Gather the appropriate documents. Before you leave for Mexico, make sure you have all the paperwork required. You will need your passport, five 2.5-inch by 3-inch color photos showing you without jewelry or glasses (two of these need to be profile headshots and three must be straight ahead shots),a marriage certificate if married, and birth certificates if bringing children under 18 years of age, plus proof of income.
The income requirement, according to the Mexican Consulate for an F3 Visa is 250 times the current minimum wage, which as of October 2010 is 57.46 pesos or $4.61. Each dependent increases the amount by 50 percent.
Enter the country. As of May 1, 2010, the Mexican government will no longer issue visas to those in other countries. You need to enter Mexico and fill out the Multiple Migratory forms that are either provided on airplanes or can be picked up at the National Institute of Migration located at customs.
Go to the nearest National Institute of Migration to request a visa. The country recommends making an appointment within 30 days of entering the country if you know you need a visa. You will need to bring your passport, five 2.5-inch by 3-inch photos of yourself and the original Multiple Migratory forms you filled out when you entered the country.
Fill out the proper paperwork. Once you are at the National Institute of Migration, you will need to fill out the forms provided. Forms vary based on the reason you are staying in the country. The associate helping you will provide the correct forms.
Pay the fee. The person assisting you at the National Institute of Migration can tell you how much your visa will cost. It takes several weeks to receive the visa, which is a small card comparable to a driver's license.
