BajaNomad - Sacramento FM-3 Requirements

Sacramento FM-3 Requirements

bajaguy - 3-17-2007 at 09:26 PM

OK, you really don’t need an FM-3 to get into Sacramento.

I have read of many requirements necessary in obtaining FM-3’s and the hoops that Nomads have had to jump through. It seems that the requirements are ever changing, and sometimes have local “requirements.

Just for grins....

, I contacted my nearest Mexican Consulate, which happens to be Sacramento and asked them to send me “their” FM-3 requirements. What follows is a paraphrasing of that document.

1. Applicant must show up in person
2. Processing time is 3-5 business days
3. Prepare and sign a letter of intent stating purpose to get the FM-3, including name, marital status, occupation and final destination in Mexico (no utility bills or proof of residence in Mexico).
4. Prove continuous and permanent income as well as its source. $1,000.00 (USD) for individual and $500.00 (USD) for each additional family member – for a a period of the last 5 months…..this can be bank statements (original-on line statements not accepted) or a notarized letter from source of funds.
5. Bring valid passport
6. 4 photographs, 3 front, 1 side (profile)
7. Obtain a no criminal letter from your local law enforcement agency.
8. Completed FM-3 application (simple one page document)
9. Fee of $134.00 (USD)

It is interesting that the Sacramento Consulate is not requiring apostil for bank statements or a marriage license.

I might give it a try.

[Edited on 3-18-2007 by bajaguy]

BajaRob - 3-18-2007 at 06:50 AM

We obtained our FM-3 at the consulate in Sacramento 5 years ago. We received them one day after applying. It was a painless process. At the first renewal, we switched to FM-2 in San Felipe. One more year of FM-2 then we will become imagrado.

bajabound2005 - 3-18-2007 at 08:18 AM

The Apostille is not required until you go to renew your FM3. Why you need an Apostille for renewal - who knows since on the the first issue of FM3 you don't even need a notarized document of any kind. Ditto for the marriage license - they don't want that until you renew. Why renewal is more difficult than the original is a question only "they" can answer. We printed our on-line bank statements and took them in for our FM3s. One cannot tell the difference because when you print them out they look EXACTLY the same as the mailed "original" version.

You need your proof of where your residence in Mexico is when you REGISTER at the local immigration office in Mexico. They have to enter your local address into the FM3. Your FM3 is not complete until you do this. Getting the FM3 at the consulate is EASY -- in the final step is where the headaches begin. In your case, Bajaguy, you'll have to register in Ensenada. That took us 6 weeks and some mordida to get it done.

And - don't forget to get your FM3 STAMPED in TJ or OM when you come across the border the first time with it in your hand.

bajamigo - 3-18-2007 at 08:38 AM

Go to the consulate on India Street in San Diego. The process is simple, you can have the required photos taken, and 24 hours later you'll be the proud owner of an FM-3. If you're talking about the renewal process, that's a whole new adventure.

Mexican Consulate Requirements

MrBillM - 3-18-2007 at 08:46 AM

Many years ago (12) when I applied for my first FM-3, I found that the "Mexican" requirement for their Consulates was that they would only issue docs to someone whose U.S. residence was within that County or a Contiguous one. I had originally applied in Calexico, but was told they could issue only for residents of San Diego, Imperial and Riverside Counties under that rule. As a result, I went to San Bernardino and used that until they ceased the practice of renewing in the U.S.

Has that "Mexican" Policy now changed to allow a resident of Any County to apply at Any Consulate ?

bajabound2005 - 3-18-2007 at 08:50 AM

We did ours in San Diego and were not even California residents at the time.

wornout - 3-18-2007 at 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajamigo
Go to the .........

If you're talking about the renewal process, that's a whole new adventure.

That is why a lot of people just get a new one each year and don't mess with the renewal.

Cypress - 3-19-2007 at 03:50 PM

Say what?

sylens - 3-19-2007 at 04:17 PM

we got hubby's original here in ensenada. took 5 years of trying...but that's another story. getting the original was a horrible pain in the posterior, but the renewal one year later was a breeze.

and as for apostille, that is the internationally accepted verification of the authenticity of another country's official documents. so in our case, we needed it to verify that the county recorder that authenticated the notary that witnessed the signature of our (fresno) bank's official
(got that already) :lol:

was legit.

it was after that we opened an account at hsbc. no more need for apostille. just a bank manager's letter stating we have an account there. no interest bearing and 50 pesos per month :mad:

but for no apostille, worth it :bounce:

bajaguy - 3-19-2007 at 07:38 PM

Think I'm going to give it a try at San Diego on the 4th of May

bajabound2005 - 3-19-2007 at 09:14 PM

Do it Bajaguy; and me thinks sylens in on to something with that Mexican bank acct!

Cypress - 3-20-2007 at 05:13 AM

Regarding that letter from the local law. :bounce:

My local sheriff's dept. more or less told me that they didn't do letters, they only do arrests.

Have contacted the state office. Waiting for someone to get back from vacation. Hope the marriage cerificate search will go smoother, Hurricane Katrina flooded the records room of the courthouse. Glad I started this process early. A little confused regarding the ID photos, some request color, some want black and white.

Downloaded a copy of the application form. :bounce:

This is gonna be interesting. :rolleyes:

sucramento

mulege marv - 3-21-2007 at 08:05 PM

that is the worst place to apply for an FM3. they dont require a letter from your local police office, but a arrest record from the department of justice, if you have so much as a parking ticket on your record, you will be denied. just get it in mexico its easier and alot nicer folks to deal with.

calvinaugh.gif - 49kB

rhintransit - 3-22-2007 at 09:18 AM

and be sure to read the current post...another FM3 question...
if and when you get it in the states, wherever, make sure you understand and follow the 'what to do when you get where you live' instructions to the letter. and make sure you understand what date your FM3 will renew.