Hello Jbader,

We checked with our immigration associates: there is no “new rule” about this 30-day requirement and applicants do not have to remain in Mexico for 30 days but they must remain in Mexico until the exchange process completes. (Applicants may optionally apply for an exit/re-entry permit AFTER filing for the exchange and getting a file number.)

Applicants with a residency visa sticker in their passport must arrive in Mexico and file for its exchange to a residency card before the visa expires, AND within 30 days of their physical arrival date in Mexico. Otherwise the visa becomes void.

Time scales for visa exchange processing vary by location/office, and exchanges may not be processed/cards issued on the date of the appointment. Applicants should not expect same-day processing as routine.

You can read about current typical timescales for exchanges (based on our associates’ recent experiences) on this page:
https://www.mexperience.com/time-scales-to-exchange-a-mexico-residency-visa-for-a-card/