Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The Mexican Foreign Relations Secretary published on Friday, October 10th new guidelines to issue VISAS. These guidelines will replace the current ones for Visas issued at Mexican consulates outside Mexico, and will be applicable starting October 17, 2014.

Remember that visas and residency cards are NOT the same thing. VISAS are issued by the Mexican Consulates and Embassies and are adhered to you passport, RESIDENCY CARDS are issued by the National Immigration Institute and look like credit cards. Mexican Consulates and Embassies are located outside Mexico in foreign countries, the National Immigration Institute is located within Mexican territory.

Here's what will change:

• The economic solvency requirement for Mexico Residency was lowered by 80%.

• Foreigners now are only required to provide bank statements showing an average monthly balance of the equivalent of $336,450.00 pesos, which is around $25,000.00 USD.

• If you are employed or receiving a pension, this amount was lowered to the equivalent of $20,187.00 pesos, which is around $1,500.00 USD.

• The Permanent Resident Visas will now only be issued to foreigners having a family link to a Mexican resident or citizen.

For more information, contact Simple Immigration founder, Oscar Magaña León, at oscar(at)simpleimmigration.mx for a consultation.

Because of his experience and knowledge of the law regulating immigration to Mexico, Oscar's primary focus is helping you obtain the right residency status for your stay in Mexico. So, if you are thinking about moving or retiring to Puerto Vallarta on a full-time basis, contact him at 322-120-6666 in Puerto Vallarta, 858-800-2098 from the US and Canada, or send an email to oscar(at)simpleimmigration.mx.