New Immigration Laws for Mexico as of 1 May 2010
April 14, 2010
New Immigration Laws for Mexico as of 1 May 2010
This post is a reprint as noted below and repeated here as a service to the North American Community. I have no additional knowledge about the subject at this time, Sid
This information came from an article in ilovesanmighel.com and rollybrook.com’s “How to move to Mexico”. More information will be added as it becomes available. This document is by no means definitive or comprehensive. It is presented as information only, and the final regulations will not be known until the Mexican government publishes its rules. There are a lot of questions and concerns about volunteerism. On this, LCS is waiting for more definitive information before we publish additional information.
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Summary: Mexican consulates in the US and Canada will no longer issue FM3s. The FMT will be replaced by the FMM.
FM3s and FM2s will no longer be in booklet form like a US passport but will be plastic cards with imbedded data strips. The bar codes on these visa-like cards can be updated much easier with address changes, marital status changes, employment changes, and so on. There will be no more problems of having to wait for these kinds of updates to be put into print booklets.
The FMT will be replaced with an FMM that will have three options*: one is a regular tourist permit like the current FMT, and the other two options will be for business people who come to Mexico for up to 180 days to conduct business for their foreign-based corporations. It is not true that the new FMMs will allow tourists in general to work during their 180 day maximum stays in Mexico. The rules overall are going to remain the same but the intent of the changes is for the process to be simplified.
*1) The regular tourist permit (Visitante con Actividades no Lucrativas);
* 2) Business (Visitante Persona de Negocios); or
*3) Business (Visitante con Actividades Lucrativas).
FMM will be the common tourist visa that is issued as you enter the country and which you must turn in as you exit the country.
The FMM is good for 180 days. It cannot be renewed. If you require more than 180 days, you will have to leave the country and re-enter with a new FMM good for another 180 days.
With an FMT (now FMM) you can come and go as often as you like, but each time you leave you give up your current FMT and come in on a new one.
An FMT is for one visit only. If you have brought in a car on a temporary vehicle importation permit on that FMT, you must take your car out with you when you leave, and you may not be able to bring in your car on your second 180-day FMT in a year.
Continuing on the benefits of an FM3 over an FMT, you cannot get a work permit or an INAPAM senior discount card without an FM3.
However, for those who do not have enough income to qualify for an FM3, the FMT is the only option.
The current minimum monthly income requirement being used by Immigration varies from state to state so you must check with your local Immigration office to see what your requirements are.
Questions:
Do those who currently have FM3s or FM2s have to apply for the new cards that will replace the current booklets?
The answer is no, the replacement cards will be given at the time of their next regular renewal.
Should an expat who has an FM3 or FM2 fill out the forms to get an FMT (after May 1 to be the FMM) that are handed out on airplanes headed to Mexico to all passengers?
Answer: No, because doing so means you will have to two different visa categories, which is illegal and you are subject to a fine. You should show your existing visa to prove you don’t have to submit an FMT or FMM application.
Can I leave my car in Mexico and fly back and forth NOB on an FMM?
Answer: Even though many expats do so, you can’t come in on one FMM with your car, leave by plane with your car staying in Mexico, and come in on another FMM later. Your car is not magically transferred to your new FMM.
NOTE: There is a new immigration manual that goes into effect May 1, 2010 and Immigration has said the intent of the manual is to make the process simpler, including making it easier to work legally.
The goal is to make it simple enough that no one needs to hire a lawyer to help them get working papers; it should be a process you can do yourself.
