Introduction
Leaving one's home country is never an easy decision. When the departure is forced by situations of violence, persecution, or danger, arriving in a new country brings the urgent challenge of finding legal security. In Mexico City, thousands of people seek protection each year through theCOMAR (Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance).
It is very common to hear that COMAR is "the way to get papers in Mexico," but it is essential to understand how this process really works. As immigration law specialists in Mexico City, we want to explain to you clearly what COMAR is, who qualifies, and how this process legally protects you.
What is COMAR and who is it really for?
It is important to be very clear and honest at this point:the procedure before COMAR is not a general immigration regularization program.It is an international protection procedure.
The refugee status is intendedexclusivelyfor people who:
Have a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, gender, or membership in a particular social group.
Have fled their country because their life, safety, or freedom have been threatened by widespread violence or internal conflicts.
If your purpose in Mexico is solely for economic or tourism reasons, COMAR is not the appropriate route and your application could be denied. However, if you truly cannot return to your country due to fear or danger, the Mexican State has the obligation to protect you.
Benefits of Starting the Refugee Process
From the moment you formally start your application with COMAR (you have 30 business days from when you enter Mexico to do so), you acquire immediate rights:
Non-Refoulement:Mexican authorities (including INM) cannot deport you or return you to your country while your application is in process.
Visitor Card for Humanitarian Reasons (TVRH):With the proof of your application at COMAR, you can request this card from the National Institute of Migration.
Work Permit and CURP:The TVRH grants you a CURP (Unique Population Registry Code), which allows you to work legally in Mexico, open a bank account, and access public health services.
The Process: What to Expect?
The process at the COMAR offices (located in the Juárez neighborhood of CDMX) requires patience and preparation:
The Interview:This is the most critical step. You will need to explain in detail why you fled your country. Having evidence and a clear narrative is essential.
The Waiting Time:Although the law specifies certain timeframes, due to high demand, resolutions can take several months. During this time, you must sign in periodically and cannot leave the state where you started the process without authorization.
The Resolution:If COMAR approves your application and recognizes you as a refugee, the immigration path changes drastically in your favor.
The Next Step: Permanent Residency
One of the great reliefs of obtaining Refugee Status Recognition is that you have the right to apply for thePermanent Residencybefore the INM. This allows you to live in Mexico indefinitely, enter and exit the country (with certain restrictions regarding your country of origin) and build your life with complete legal security.
Why is it vital to have legal advice?
The process before the COMAR is free and personal. However, a mistake in your statement, a poorly prepared interview, or lack of follow-up can result in a negative resolution.
AtRondon & Sánchez, we accompany you with empathy and professionalism. We analyze your story confidentially to determine if the COMAR is the right path for you. If it is, we prepare you for your interviews and manage all parallel procedures before the INM (such as your Humanitarian Reasons Card and, eventually, your Permanent Residency).
Your safety and peace of mind are our priority.If you fear returning to your country and need protection in Mexico, contact us today. We will provide you with an honest consultation to guide you through each step of this sensitive process.
Below, we answer the most common questions we receive in our office about the asylum application process in Mexico City:
Although the law establishes a period of 45 business days (extendable to 90 days), the reality is different. Due to the extremely high number of applications in Mexico City, the entire process can takefrom 6 months to over a year. It is a process that requires a lot of patience and constant follow-up on your assistance signatures.
No. The process with COMAR and the National Institute of Migration (INM) for asylum seekers isstrictly free. No public official can charge you. However, hiring aprivate immigration lawyerhas fees for legal advice, case review, preparation for your interviews, and support to ensure you do not make mistakes that delay or ruin your process.
Yes, it is possible, but not automatically. Once COMAR accepts your application and gives you a certificate, you must go to INM to request aVisitor Card for Humanitarian Reasons (TVRH). This card grants you a CURP and a temporary work permit valid while your asylum process lasts.
No, this is a very serious mistake.One of the strictest rules of COMAR is that you must remain in the federal entity where you started your process (in this case, CDMX or the metropolitan area) to sign periodically. If you go to another state or try to reach the border with the United States without formal transfer authorization, COMAR will consider your case asabandonedand you will lose your protection.
If you receive a negative resolution, not everything is lost. The law grants you a period of15 business daysto file a "Review Resource." It is an appeal where more evidence or legal arguments are presented. At this stage, having the support of a specialized attorney is essential to reverse the decision.