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Mexicans living in the United States who want to prepare for their retirement can continue contributing to the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) without needing to return to Mexico. How and what do they have to do to add contribution weeks to their pension? We tell you everything about the process here.
Hundreds of Mexicans who live and work in the United States do not know that they can enroll in the IMSS from abroad and continue contributing toward their retirement.
This represents a great opportunity, as in this way they not only maintain the chance to receive a pension but also provide benefits to their family members; once they enroll in the IMSS, their loved ones are entitled to medical care and other services.
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How to add contribution weeks to the IMSS if you live in the United States?
To add contribution weeks from the United States, you can join the IMSS Independent Workers (PTI) scheme and make the corresponding payments.
The procedure can be started online and requires providing your personal information, your Social Security Number (NSS), an address in Mexico, and the monthly income you will declare to calculate the fee.
These are the steps:
- Entra al portal oficial del IMSS https://www.imss.gob.mx/personas-trabajadoras-independientes
- Busca la opción para mexicanos en el extranjero
- Captura tus datos
- Registra un domicilio en México
- Declara tu ingreso mensual
- Revisa el importe y realiza el pago.
What are the requirements to join the IMSS from the United States?
To begin the enrollment process as an independent worker, you must have the following information:
- CURP
- Número de Seguridad Social (NSS)
- Correo electrónico
How much does it cost to contribute to the IMSS from the United States?
There is no single monthly fee for all Mexicans who enroll from abroad. The cost is calculated based on declared income and the parameters established by the IMSS.
What happens to the contribution weeks you accumulated in Mexico?
If you worked formally in Mexico before moving to the United States, the weeks you previously contributed can be recognized when you rejoin the IMSS system.
How to check how many contribution weeks you have in the IMSS?
You can request your statement on the following page: www.imss.gob.mx/tramites. Check that your employment periods appear correctly and request guidance if you detect any omissions or inconsistencies.
How many weeks do you need to retire in Mexico?
The number of weeks necessary to obtain an IMSS pension depends on the regime and the conditions established by law:
-1973 Law: applies to those who began contributing before July 1, 1997, and meet the conditions to retire under that regime. Among its requirements is having contributed for at least 500 weeks, in addition to meeting the age and other applicable criteria.
-1997 Law: applies to those who began contributing on or after July 1, 1997. The minimum number of weeks has increased gradually in accordance with the law; in 2026, the general requirement is 875 weeks, in addition to meeting the other pension requirements.
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