis and support of the several immigration schemes provided for in the Immigration Law and its Regulations, with a focus on strengthening legal certainty and security for our clients in light of the evolving regulatory framework and new requirements from the competent authorities.
| Elvia Rios Saldaña | Partner
+52 (33) 38171731 Ext. 228|erios@vahg.mx |
Luis Andrés Estrada Intriago | Senior Associate
+52 (33) 38171731 Ext. 224 | lestrada@vahg.mx |
Pablo Méndez Fernández | Paralegal
+52 (33) 38171731|pmendez@vahg.mx
**The publication of this document does not constitute legal, accounting or professional advice of any kind, nor is it intended to be applicable to particular cases. This document refers to laws applicable in Mexico.