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Expired FM3

pacside - 8-9-2008 at 03:05 PM

We own property in baja but do not live there so I have not stayed on top of my FM3. It was issued May 07, first traveled on it in June 07, last traveled on it Feb 08. Did get stamps both times in my FM3. Flying into SJD next week for a week.

I got it at the San Jose, CA consulate. Is my FM3 void at this point or can I renew it at the San Jose, CA consulate? We are not in baja a long enough time to get it renewed there. Also is all the same paperwork necessary to get it renewed as well as the photos?

If I end up not renewing for this particular trip I'm making next week is it ok to just go the FMT route?

Thanks a bunch,
pacside

CaboRon - 8-9-2008 at 03:20 PM

You may renew at the consulate you originally applied....

At the San Diego Consulate there is a sign stateing that you may renew at that consulate, however, the years do NOT count toward your citizenship ..... if you care about that.

CaboRon

[Edited on 8-9-2008 by CaboRon]

pacside - 8-9-2008 at 03:26 PM

can i renew if it expired? or do i have to go through entire process like new? i am aware of the no path to citizen issue by renewing at a consulate in states vs in baja.
tks,
pacside

CaboRon - 8-9-2008 at 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pacside
can i renew if it expired? or do i have to go through entire process like new? i am aware of the no path to citizen issue by renewing at a consulate in states vs in baja.
tks,
pacside

You jump through the same hoops even for a renewal.

Same stack of paperwork. Please , I hope I am wrong.

My first renewal comes up next month.

Please, please , someone tell me I am wrong about this.

CaboRon

lizard lips - 8-9-2008 at 03:41 PM

Same documents necessary and because it has expired there will be a fine.

stanburn - 8-9-2008 at 03:46 PM

Correct about the fine. Also you make no mention of ever registering it in Mexico. Did you visit immigration near where you own property and register your address? If not, you may be in for multiple fines.

pacside - 8-9-2008 at 03:46 PM

how big a fine? and are photos required too?

geez this almost makes me want to renew in la paz or cabo since i have to do it all over again anyway. which place is easier la paz or cabo?

tks for your answers...i appreciate it.

oh, for this trip can i get by with just an FMT?

pacside

pacside - 8-9-2008 at 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by stanburn
Correct about the fine. Also you make no mention of ever registering it in Mexico. Did you visit immigration near where you own property and register your address? If not, you may be in for multiple fines.

nope never registered it in mx. consulate here said didn't have to unless i wanted to start the 5 year path to citizenship...of course this may and probably is false info.

for property in todos santos area what is the area i'm supposed to register la paz or cabo?

tks a bunch,
pacside

pacside - 8-9-2008 at 03:53 PM

one more question...if i renew in la paz/cabo but can't wait for the turnaround as i will only be in area for 7 days will they issue some kind of letter or something?

tks
pacside

bajajudy - 8-9-2008 at 03:56 PM

There was an article in the Gringo Gazette that warned of trying to come into Mexico on an FMT if you already have other immigration status.
I would check with San Jose no matter what.
Yes, since your's has expired, you have to start over with the paperwork

Ron
Since your address has change, you may have to start over too (or did you register this address change with migracion).

vandenberg - 8-9-2008 at 03:58 PM

Since you didn't do anything while in Baja, I suggest you play dumb and just start the process like you never did it before. As screwed up as the bureaucracy in Mexico is, they probably never catch it and you will save yourself a lot of headaches.
Just my 2 cents worth, but that's what I would do if I were in your shoes. :saint:

CaboRon - 8-9-2008 at 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pacside

Quote:

If you live in Todos Santos, as I do, you are in the municipality of La Paz.

Be thankful, sometimes the wait times in Cabo are quite long.

Generally when you go in , they give you a list of stuff to bring back in a week .... they they take that stuff and , if you are lucky, tell you to come back in a week or two to pick up your validated visa.

After you cross the border, where you get it stamped, you have 30 days to register at the local consulate. At that time you resubmit all of the documentation once again.

Might as well just apply when you arrive in La Paz.

CaboRon

pacside - 8-9-2008 at 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg
Since you didn't do anything while in Baja, I suggest you play dumb and just start the process like you never did it before.

I can play dumb...in fact I'm pretty good at it. I will take vandenberg and CaboRon's advice and just submit "new" paperwork in La Paz.

So next question...I do not think they will turn it around in time before I have to leave so what happens then? Also, where is the La Paz location to do this and what is it called?

I think I can look back in the threads and figure out all the docs I need to bring with me.

I am hesitant Judy to go to San Jose, CA location as CaboRon stated and I can verify they make you come back multiple times and it is a pain. Coming in on an FMT I just can't see immigration saying uh wait a minute ma'am you have an FM3 so you are under arrest. If they do I'll claim ignorance and say it is expired and I am going to do it properly in La Paz. This is one of those situations where I think I'll take my chances.

pacside - 8-9-2008 at 04:13 PM

Quote:

Judy...do you recall what date of the GG this article was in?

tks,
pacside

bajajudy - 8-9-2008 at 04:20 PM

http://www.paydennis.com/aboutus.html
scroll down for the article

edit to say....parts of this article are disgusting

[Edited on 8-9-2008 by bajajudy]

pacside - 8-9-2008 at 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajajudy
http://www.paydennis.com/aboutus.html
scroll down for the article

edit to say....parts of this article are disgusting

[Edited on 8-9-2008 by bajajudy]

Thanks Judy for the link. I do think I will take my chances with all my paperwork in hand. If caught and that imho is a big "if" I will explain that I was informed I needed to register all my info in La Paz instead of at a U.S. consulate....'surely you understand senor I want to do things the correct way while in your country...muchos gracias'.

pacside

woody with a view - 8-9-2008 at 04:39 PM

hey pac

careful, there's a guy named stan (with asss burn) who is hating on you.

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=33030

CaboRon - 8-9-2008 at 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajajudy
There was an article in the Gringo Gazette that warned of trying to come into Mexico on an FMT if you already have other immigration status.
I would check with San Jose no matter what.
Yes, since your's has expired, you have to start over with the paperwork

Ron
Since your address has change, you may have to start over too (or did you register this address change with migracion).

BajaJudy,

When I moved from La Paz to Todos Santos I went into immigration and registered my new address....fairly painless, only required a copy of the elec bill (not in my name) and a copy of my lease. There was no charge.

Then I recently took that info over to INAPAM and had a new Third Age Card issued for my new address in TS.

I wanted to add that if you can't be here for the entire process you may want to hire professtional assistance.

Shari has an agent in La Paz named Alonso who told me he will do it for around one hundred dollars US (not sure if that was the exact quote)

CaboRon

[Edited on 8-9-2008 by CaboRon]

pacside - 8-9-2008 at 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
hey pac

careful, there's a guy named stan (with asss burn) who is hating on you.

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=33030

woody - too funny. but i'm a gal not a guy. not sure where my sitch fit into his sorry 'asss burn' story. to be honest i didn't read the whole thread to figure it out...not impt enuf i guess.

pacisde

bajajudy - 8-9-2008 at 05:29 PM

Ron
Excellent
Should be a piece of cake.

Osprey - 8-9-2008 at 06:12 PM

Pacside, I see you got some very good advice from the board. One by one you Tom Sawyer'd us and we gave up all the ways we tried to be legal (sometimes failing along the way). Now, after you have all that info you claim you're better, smarter than this bunch and you'll just play the "legally blonde card". Vergenza!

pacside - 8-9-2008 at 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey
Pacside, I see you got some very good advice from the board. One by one you Tom Sawyer'd us and we gave up all the ways we tried to be legal (sometimes failing along the way). Now, after you have all that info you claim you're better, smarter than this bunch and you'll just play the "legally blonde card". Vergenza!

I appreciate very much all the excellent advice I received on this board. Actually, I don't think I claimed anything other than being lazy and trying to get away with as little effort as possible while attempting to be legal. btw I'm brunette.
pacside
p.s. Can anyone give me directions to the La Paz office to get my FM3?

vandenberg - 8-9-2008 at 06:40 PM

To compliment my great advice, here is the direction:

right.jpg - 4kB

CaboRon - 8-10-2008 at 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pacside

Quote:

Judy...do you recall what date of the GG this article was in?

tks,
pacside

When you come in on Alaska they refund a portion of your ticket price if you tell them you hold a Fm2 or FM3 .... otherwise you are automatically issued an FMT .

CaboRon

Bob and Susan - 8-11-2008 at 07:16 AM

they HAVE to...

you cannot have an FM2-3 AND a FMT
against the "rules"

only one of the three at a time

pacside - 8-11-2008 at 03:58 PM

I didn't realize you can get a refund from an airlines for being an FM3 holder....hmmm. In any event we are flying United.

Update; I called San Jose, CA Mexican Consulate today. Told them my FM3 expired and I was leaving this Friday for Baja. Lady on phone said to just go in on an FMT and get a new FM3 upon my return. I said I had heard it was illegal to do that if one has an FM3. She said since my FM3 expired I do not have an FM3 so it doesn't matter. So that is the story their giving me.

In meantime, Shari reminded me of an excellent source in La Paz who can assist me in obtaining my FM3. I will from now on obtain my new FM3 and all renewals in La Paz as it seems like a waste of money to do it at a Mexican consulate in the U.S. seeing as you have to register in the municipality where you own land in baja anyway and it seems like it is the same amount of work and dinero. Plus who knows, maybe someday I do want Mexican citizenship or to work toward my FM2 as I recall there are benefits to the FM2.

Again, thanks to everyone here for your help. I hope I do not have to visit the Rosen Law Firm if arrested at the Airport for coming in on an FMT :wow:

Lee - 8-11-2008 at 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pacside
In meantime, Shari reminded me of an excellent source in La Paz who can assist me in obtaining my FM3.

Alonso did mine last time. Plan to use him again. Thanks for the refer shari.

fishbuck - 8-11-2008 at 04:39 PM

I dropped my FM3 with Aida Tepote in Ensenada in April. I had forgotten some paperwork and she neglected to tell me I needed the paperwork. So it expired before I could renew it.
The fine was $105. No biggie.
But it has been 4 months and I still don't have it back. Everytime I am going to pass through Ensenada I email her and ask if I can pick it up. Seems it's still at the immigration office and not yet ready. 4 months seems like plenty of time for a little paper work.
I'm not sure what to do. I have an attorney in Ensenada and might have him look into it. But I'm sure he'll want money to do so.
Any ideas?

Lee - 8-11-2008 at 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishbuck
Any ideas?

Depending on your Spanish, pick her up and GO TO THE MIGRACION OFFICE!

Ask them if there's a problem. Probably have it waiting for you.

stanburn - 8-11-2008 at 07:51 PM

pacside,

I switched to an FM2 this year. You need to think carefully about it as it costs slightly less than double the FM3 and the biggie is that during the 5 years that you have the FM2 you can not be out of the country for more than 180 days total.

Stan

fishbuck - 8-11-2008 at 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee

Quote:

Originally posted by fishbuck
Any ideas?

Depending on your Spanish, pick her up and GO TO THE MIGRACION OFFICE!

Ask them if there's a problem. Probably have it waiting for you.

I guess I could just go to the Migration office and ask. Someone probably speaks english.

fishbuck - 8-12-2008 at 04:18 PM

I got an email back from Aida today. FM3 still not ready.
Apparently it is my fault for a late application. I guess I thought that when I paid a $105 late fee I was okay. But I guess the is an informal punishment of "we're going to make you wait 4 plus months too!"
I really feel like I've been patient about this but I kinda want to go "ugly american" on them. But I'll wait until I have my FM3 in hand and then I going to complain to somebody!
I hope not everything is going to go like this.

[Edited on 8-12-2008 by fishbuck]

woody with a view - 8-12-2008 at 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishbuck
I got an email back from Aida today. FM3 still not ready.
Apparently it is my fault for a late application. I guess I thought that when I paid a $105 late fee I was okay. But I guess the is an informal punishment of "we're going to make you wait 4 plus months too!"
I really feel like I've been patient about this but I kinda want to go "ugly american" on them. But I'll wait until I have my FM3 in hand and then I going to complain to somebody!
I hope not everything is going to go like this.

define EVERYTHING!

[Edited on 8-12-2008 by fishbuck]

fishbuck - 8-13-2008 at 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob

Quote:

Well, "everything" means all my plans for living in Baja someday.
I have my little fishcamp in San Quintin for example. I want to build a casita there eventually. And I want to do it right. Which means all the necessary permits and stuff.
So I'm really hoping that doesn't mean that things that should take a few weeks or even a month take 4 plus months.
I have always expected things to take a little longer than in the Good Ole USA but 4 plus months for a simple FM3 renewal?
That is retarded by any measure.
How could is possibly be necessary for it to take that long?

[Edited on 8-13-2008 by fishbuck]

My two cents worth

Bernardo - 8-13-2008 at 10:15 AM

I lost my FM3 about the fall of 2006. Spent the winter of 07-08 in La Paz with a FMT. This summer I got a new FM3 at the Denver consulate - had to get a notarized copy of proof of income but had all other stuff. They also only wanted passport pictures with glasses off. No problem. I would advise you to do the same thing - just get a new one in USA. I have a home in La Paz but have never tried to get one there.

CaboRon - 8-13-2008 at 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bernardo
I lost my FM3 about the fall of 2006. Spent the winter of 07-08 in La Paz with a FMT. This summer I got a new FM3 at the Denver consulate - had to get a notarized copy of proof of income but had all other stuff. They also only wanted passport pictures with glasses off. No problem. I would advise you to do the same thing - just get a new one in USA. I have a home in La Paz but have never tried to get one there.

You have, of course, registered your Domicilio Actual on page 6 ?

That is the third part of the Visa process, and it is invalid without the endorsement, which you get at the La Paz Immigration office.

CaboRon

pacside - 8-26-2008 at 11:06 AM

Update:
Since I started this thread thought I'd let everyone know what transpired. So had an FM3 that expired in June 08 that I originally got at the MX consulate in San Jose, CA. I never did register it in La Paz. I went on a trip last week and wasn't sure what to do with an expired FM3.

After much discussion and assistance on this board I decided to go with Shari's referral Alonso who is based in La Paz who consults in these matters. I met up with him and spent about 5 minutes discussing the FM3 matter, handling over paperwork and some dinero and about 20 minutes just talking about family and life. Very nice fellow.

He convinced me to always just get it renewed in La Paz since I have to get it registered there anyway vs. getting one in San Jose, CA. He said I will probably get a fine but he wasn't sure at the time what that was. Since we don't live down there he will mail me the finished FM3 when it is ready. He does this all the time. So the next time I come down I should use the FM3.

As for this last trip I flew into Cabo and just entered and left the country on an FMT...no questions asked.

Alonso reminded me that from now on I should start the process at least a month before it expires. He said he thinks my new FM3 will have the original San Jose, CA expiration date of June on it so every year it will be in June that it needs to be renewed. This was a very easy transaction and worth the fees Alonso charges and I highly recommend him.

Thanks again Shari for the referral. Nomads are AWESOME.

pacside

Stay on it

Lee - 8-26-2008 at 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by pacside
Thanks again Shari for the referral. Nomads are AWESOME.

pacside

Use Alonso, keep it simple, don't go expired, you're asking for unforeseen complications. (And DON't use a FMT if you have a FM3.)

pacside - 8-26-2008 at 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee

Quote:

Originally posted by pacside
Thanks again Shari for the referral. Nomads are AWESOME.

pacside

Use Alonso, keep it simple, don't go expired, you're asking for unforeseen complications. (And DON't use a FMT if you have a FM3.)

ZorroLee,
Plan to stay on it, use Alonso and will only use FM3 from now on. Sometimes just not worth the hassle to try to do everything yourself.
pacside

Bajajorge - 8-28-2008 at 09:19 AM

Speaking of FM3 renewals, here is an article which appeared on the San Felipe web site, news section.

Friday 20th August

THE MEXICAN IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT IS APPLYING NEW STANDARDS TO THE FM PROCESS.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE OF THE FOLLOWING CHANGES.
PROOF OF ADDRESS - INDIVIDUALS NOT LIVING IN A LARGE ESTABLISHED DEVELOPMENT 1. Leases/rental agreements need to provide all documents in Spanish 2. Proof of payment need to be in Spanish and accompanied with approved hacienda imprinted receipts 3. Leases/rental agreements and receipts must be accompanied with a copy of the makers identification (front and back). It can be either a Mexican federal voter registration card or Mexican passport.No fm will be processed without presenting a copy of this identification. A refusal by any individual to provide identification is a violation of immigration laws. It is incumbent of applicants to apply directly to your local immigration office for redress if any landlord refuses to supply the required identification, as your fm will not be processed, be subject to fines and/or cancellation. If your residence has electricity and the electric bill is in your name and address listed in your fm is the same as on the electric bill you are excluded from this requirement.
BANK ACCOUNTS – NEW MINIMUM DEPOSIT AMOUNTS !!!!!! 1. FM3 single person – raised to $1,300.00 2. FM3 married couple – raised to $2,000.00 3. FM2 single person – raised to $2,100.00 4. FM2 married couple – raised to $3,200.00 .
RENEWAL TIME LIMITS Immigration offices will not longer accept renewals that will expire within one week of the expiration date! They will accept the application; however it will be considered as filing late and be subject to penalties.
Immigration will accept renewal up to thirty (30) days ahead of the expiration date for processing The Mexican government has taken a firmer stance in applying immigration rules and regulations. Please keep in mind, excuses are no longer acceptable. Renewing your immigration documents in a timely manner (being late), whatever the excuse will not lessen the penalties assessed. So keep in mind to renew ON TIME and provide all the documentation that is required. Doing so will make the whole process trouble free and less costly. This information was provided by Lolita Immigration Services & Insurance, office: 011 52 (686) 577 6185 in San Felipe.

pacside - 1-2-2009 at 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pacside

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee

Quote:

Originally posted by pacside
Thanks again Shari for the referral. Nomads are AWESOME.

pacside

Use Alonso, keep it simple, don't go expired, you're asking for unforeseen complications. (And DON't use a FMT if you have a FM3.)

ZorroLee,
Plan to stay on it, use Alonso and will only use FM3 from now on. Sometimes just not worth the hassle to try to do everything yourself.
pacside

Update: picked up my late renewed FM3 in La Paz with Alonso on my last trip down in December. Cost me 2000 peso's or about 150 usd in late fee penalty's. This was the one that I originated in San Jose, CA but let expire in June 2008. From now on I will do all my renewals with Alonso in La Paz.

Alonso was extremely easy to work with. I gave him all my info last August in person and he asked me for some photos and other stuff via email and on my most recent trip in Dec I met him in La Paz to pick it up.

Thanks to everyone for your help. Oh an interesting tidbit...I arrived via airplane into SJD on an FMT and left on my FMT no questions asked. All future trips I will use the FM3 correctly, i.e. get it stamped on entry and exit.

pacside

Bajajorge - 1-3-2009 at 09:35 AM

I always use an FM3 service. Pay my $35 for me and $35 for my wife, pay the FM3 fees and wait several weeks. The renewed FM3 is returned to me, no muss, no fuss. :bounce:

DanO - 1-3-2009 at 11:08 AM

Hey Fishbuck, what's your status with Ms. Topete?

rhintransit - 1-3-2009 at 01:06 PM

Bajageorge, thanks for the info. oh, great...I have an FM3 that expires 1/11 every year. and every year until now I have gone in in December and absolutely nothing has happened (Christmas, etc, you know) so this year I decided to wait til January. I've all my stuff together to take in on Monday, Jan 5.

anyone know if the new standards have hit Loreto? I'm just wondering. am braced for the worst...a huge late fee...but crossing my fingers this has not trickled down yet.

by the way, anyone know what the current regular fee is for FM3 renewal. I like to know ahead, have correct change. the amount requested varies widely here.

twogringos - 1-3-2009 at 02:18 PM

Regular fee: 1172 pesos

Howard - 1-3-2009 at 03:41 PM

Here is my FM3 story which took place this last summer. My FM 3 was issued in Loreto and for my 1st renewal I went to the immigration 45 days b-4 it was due. Seeing as the 1st time I presented the person with a regalo of nice Tequila and he remebered that, he said to come back the next day to get my renewal. I came back with the same regalo, put it under his desk and told me there was a problem when the big new boss came out and said it can only be renewed within 30 days of expiration. I explained that I work in the Staes and cannot come back until after expiration and he said that was not his problem. OK, I guess that is the rules and I have to live by them. Here is where it gets crazy. About 1 month later my passport and FM3 was stolen or misplaced up in the States. I got a new USA passport. I drove my RV down to Loreto, with no FM3, stopped at the border and got an FMT and continues to Loreto. I went to the immigration office and told them what had happend and they totally freaked out. The big boss immediately grabbed the FMT out of my hands and told me I was in big trouble for having an FM3 (of which I did not have because it was missing) and an FMT at the same time. "SENOR, IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO HAVE BOTH AND I AM IN BIG TROUBLE!". I apolgized and try to tell him than how was I supposed to enter Mexico with no paperwork? He didn't care. I got all the new paperwork togehter, photos, utility bills, etc. and went back where he told me the new charge with all the penalties was 13,000 pesos. Yes, I was late. Yes, I lost the FM3. and this was 100% all my fault but 13,000 pesos? I asked him if I paid it could I get a receipt and he simply turned his back and went into his office! To make this long story short, I wound up paying about $400 in fines and penalties plus the noraml fees and got my FM3 with 5 days. He tried to go for the $1,000 fine and I was happy to get out of there with only a $400 penalty.

Howard - 1-3-2009 at 03:43 PM

Oh yeah, I had to go the the police department and make out a lost report.

roamingthroughbaja - 1-4-2009 at 10:25 AM

Did you pay directly at the Immigration office? Here in La Paz they have a sign that says it is not legal to pay at the office, you have to have a form and pay at the bank. Did you get your receipt?

Scorpimon - 1-4-2009 at 03:22 PM

We had a similar experience at the Loreto office last month. Our FM3's were expired by about 10 months and after consulting the Mexican Consulate here in Denver, we entered Baja on FMT's, with the intent of cancelling the FM3's in Loreto due to the hassle of renewing on time, plus we will go directly to FM2's when we actually make it to Baja.

After being directed to talk to "El Jefe" in the back after the guy up front found out we had two immigration documents, we were also given the "this is illegal" speach. After finally conveying our intent to cancel the FM3's, it was only a matter of deciding what fines we had to pay. There is a chart showing fines for each length of time the FM3 is expired, 30 days, 6 months, 1 year, etc. and I tried to look at it closer but he pulled it back from my view.

Bottom line is we also paid over $400 in fines. Yes we paid it at the Loreto Immigration office and we each received a letter confirming the cancellation and the receipt of the fine paid.

I should also point out that this was not as bad of an experience as I was expecting. Previous trips to this office were met with the usual frustration and the "now you need this", "now you also need that", or "not today, come back tomorrow". The attitude was friendly, courtious and professional. Also the work load must be way down these days because we were the only ones in the office, which was unlike in the past where the office was always full.

Howard - 1-4-2009 at 04:03 PM

In Loreto you pay directly at the immigration office. In my jubilation to get out of that office and they handed over my new FM3 I do not remember if I got a receipt. They are so slow and just sit around doing nothing but their game is that "they are very busy" and it takes a week if we are lucky. It is my understanding that it no longer needs to go to La Paz and all they need to do is around 20 minutes of typing and it could be done. But that is the Mexico waiting game. It is truly an art to watch them use all of their rubber stamps with such speed and accuracy! One good thing is that my time clock for eventually moving on to a FM2 and then citizenship is that it did not start over, it remained from the initial FM3 date. Long live the rubber stamp that Mexico so dearly loves to use.

Howard - 1-4-2009 at 04:06 PM

Scorpomom, how long did it take for you to get your new FM3 from the time you went into the office in Loreto to having it in your hand?

Scorpimon - 1-5-2009 at 01:42 PM

Howard, we did not get new FM3's, we cancelled ours, which took about 25 minutes from when we entered the office until we left.

One of the big mistakes we made was taking the advice of the Mexican Consulate and getting FM3's when we did. Since we have still not made a move to Baja it was a waste to time and money getting it renewed annually. Definately better IMO to just get the FMT when we make trips down for now.

Also, I did confirm with the guy in charge that we could start with the FM2 when we move down and with the goal of eventually applying for immigrant status, without going thru the FM3 phase. Of course this is subject to change depending upon when, where, who, etc.

rhintransit - 1-24-2009 at 11:04 AM

renewed FM3 rentista in hand, from Loreto, will add current update.
as to the new regulation/info 'late' if filed within a week of expiration date post/info earlier in this thread, it wasn't mentioned. I applied Jan 5 for Jan 11 expiration. of course I didn't ask about it!
paid 1904 pesos, as did two friends who applied same day. another applied the following week, 2304 pesos. fees are quite variable here, not posted, and are paid directly at office, though I think you can ask to pay at bank...not sure what would happen then and I never want to risk the displeasure of the migracion guys.
ready in one week. or it was for friends, same day. I just got around to picking mine up.
I've never used a service, maybe the cost to migracion would be less, but I figure I'd make it up in fees.

bajaguy - 1-24-2009 at 11:12 AM

New fees in Ensenada this year are 1294 pesos

At the Last Moment

MrBillM - 1-24-2009 at 12:18 PM

Renewing in San Felipe, I Had "Thought" we would probably be a day or two late due to the new requirements so I inquired regarding the late fee. I was quoted $106 each.

My renewal date was Monday, 12 Jan and, as it turned out thanks to my agent's prompt attention, we were able to carry the docs over to Immigration on Friday, 09 Jan where they were accepted and stamped without penalty.

Apparently, that section about not accepting renewals within one week of the expiration date is flexible.

Or, it could simply be that we're such great people that everyone wants to help us out.