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fm-3

batman - 3-13-2006 at 08:46 AM

I'm planning to move to Baja in May,and I'd like to to know if I can start on an fm-3 instead of getting an fm-t...Thanks

Bob and Susan - 3-13-2006 at 08:56 AM

sure...if you do it in the states at the consulate...

David K - 3-13-2006 at 08:57 AM

I am sure the pros who live in Mexico will give you the best answer... I can tell you that an FM-T is for TOURISTS (people on a vacation)...

If you are going to maintain (keep) some personal or real property in Baja, you are NOT a tourist... per Mexican immigration, thus the FM-3 or FM-2 visa.

Salsa - 3-13-2006 at 09:40 AM

Just remember you must move your household stuff within 6 months or you lose your right to a "free" move.

Don

bajajudy - 3-13-2006 at 09:41 AM

Someone posted on here that the 6 months was good every time that you renewed. Any truth to that?

bajalou - 3-13-2006 at 09:51 AM

When I got my FM3, I was required to get a FMT before they would process the FM3. That was in San Felipe.

elizabeth - 3-13-2006 at 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajajudy
Someone posted on here that the 6 months was good every time that you renewed. Any truth to that?

I checked that with the local consulate and with Ajijiclaw.com and they both said no...one time only.

Marinero - 3-13-2006 at 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by elizabeth

Quote:

Originally posted by bajajudy
Someone posted on here that the 6 months was good every time that you renewed. Any truth to that?

I checked that with the local consulate and with Ajijiclaw.com and they both said no...one time only.

Marinero - 3-13-2006 at 11:56 AM

Well, that didn't work so well. The threads I followed indicate that the 6 month period is for each FM-3. Thus, one spouse can get the FM-3, import for 6 months and then the other can get the FM-3 and import for an additional 6 months. Is that the deal?

:?:

mexibob - 3-13-2006 at 11:57 AM

One point to be aware of, it is illegal to hold an FMT and an FM2 or 3 at any one time. It's one or the other. If you have the FM2/3 passport you aren't allowed a VISA.

The FM3 is issued and renewed each year for five years. After that you can petiton to have your FM3 converted to the FM2.

Here again, renew once a year for five years. Near the end of the fifth year you can petition for immigrate status. This can take some time and some more money.

Bob and Susan - 3-13-2006 at 12:07 PM

Remember with an FM2 you can only leave the country a limited number of days

FM3= as long as you want

elizabeth - 3-13-2006 at 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marinero
Well, that didn't work so well. The threads I followed indicate that the 6 month period is for each FM-3. Thus, one spouse can get the FM-3, import for 6 months and then the other can get the FM-3 and import for an additional 6 months. Is that the deal?

:?:

That does seem to be the deal...and that's our plan. The question related to a new 6 month period with each renewal...that's what I was told doesn't work. One FM3...one six month window.

bajajudy - 3-13-2006 at 02:32 PM

I didnt mean that everytime you renewed you could import your goods.
Someone posted that if you missed the first time, you could do it the next time you applied if you had never done it.
I believe that it was Dave...are you out there, Dave?

elizabeth - 3-13-2006 at 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajajudy
I didnt mean that everytime you renewed you could import your goods.
Someone posted that if you missed the first time, you could do it the next time you applied if you had never done it.
I believe that it was Dave...are you out there, Dave?

Ah precision, or lack of it, in language. My understanding of the old post was the same as yours, that you would get a new opportunity at each renewal, but only if you hadn't used the one time import before. That was the question I asked the consulate...

Bob and Susan - 3-13-2006 at 03:17 PM

...and their answer to that was????

elizabeth - 3-13-2006 at 03:39 PM

That it is a one time opportunity to be used within the first six months of your original fm-3. You don't get a second shot after renewal if you didn't do it the first time.

wornout - 3-13-2006 at 07:36 PM

Couple of things here. I did the FM 3 for 5 years and now on the 3rd year of my FM-2. Every immigration office will give you different information. And sometimes the same immigration office gives different info. I am going for Immigrado so I won't have to FM-anything anymore in two years. I moved here in 1998 and sold everything in the old country. I was told at the immigration office here in San Felipe that one could NOT go directly from FM-3 to Immigrado. I have seen info on this board contrary to that, so again, I think it depends on the local immigration office.

I have been told when you get the FM3 in the States, you get a new one everytime, one can not get a renewal in the States. I was told if you want to renew a State side issued FM 3, you have to renew in Mexico. Another day, something different.

The only thing that seems to be the same across the board is the price for and FM 2, FM 3 and renewals for each. I think that is set by Mexico City.

Bruce R Leech - 3-13-2006 at 08:16 PM

don't wast your time and money on a FM2 unless you really want to be Immigrado. that is the one and only reason for having a FM2.

you are under more restrictions with a fm2 than you are with a FM3.

once you are Immigrado you still need to report any change in your status and or have permission to work .

Bob and Susan - 3-13-2006 at 08:26 PM

You MUST renew your FM3 in the area you live.

If you get an FM3 in the USA you MUST have it stamped in the area you live within 30 days.

Bruce R Leech - 3-13-2006 at 08:31 PM

good point Bob.

might as well get it at the office where you intend to live. some of the officers don't like it when you go over there head.

oladulce - 3-13-2006 at 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
...I can tell you that an FM-T is for TOURISTS (people on a vacation)...

If you are going to maintain (keep) some personal or real property in Baja, you are NOT a tourist... per Mexican immigration, thus the FM-3 or FM-2 visa.

Some of us fall through the cracks though.

There's no immigration category for those who own property and keep stuff in Baja but have to utilize FMT's because we don't meet the criteria for an FM3:

- Not retired.
- Don't live in Mexico full, or even part-time yet.
- Unable to open a Mexican bank account because we lack an FM3.
- Can't get to Baja Sur monthly to generate the bank account activity the immigration office wants to see when it's renewal time. (at least this is a requirement of our local immigration office in San Carlos/ Mag Bay).
- U.S. work schedule may not allow FM3 renewals within the required timeframe.

We're FM-FR's (future retirees).

mexibob - 3-13-2006 at 09:35 PM

I chose to complete the process to become an immigrant. I feel it is a small way to pay back the opprotunity to live in this country.

It's my opinion that if you are to live here you should give the most back that you can, and not be one that takes advantage of the country while living here on a VISA.

As far as reporting and limitations are concerned. If I move from my 'registered' location, get married or take a job, I need to notify the proper officials.

During the ten year process I was never told there was a time period that I could be in or out of the country.

With the immigrant status I can't hold a political position, can't serve alcohol or have a government job. All of above that really aren't an interest to me anyway.

I can't vote either.

Other than costing one a few thousand dollars, a lot of paperwork, ten years of waiting, a lot of anguish when the rules are changed and just doing the dance, it is worth the process if you truely want to give back.

David K - 3-14-2006 at 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by oladulce

Quote:

Man, I hope someone gives the correct skivy on this, because you CAN NOT have property left in Mexico legally with a Tourist Card (FM-T)... to my knowledge.

Nomads??? Is there some other kind of FM-3 or visa that applies here?

oladulce - 3-14-2006 at 02:15 AM

It is confusing DK.

I should clarify that alot of the "stuff" we keep in Baja are items that we have declared and paid Mexican importation tax on, such as solar power and water pumping equipment, appliances, building supplies, outdoor furniture etc. The subject of our immigration status never comes up and Aduana seems happy to accept the Import tax money at the border.

With each of our property purchases over the past 17 years the Notario has made copies of our current tourist cards to add to our Title documents and fideicomisos. In fact he always says "make sure your tourist card is current when you come to sign your property papers."

In the past the big focus was on people who left beind vehicles, trailers, and boats in Mexico that they have not legally imported in to the country. But even FM3 holders could fall in to that category!

FMT/FM3

Jack Swords - 3-14-2006 at 07:11 AM

Interesting discussion...living six months in La Paz and six months in CA, we utilize an FMT. We owned a home in Todos Santos, rented property, and have our sailboat in the marina (7 years). The boat is properly imported. Never have we been told that the FMT is not correct. Again, in Mexico, the law depends upon who you are talking to. I'd bet that 90% of the boats in the marinas down here are owned by persons with an FMT as the owners come on and off each year. As to getting the FM3 for "giving back" to Mexico, we spend thousands of dollars (pesos) each year enjoying this country and employing locals. When hurricane Marty hit, La Paz was hit hard economically without the boaters/tourists, most who have FMTs. Then again, there are quite a number of FM3 holders who want to live cheaply in Mexico and do not spread the dollars around. The aforementioned poster who won't qualify for an FM3 is certainly "giving back" as are all of us with FMTs and FM3s. I have participated in local charities, taught English, carried materials for local churches in my truck, loaned $, given $, etc. All on an FMT. Most others do the same. I suspect "giving back" is more dependent upon the individual, not a piece of paper. Also, many get the FM3 so they can participate in the IMSS social security health benefits, senior discounts, etc. That's taking, not giving. FMT holders do not qualify.

As a footnote, my wife and I are getting the FM3 here in La Paz this year, however for political reasons, not to imbibe on the country's generosity.

bajajudy - 3-14-2006 at 07:26 AM

The guy who does our FM3's told us just last week that after 5 years of FM3's (which have all of your comings and goings stamped in them if you travel by air) you meet the out of the country time limit restrictions( i. e. have not been out of the country more than an FM2 allows) you can go straight to imagrado. He called someone in Mex city to obtain this information. BUT as we all say over and over again...it is different in each location and even within the same office.

Bruce R Leech - 3-14-2006 at 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mexibob
I chose to complete the process to become an immigrant. I feel it is a small way to pay back the opprotunity to live in this country.

It's my opinion that if you are to live here you should give the most back that you can, and not be one that takes advantage of the country while living here on a VISA.

As far as reporting and limitations are concerned. If I move from my 'registered' location, get married or take a job, I need to notify the proper officials.

During the ten year process I was never told there was a time period that I could be in or out of the country.

With the immigrant status I can't hold a political position, can't serve alcohol or have a government job. All of above that really aren't an interest to me anyway.

I can't vote either.

Other than costing one a few thousand dollars, a lot of paperwork, ten years of waiting, a lot of anguish when the rules are changed and just doing the dance, it is worth the process if you truely want to give back.

it seems that you give more back by keeping your FM3. at least you pay every year to renew.

what do you give back by being an immigrant? :?:

mexibob - 3-14-2006 at 02:45 PM

it seems that you give more back by keeping your FM3. at least you pay every year to renew.

what do you give back by being an immigrant?

The process for me took ten years, that's ten years of renewal fees and passports. The FM3 is completed after five years. What does one do, renew the FM3 or move forward to somenthing new?

You ask what I give back, I'll tell you. By going through the process I have demonstrated to the people of this country that I share the same feelings they do about Mexico. I show them that an American can adapt to their lifestyle and culture.

I am proud to have this status. It shows patience and perserverance to getting the job done. It shows that I am willing to adapt and overcome what it takes to be a part of their society. I offer my services to those that want it and ask for nothing in return. My hand is out, but it is out in offering, not taking.

I expect we all could ask what we give to a community or society. Fortunately I can articulate what it is that I give, can you?

I know I've done the right thing when the people of this country learn that I have become a part of their society. They feel good that someone has taken the chance to join them, someone from the land of plenty has given it up to be with them.

comitan - 3-14-2006 at 03:38 PM

Mexibob

Very well said, I agree completely as I am going through the same process.
I wish that more people who live in Mexico would take as seriously as you are. Good for you.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jeffg - 3-14-2006 at 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marinero

Quote:

Originally posted by elizabeth

Quote:

Originally posted by bajajudy
Someone posted on here that the 6 months was good every time that you renewed. Any truth to that?

I checked that with the local consulate and with Ajijiclaw.com and they both said no...one time only.

My wife and I got our initial FM-3's at the Mexican consulate in San Diego. They told us that a Menaje de Casa had to be issued within 6 months, but that it could also be issued within 6 months of renewal (if not already used). They were clear though, that it was 1 menaje per family, we could not get one for me, then one in my wifes name the next year. (I suspect that the interpretation of the regulations is different in each consulate / immigration office.)

It all was pretty much a moot point though, we did try to use our Menaje de Casa. Paid the fees, paperwork and manifests were all approved by the Mexican Consulate in San Diego. Crossed at Otay with our trailer load of stuff (maybe 3-4K value). Customs said we needed a broker, then the broker said the menaje was invalid, but maybe we should come back tomorrow. Back to customs, sent to another broker, again they didn't want to deal with it, but maybe in 4-5 hours they could work on it. Or maybe tomorrow. Anyway, to make a long story short, after about 4 hours we gave up, threw the menaje in the trash, and paid the duty and brokers fee on a value of about $900 (their valuation).

Good luck!

Jeff

bancoduo - 3-14-2006 at 08:08 PM

what are you giving back?

bajalou - 3-15-2006 at 08:56 AM

"Anyway, to make a long story short, after about 4 hours we gave up, threw the menaje in the trash, and paid the duty and brokers fee "

This has been the experience of friends who tried to use the Menaje.

jerry - 3-16-2006 at 01:14 AM

the only way i would get a fm2 is buying land no more fedo ..
that another way of givin something back.. back pocket

have a good one jerry

bajajudy - 3-16-2006 at 07:03 AM

Sorry Jerry but you still have to pay with an FM2. With immigrado status, you do not have to pay.

Dave - 3-16-2006 at 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajajudy
Sorry Jerry but you still have to pay with an FM2. With immigrado status, you do not have to pay.

Who told you that? Only citizens can own fee simple (in the exclusion zone).

vandenberg - 3-16-2006 at 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

Originally posted by bajajudy
Sorry Jerry but you still have to pay with an FM2. With immigrado status, you do not have to pay.

Who told you that? Only citizens can own fee simple (in the exclusion zone).

Correct Dave. You have to get naturalized to have that exclusion. Then you can own property anywhere and also vote. Inmigrado status just gets you out of the yearly renewal hassle. But it makes you able to have a business and work.

bajajudy - 3-16-2006 at 08:34 AM

I dont remember exactly who but they were going to La Paz to do the paperwork and said that it had taken 6 months but would be worth it.
I will check into it and see if, in fact, that is true.

bajajudy - 3-16-2006 at 08:37 AM

You are both correct. I used the wrong word. They had become naturalized(is that a word?)

Bruce R Leech - 3-16-2006 at 08:42 AM

I find that asking for Immigration advice is like asking someone what is there favorite Chili recipe. every has there own opinion of what it should be and how to go about getting those results.

what ever works for you is fine but for advice try the Immigration website

jerry - 3-16-2006 at 08:51 AM

oops i was mistaken what i meant to say was citizen and i was told that one can keep there us citizenship too

but the guy who told me that uses chile beans and i use kidney beans :biggrin:

have a good one jerry

Bruce R Leech - 3-16-2006 at 09:00 AM

the duel citizenship is the way to get the best of both worlds.

I like to use Chile beans and kidney beans some times. my Chile is rarely the same I constantly change the ingeredence.

bajajudy - 3-16-2006 at 09:23 AM

Excellent advise Bruce!

I like mine without beans

Diver - 3-16-2006 at 09:45 AM

Bruce,

Do you sell dual citizenships at your store ???? :lol:

Seriously though, how can you get that status if not born in Mexico or to mexican parents ?? Do I need to ditch the gringo wife for a local ??

Bruce R Leech - 3-16-2006 at 09:55 AM

there is an office in La Paz you just go in and apply and give them the appropriate paperwork and some bucks and it takes about 6 months

bancoduo - 3-16-2006 at 10:00 AM

6 mo's to buy a mexican wife?:moon::moon::moon:

[Edited on 3-16-2006 by bancoduo]

Bruce R Leech - 3-16-2006 at 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bancoduo
6 mo's to buy a mexican wife?:moon::moon::moon:

[Edited on 3-16-2006 by bancoduo]

what does that have to do with anything on this thread? :?: