On May 15th, 2026, Mexico’s Ministry of the Interior (SEGOB) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) published a joint Agreement in the Federal Official Gazette (“DOF”) amending the General Guidelines for visa issuance. The reform introduces new pathways that directly affect companies established in Mexico seeking to bring in highly specialized foreign professionals.
What Changed?
The Agreement adds a new category to the Temporary Resident Visa: high-specialty technical assistance and knowledge transfer in strategic projects. Under this framework, a Mexican legal entity — public or private — may sponsor the entry of a foreign expert without establishing an employment relationship or providing compensation within Mexican territory. The sponsoring company assumes joint liability for the expert’s maintenance during their stay and for their return to their country of origin or residence.
The reform also updates the requirements for the temporary resident or visitor visa with work authorization requested via a job offer, adding specific conditions when the position is tied to a strategic project requiring highly specialized knowledge.
The Agreement also amends the conditions for visitors with or without permission to work, temporary residents, and permanent residents, which are processed directly before the National Immigration Institute (INM), as opposed to the consular procedures described above. For cases linked to strategic projects, the sponsoring company must present documents, certifications, or credentials demonstrating the foreign national’s qualifications and relevant experience. The Agreement further clarifies that the granting of a work visa or permit does not constitute validation of professional degrees, certifications, or licenses by immigration authorities — it solely verifies the legitimacy of the job offer or sponsorship.
To access these new visa categories, the sponsoring company shall describe the strategic project, justifying the need for foreign expertise, and — critically — committing to a knowledge transfer program aimed at Mexican personnel, with the explicit goal of progressively reducing dependence on foreign talent.
The Agreement came into force the day following its publication in the DOF.
