BajaNomad

FM-3 question

SDRonni - 7-8-2009 at 07:25 PM

We got our FM-3's today here in San Diego at the Mexican Consulate. Does the year they are valid start from today or from the first time we cross and have them stamped?

oldlady - 7-8-2009 at 07:37 PM

When we obtained ours in San Diego we were told they had to be validated within 30 days. This to be done by entering Mexico and having it stamped.
The validation did not effect the duration, which in the FM3 says one year (mine says 365 days). So, you will need to renew it a year from today and you can start that process no earlier than June 8, 2010 (30 days prior to its expiration).

Dave - 7-8-2009 at 07:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SDRonni
We got our FM-3's today here in San Diego at the Mexican Consulate. Does the year they are valid start from today or from the first time we cross and have them stamped?


They won't be valid until/unless they are registered at the Migra office where you will live, not just stamped at the border. They might use the issuing date or they might invalidate them and make you start over. It's a crap shoot.

SDRonni - 7-8-2009 at 07:43 PM

Start over? I hope not. So, should we validate them in Rosarito or at the border? The consulate here said at the border, but now I'm confused.........

Can't advise you on that but...

Dave - 7-8-2009 at 07:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SDRonni
Start over? I hope not. So, should we validate them in Rosarito or at the border? The consulate here said at the border, but now I'm confused.........


Here's the # for Rosarito's immigration center:

001-52-661-612-7262 or 7263

Open 8am-1pm

Give them a call.

danaeb - 7-8-2009 at 07:55 PM

Hi Ronni - When I got my FM3 at the San Diego consulate, they were explicit that you get it stamped at the first point of entry into Mexico, which would be TJ or Otay if you're driving across.

There is a stamp at the top of the first page of my FM3 that states:

"After receiving your FM3 from the Mexican Consulate, you must check in with the Mexican Immigration Department at the border to have document stamped within ninety days from date of issuance otherwise document becomes void."

And Dave is correct, you then need to get registered with your local migra.

BTW - welcome back.

Dana

[Edited on 7-9-2009 by danaeb]

bajaguy - 7-8-2009 at 07:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SDRonni
Start over? I hope not. So, should we validate them in Rosarito or at the border? The consulate here said at the border, but now I'm confused.........





Ronni

Have them stamped at the border at the INM office (where you would get an FMT).....then take them to Immigration in Rosarito to have them "registered"

bajabound2005 - 7-8-2009 at 08:19 PM

Is there an Immigration office in Rosarito? I think they may have to go to Ensenada to register! If Rosarito falls under Ensenada's "jurisdiction" for that...

try here for help:
frao@rosarito.gob.mx

that's foreign residents assistance office in Rosarito.

No

Dave - 7-8-2009 at 08:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabound2005
Is there an Immigration office in Rosarito? I think they may have to go to Ensenada to register!


Rosarito has an office. You need to register there. It's at the palacio municipal, second floor.

SDRonni - 7-9-2009 at 07:31 AM

Thanks so much! We'll do just that---have it stamped at the border, then register in Rosarito. We are looking forward to our new vacation condo at Las Olas Grand. This has been a very, very, very long time coming! Now the fun begins--figuring out phone, internet, utilities, getting stuff there, etc. Can't wait!

bajaguy - 7-9-2009 at 08:05 AM

Ronni....there are some time limits/restrictions to getting it stamped and registered.......I can't remember now, but they should have told you at the Consulate.

I suggest you find an agent in Rosarito and have the agent complete the registration process for you.

SDRonni - 7-9-2009 at 09:06 AM

We handled the FM-3 process on our own and my hubby speaks Spanish. Do you really think we need an agent? Is it more complicated than the FM-3? Do you have anyone in mind and how much would it cost? I worked in the court system for 30 years here, so forms don't scare me, is it much more than that?

Russ - 7-9-2009 at 09:12 AM

Officials vary from site to site and day to day. Just my Experience. But I could do the annual dance just fine with my limited Spanish. I think it helped when I brought a six pack of Coke in.
I did the whole 10 year dance and some years where easier than others. Inmigrado status is bliss. :)

Cardon Man - 7-9-2009 at 12:55 PM

We got our FM3's in San Diego a few years ago as well. But we had the document stamped at the INM office in Ensenada. As I recall, the guy behind the counter gave us some grief for not doing so at the border. But he stamped it anyway and off we went.

DianaT - 7-9-2009 at 01:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SDRonni
We handled the FM-3 process on our own and my hubby speaks Spanish. Do you really think we need an agent? Is it more complicated than the FM-3? Do you have anyone in mind and how much would it cost? I worked in the court system for 30 years here, so forms don't scare me, is it much more than that?


It really depends on the immigration office. With our first one, we had it stamped at the border and then turned it in at the local immigration office to be sent to La Paz and registered. Did not seem like a problem at all until we had to pay the "extra" fees when we picked them up.

Since then, we use an agent in La Paz and avoid the local office. Would rather pay the agent than have our FM3s held for ransom. :yes:

fishingmako - 7-9-2009 at 09:26 PM

It really doesn't matter If your Hubby speaks spanish, a lot of us do that, this does not help you in any way shape or form, The fact is you are not going to get anywhere unless you have an Agent as a few people have said, you can not do this on your own, this is Mexico remember, you need a local Agent that knows what they are doing, and for any one reading this post, please take care of your FM3 in Mexico it is sooooooooooooo much more simple, and it will save you a lot of frustration as well as many other anxiety attacts.

Good Luck.

gnukid - 7-9-2009 at 10:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fishingmako
It really doesn't matter If your Hubby speaks spanish, a lot of us do that, this does not help you in any way shape or form, The fact is you are not going to get anywhere unless you have an Agent as a few people have said, you can not do this on your own, this is Mexico remember, you need a local Agent that knows what they are doing, and for any one reading this post, please take care of your FM3 in Mexico it is sooooooooooooo much more simple, and it will save you a lot of frustration as well as many other anxiety attacts.

Good Luck.


As pointed out here, you simply must get the document stamped on entry and then register in the office closest to your residence.

There is nothing difficult about this except completing the outlined requirements, which are listed on the standard form will be provided to you should you ask and are the same for everybody.

Is is absolutely possible to do on your own, but you may prefer to pay an agent who will simply ask you for the same things you need and then submit them.

The requirements, including photos, proof of residence in the form bill (cobrabante) and copy, passport and copy, bank proof of income to live 3/mos, letter requesting the visa to the delegado or licensio in charge, sometimes a marriage certificate if filing as a couple, person in good standing letter, etc...

bajaguy - 7-10-2009 at 06:46 AM

The Agent is a lot easier, believe me. Should be easy to find one in Rosarito. Stop by their office and see what they want, pay them and be done with it. Oh, as a small note, ensure that you have your marriage certificate, not license, it is stamped as a true copy and get it Apostilled........

Have fun, Ronnie!!!!!

SDRonni - 7-10-2009 at 08:43 AM

Thanks so much for all the info! One last question regarding FM-3. I understand we will have it stamped as soon as we cross the border. We will most likely get an agent for the registration in Rosarito. Does that have to take place immediately or at the first annual renewal time?

BajaWarrior - 7-10-2009 at 04:31 PM

Within a certain amount of days to register...30, 60, 90? Not more I know.

I hope you know its almost like starting over...sorry. I went through it, never again through the Consulate. Had to do much more paperwork to "register". The consulate was a snap, 24 hours vs. a month. I got new ones through the Consulate for years before they notified me of the registration.

toneart - 7-10-2009 at 05:39 PM

Ronni

You are getting conflicting answers because there is no standard between Mexican Consulates in the U.S., and also between regional immigration offices in Baja. Hard to believe, but true. The Consulate in Sacramento has different application forms and requirements than does San Diego. Same for each individual regional office in Baja, and to make it even more confusing, it all depends on the immigration officer you are dealing with.

I just deleted the details of my horror story. Lots of people have them and are probably each a little different. Let it suffice to say that I know what I am talking about. Like some have suggested here, it may have been easier to hire an agent to get it through for me. I didn't. :(

Each immigration office really wants you to initiate the process in their own regional office. Now you have already gotten yours issued in San Diego so I would suggest getting an agent in Rosarito Beach. I don't want to scare you. It will get done one way or the other, but there is the fear of the unknown and the hassle factor. However, there is the possibility that you could do it yourself and that it would go smoothly.

Regarding getting your FM3 stamped at the border, you don't have to. (That requirement is for FMTs, and for air departures and arrivals with FM3s). You DO have to report your Baja address within 10 days of arrival. They stamp it then.

You have to renew it in Rosarito. The Consulates do not do renewals. Be sure you don't let it expire. When you or your agent goes in with your FM3 this year to report your address, ask for a checklist of what you need for renewal next year.

Good luck Ronni, and report back to us how it went for you.

gnukid - 7-10-2009 at 05:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SDRonni
Thanks so much for all the info! One last question regarding FM-3. I understand we will have it stamped as soon as we cross the border. We will most likely get an agent for the registration in Rosarito. Does that have to take place immediately or at the first annual renewal time?


I was thinking about this, the Mexican agent can not legally stamp an incomplete form. This comes up for each new arrival with pre-made US Fm3.

It leads to some confusion here for first time FM-3 visa holders made by US based MX consulate.

As stated by Tonart

You have 10 days to visit the INM in your region.

From that date, you have forever to complete the registration. Which is why I object to paying an agent except that they will do a much better job than you and make it really easy and simple-my first MX visa took 60 days of regular visits with the INM women for tacos. On the other hand, I have found all the MX INM agents I met to become the greatest of friends, women and men I respect and enjoy sharing time together. So in retrospect, I would never give up the opportunity to know Mexico especially with something as important to you as your personal Visa from your new City where you want to live with your friends forever. I know you are going to love it! I heard about the changes in the office there and their desire to help a bunch of people get visas where they could not easily before. Have fun Ronni!

gnukid - 7-10-2009 at 06:57 PM

This reminds me of an old time story pues, pues un amigo pues, the airport INM agent stamped my US FM3 which was not yet registered at my local INM which is a mistake pues.