The program for resolving the migration situation has completed its work. The Mexican Migration Service no longer accepts applications for a residence permit under this program and does not issue resident cards.
The settlement program has been in effect since March 2021 and initially allowed anyone who stayed in Mexico during the coronavirus epidemic to obtain residency status. Then the terms of the program were extended to those who had ever been to Mexico before, and with each subsequent year they covered an increasing number of potential applicants for a residence permit. The settlement program provided a temporary resident card valid for up to 4 years, and this card provided all the same options for living in Mexico as most resident cards obtained on other grounds.
On March 14, 2025, the terms of the settlement program were changed for the last time. Then, some migration service offices completely stopped providing residence permits under this program, while others continued to review applications, narrowing the number of applicants to those who had remained in Mexico since 2022.
Some migration service offices issued resident cards for a shorter period than 4 years. Such cards need to be renewed, and this can be done immediately for a maximum period of up to 3 years. The basis for issuing a new resident card for a new period is considered to be the expiration of the validity period of the current card received under the settlement program. No other confirmation is required for renewal. After 4 years as a temporary resident, you should obtain a Mexican permanent resident card (permanent residence), without additional confirmation.
At this time, it is not known when a new migration program similar to the settlement program that has just ended will be announced. This is unlikely to happen in 2025. The previous migration amnesty program was in effect in 2017, that is, 5 years before the start of the current program for resolving the migration situation. If you are looking for a way to obtain residency status in Mexico, consider other options.