The Canje process is the final step that turns your Mexican residency visa into an official residency card. If you were approved for Temporary or Permanent Residency at a Mexican consulate outside Mexico, you must complete this exchange upon arrival in Mexico.
Your visa alone is not your residency. The Canje is required to obtain your residency card.
What Is Canje?
“Canje” means exchange.
It refers to exchanging the visa sticker in your passport for your Mexican residency card at the nearest immigration office (INM) to your Mexican residential address. This step must be completed within 30 days of the visa being validated at the airport or at the Mexico border.
When the Canje Process Applies
You must complete Canje if:
- You were approved for Temporary or Permanent Residency at a Mexican consulate
- You received a residency visa sticker in your passport
- You are entering Mexico to finalize your legal residency
Canje does not apply to tourists or visitors.
Step-by-Step Canje Process
1. Enter Mexico for Canje (Not as a Tourist)
When arriving in Mexico, you must inform the immigration officer that you are entering to complete Canje.
Do not use automated kiosks.
If you enter as a tourist, your residency visa may be canceled.
2. Receive the Correct Entry Authorization
When you enter Mexico to complete the Canje process, immigration must record your entry correctly.
- If you enter by air, your passport will be stamped showing your entry for Canje and 30 days.
- If you enter by land, you will be issued an FMM entry form marked for Canje and 30 days.
3. Visit Immigration (INM) Within 30 Days
You must visit an INM office within 30 days of entering Mexico to start your residency card application.
Missing this deadline can result in the loss of residency approval.
4. Submit Residency Application
At INM, you will:
- Submit your passport and visa
- Complete fingerprints and photos
- Pay government fees
- Finalize residency paperwork
This officially converts your visa into resident status.
5. Receive Your Resident Card
Once approved, INM issues your Temporary or Permanent Resident Card.
Processing times vary by location and workload. Some cases are completed quickly, while others take several weeks.
You must remain in Mexico until the card is issued unless authorized to leave.
Important Canje Rules
- You must enter Mexico correctly for Canje
- You have 30 days from entry to begin the process
- Leaving Mexico without permission can cancel your application
- Waiting more than 30 days increases the risk of residency cancellation
Temporary vs Permanent Canje
The Canje process is the same for both residency types. The difference is the card issued:
- Temporary Resident Card: issued for 1 year
- Permanent Resident Card: issued with no expiration
How San Diego Leisure Can Help
We help clients:
- Enter Mexico correctly for Canje
- Avoid visa and entry mistakes
- Manage INM appointments
- Complete the Canje process smoothly
Get Trusted Help With Your Canje Process
Get guidance you can trust for your Canje process. Jorge Gonzalez provides personal assistance in the San Diego–Tijuana area, including daily pickup from San Diego Airport or local hotels. The Canje process is completed in half a day unless the system is down.
👉 Book a Free Consultation
📞 Phone: (619) 512-7537
✉️ Email: jorge@sandiegoleisure.com
Canje Process FAQs
What is the Canje process in Mexico?
The Canje process is the step where you exchange the residency visa in your passport for your official Temporary or Permanent Resident Card at a Mexican immigration office (INM).
Who needs to complete the Canje process?
You must complete Canje if you were approved for Temporary or Permanent Residency at a Mexican consulate outside Mexico and received a residency visa in your passport. Tourists do not complete the Canje process.
How long do I have to start Canje after entering Mexico?
You must begin the Canje process with INM within 30 days of entering Mexico with your residency visa.
What do I receive when entering Mexico for Canje by air vs. by land?
If you enter by air, you usually receive an entry stamp in your passport.
If you enter by land, you are typically issued an FMM entry form. In both cases, your entry must be recorded correctly for Canje.
Where do I complete the Canje process?
The Canje process is completed at a Mexican immigration office (INM). Most applicants apply at the INM office closest to where they plan to live in Mexico.
How long does the Canje process take?
Processing times vary by INM office and workload. Many cases are initiated in a single visit, and the resident card may be issued the same day. Some offices take about two to three weeks.
Can I leave Mexico while my Canje is in process?
In most cases, you should not leave Mexico while your Canje is pending unless you receive proper authorization from INM. Leaving without authorization can affect your residency process.
Is the Canje process different for Temporary vs. Permanent Residency?
The steps are very similar. The main difference is the type of card issued at the end — either a Temporary Resident Card or a Permanent Resident Card.
