New general guidelines for the SEGOB and the SRE
New general guidelines for the SEGOB and the SRE
Comments on the new general guidelines for the issuance of visas, jointly issued by the Ministry of the Interior (SEGOB, by its acronym in Spanish) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE, by its acronym in Spanish.)
This bulletin refers to the most relevant aspects of the publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) on July 25th, 2025, regarding the new “General Guidelines for the Issuance of Visas, jointly issued by the Ministry of the Interior (SEGOB) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE)”.
This new regulatory framework replaces the provisions in force since 2014 and introduces significant adjustments that will affect both individuals and organizations involved in immigration procedures or the international mobility of personnel.
Below are the key highlights:
1. Digitization of Processes.
The new guidelines incorporate digital tools such as the electronic file, digital handwritten signature, and digital certificates. This will gradually allow various procedures to be handled online through official platforms, expediting processes while also requiring greater control over document security.
2. Implementation of the Electronic Visa.
The Electronic Visa is institutionalized and may be processed directly online through a portal authorized by the SRE, without requiring physical presence at consular offices.
Initially, this format will be available for certain nationalities and exclusively for individuals entering by air under the condition of a visitor without remunerated activities.
3. New Classification of Visa Types.
To standardize criteria, visas are now divided into two main categories:
a) Visitor Visas (without permit, for adoption, electronic.)
b) Residence Visas (temporary, temporary student, permanent.)
4. New Guidelines for Submitting Applications.
Applications may now be submitted electronically and must be digitally signed.
For minors, reinforced requirements remain in place, including the authorization of both parents or legal guardians. The guidelines also clarify the applicable scenarios in the following cases: (1) Absence of one parent, (2) Custody rulings, and (3) Authorization before a notary public if the minor travels with a third party.
5. Personal Data Protection.
The document aligns with current legislation on privacy, national security, and transparency. It requires both SEGOB and SRE to comply with the General Law on the Protection of Personal Data Held by Obligated Parties, among other applicable regulations.
6. Final Resolution in Visa Reconsideration Cases.
When a visa application is denied and a request for reconsideration is submitted, the resolution issued by the National Institute of Migration (INMI, by its acronym in Spanish) will be final and may not be appealed. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully prepare the documentation and arguments from the outset of the procedure. Once the authority issues its resolution, it will be irrevocable, and the only remaining legal remedy would be to file an Indirect Amparo Lawsuit.
7. Effective Date.
The new Guidelines will come into effect on August 9th, 2025.
Procedures initiated before that date will be processed by the regulations in force at the time of submission.
Additionally, the system enabling management of the Electronic Visa and electronic file must be fully operational no later than January 21st, 2026.
8. Conclusion.
The new General Guidelines for the Issuance of Visas represent a structural shift in Mexico’s immigration system, signaling a transition toward digitization, process simplification, and strengthened institutional control mechanisms. The introduction of technological tools such as the electronic visa and digital file, along with a more precise classification of visa types and stricter regulations on data protection and final resolutions, demands greater technical and legal preparedness from both individuals and legal entities involved in immigration procedures.
At BDO LEGAL, we are available for any inquiries or support you may require regarding the implementation of these new provisions.
This bulletin refers to the most relevant aspects of the publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) on July 25th, 2025, regarding the new “General Guidelines for the Issuance of Visas, jointly issued by the Ministry of the Interior (SEGOB) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE)”.
This new regulatory framework replaces the provisions in force since 2014 and introduces significant adjustments that will affect both individuals and organizations involved in immigration procedures or the international mobility of personnel.
Below are the key highlights:
1. Digitization of Processes.
The new guidelines incorporate digital tools such as the electronic file, digital handwritten signature, and digital certificates. This will gradually allow various procedures to be handled online through official platforms, expediting processes while also requiring greater control over document security.
2. Implementation of the Electronic Visa.
The Electronic Visa is institutionalized and may be processed directly online through a portal authorized by the SRE, without requiring physical presence at consular offices.
Initially, this format will be available for certain nationalities and exclusively for individuals entering by air under the condition of a visitor without remunerated activities.
3. New Classification of Visa Types.
To standardize criteria, visas are now divided into two main categories:
a) Visitor Visas (without permit, for adoption, electronic.)
b) Residence Visas (temporary, temporary student, permanent.)
4. New Guidelines for Submitting Applications.
Applications may now be submitted electronically and must be digitally signed.
For minors, reinforced requirements remain in place, including the authorization of both parents or legal guardians. The guidelines also clarify the applicable scenarios in the following cases: (1) Absence of one parent, (2) Custody rulings, and (3) Authorization before a notary public if the minor travels with a third party.
5. Personal Data Protection.
The document aligns with current legislation on privacy, national security, and transparency. It requires both SEGOB and SRE to comply with the General Law on the Protection of Personal Data Held by Obligated Parties, among other applicable regulations.
6. Final Resolution in Visa Reconsideration Cases.
When a visa application is denied and a request for reconsideration is submitted, the resolution issued by the National Institute of Migration (INMI, by its acronym in Spanish) will be final and may not be appealed. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully prepare the documentation and arguments from the outset of the procedure. Once the authority issues its resolution, it will be irrevocable, and the only remaining legal remedy would be to file an Indirect Amparo Lawsuit.
7. Effective Date.
The new Guidelines will come into effect on August 9th, 2025.
Procedures initiated before that date will be processed by the regulations in force at the time of submission.
Additionally, the system enabling management of the Electronic Visa and electronic file must be fully operational no later than January 21st, 2026.
8. Conclusion.
The new General Guidelines for the Issuance of Visas represent a structural shift in Mexico’s immigration system, signaling a transition toward digitization, process simplification, and strengthened institutional control mechanisms. The introduction of technological tools such as the electronic visa and digital file, along with a more precise classification of visa types and stricter regulations on data protection and final resolutions, demands greater technical and legal preparedness from both individuals and legal entities involved in immigration procedures.
At BDO LEGAL, we are available for any inquiries or support you may require regarding the implementation of these new provisions.