BajaNomad - FM3 and other 2010 changes

FM3 and other 2010 changes

redmesa - 3-10-2010 at 07:27 AM

Mexico’s National Migration Institute published its Manual of Criteria and Migration Procedures. The Manual will be enforced as of 5/1/10 throughout the 32 delegations of the National Migration Institute in Mexico. Courtesy of AILA member Enrique Arellano.

http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2010/02/san_diego_immigration_...

• In the following weeks, the National Migration Institute will publish the formats of
the new migration cards that will replace the FM2 and FM3 booklets. Changes of
activity, domicile, marital status, etc. will no longer have to be annotated on the
migratory document, thereby allowing the foreign national the ability to travel in
and out of the country while a change of status/conditions application is in process
without having to request an exit and re-entry permit;

• Consular Posts will no longer issue FM2 or FM3 booklets. Instead, the Consular
Post will place a visa sticker on the foreign national’s passport, upon receipt of the
petition’s approval from the National Migration institute. The sticker will allow
entry into Mexico within 365 days of issuance. Upon entry, the foreign national
must obtain the new FM2 or FM3 migration card within 30 days.

k-rico - 3-10-2010 at 07:40 AM

Thanks redmesa. I'm in my 5th year of my FM3 and am uncertain about what to do next. I live full time in Mex. and am married to a Mex citizen.

This just further muddies the water but is good to know.

gnukid - 3-10-2010 at 08:29 AM

The changes in visas and policy are being promoted heavily across the North American continent in parallel to affect Mexico, USA and Canada at least, in terms of immigration and migrants workers whose policy changes would usher in biometric rfid cards for everyone and a massive legalization of migrants across the continent.

WSJ article EFF article

The controversial "Secure Borders, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Reform Act of 2007," which would grant millions of illegal aliens the right to stay in the U.S. under certain conditions, contains provisions for the acceleration of the Security and Prosperity Partnership, a plan for North American economic and defense integration..." Article

You can read more about the heavily promoted plan for migrant rfid cards in the news while noting the implications are staggering.

Chuck Schumer and Lindsey Graham are heavily lobbying for the migrant changes to affect immigrants in the USA and citizens too.

[Edited on 3-10-2010 by gnukid]

monoloco - 3-10-2010 at 08:38 AM

It's not too hard to imagine a future where everyone is implanted with a identifying microchip at birth.

bajabass - 3-10-2010 at 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
It's not too hard to imagine a future where everyone is implanted with a identifying microchip at birth.

The true beginning of the end!

redmesa - 3-10-2010 at 09:18 AM

I would like to think that we are on the road to a standard practice between all the countries. It would make crossing all these borders much more civilized than having go have a trunk load of papers to get from Canada to Baja.

For now .... I just want to know how to get my FM3 renewed. Things seem to be at a stand still at the immigration in LaPaz.

k-rico - 3-10-2010 at 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
It's not too hard to imagine a future where everyone is implanted with a identifying microchip at birth.

That would be so easy to defeat, just cut it out and replace it with a KNIM (k-rico new identity microchip), in-home identity swap service provided.

I've recently had a doggie chip implanted by the local vet in case I get lost chasing a female in heat.

gnukid - 3-10-2010 at 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by redmesa
I would like to think that we are on the road to a standard practice between all the countries. It would make crossing all these borders much more civilized than having go have a trunk load of papers to get from Canada to Baja.

For now .... I just want to know how to get my FM3 renewed. Things seem to be at a stand still at the immigration in LaPaz.

You should be able to get your FM-3 in La Paz completed by responding to any requests they have, there are only so many things they can ask for... I have had friends renew theirs in the recent days. Why not go there early at say 9am and politely request to know the problem and pursue it. Be aware that the Delgado only signs them on one day a week usually wednesday I recall so if you miss that day with all complete, it will likely be the next week.

The agents can explain in english as well as spanish what you are missing and how to provide it, just ask nicely and then ask again for clarification. Then go do it right away and return in the same day. There is a copy office above the INM, Isabella works there and can help with most letters and copies. You can also ask any agent for an example of what they need, if it s a letter for some aspect, a polite request will usually be met by them writing it for you on the spot. Have fun!

monoloco - 3-10-2010 at 11:08 AM

I just renewed mine last month, dropped of the paperwork went back a week later and everything was ready. No problems.

redmesa - 3-10-2010 at 11:12 AM

Thank you all. I will ask my agent again what the problem is.

monoloco - 3-10-2010 at 11:33 AM

Next time get rid of the agent and do it yourself, it's really a straight forward process.

DianaT - 3-10-2010 at 04:19 PM

Quote:

I agree with you---

but confused as to what we may need to do in the next few months when out FM3s expire. Hope to hear what happens with your agent.

BajaWarrior - 3-10-2010 at 05:16 PM

Can I withdraw the money I deposited in the bank for my FM-3?

gnukid - 3-10-2010 at 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaWarrior
Can I withdraw the money I deposited in the bank for my FM-3?

Of course, you simply needed to show evidence at the time of visa application or renewal of three months income which is equal to some formula based on a month's minimum wage in DF. The money could be in various accounts or in any liquid form anywhere in the world or you can spend it but it must be demonstrated in some form.

You'll need to have money over a three month period at the time of application (depending on your visa application type). Sometimes when things get delayed you'll need to come up with another statement showing a balance over the time of delay.

BajaWarrior - 3-10-2010 at 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaWarrior
Can I withdraw the money I deposited in the bank for my FM-3?

Huh?

Riom - 3-10-2010 at 10:31 PM

I've written a bit about this on my blog at:
http://www.sanfelipelife.com/post/Tourist%2C-FM-3-and-FM-2-v...

I've included a link to the actual law (in Spanish), and mentioned several other changes, such as the increase in time an FM-2 holder can be outside the country, and an FM-3 holder can no longer get a 50% reduction in the income proof by owning a property.

It also appears that the FMM must be collected on exit with no provision for multiple entries, although in the real world that is currently impractical at some borders.

How the law will actually get applied is up to the each individual immigration office, and is can be a lot more flexible (or rigid) than the law states. But knowing what the law states is at least a starting point!

I'll update the article as more becomes known about how it will (or will not) be enforced.

k-rico - 3-10-2010 at 10:53 PM

"How the law will actually get applied is up to the each individual immigration office, and is can be a lot more flexible (or rigid) than the law states. "

Ain't that the truth, and it's that way now. For example, others have stated that 3 months of financial statements are needed to renew a FM3. I renew in TJ and have never used more than a single month's statement of my B of A checking account.

Riom, thanks for the info.

[Edited on 3-11-2010 by k-rico]

Marie-Rose - 3-11-2010 at 07:14 AM

Just dropped off my papers in LaPaz on Monday. They said it would be ready for pick up Monday. No changes noted in process or requirements. I was in and out in 5 min.

monoloco - 3-11-2010 at 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marie-Rose
Just dropped off my papers in LaPaz on Monday. They said it would be ready for pick up Monday. No changes noted in process or requirements. I was in and out in 5 min.

Exactly my experience with them also.

DENNIS - 3-11-2010 at 09:05 AM

Quote:

Ohhh, you folks down south have it sooo easy. If you tried that in Ensenada, you'd be waterboarded right there in the lobby. [that isn't a reference to surfing]

[Edited on 3-11-2010 by DENNIS]

monoloco - 3-11-2010 at 10:21 AM

Don't worry, waterboarding isn't torture, it's more like a college hazing ritual. :lol:

change may do us good?

redmesa - 3-11-2010 at 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by morgaine7
I was in La Paz INM this morning for something else and asked about the changes and whether I need to replace my FM2 with a wallet card in May. The agent said that it will be implemented gradually and I shouldn't have to do anything until renewal time (November). He also showed me a copy of a new transaction request form that apparently will be completed online, though he says it's not available yet.

Only one other client was in there. That's a first!

Kate

This sounds very promising. Clarity in Mexico is a much sought after concept for me. Thanks for the update.

DENNIS - 3-11-2010 at 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by redmesa
Clarity in Mexico

My day is complete. I'm off to Sharkey's. :lol:

oladulce - 3-11-2010 at 05:03 PM

We were in the La Paz office yesterday to register the new FM3's that we originated at the San Diego consulate in Oct. This time we knew what they wanted and had everything in order and were out of there in 10 minutes. Going back in a week to pick them up.

BTW, there was no mention of a penalty for the 5 months it took to get check in with the new FM3's in La Paz- we had gotten the docs stamped at Otay mesa the same day we picked them up at the San Diego consulate in Oct.

On our first attempt to register the FM3's last month, LonglegsinLP generously guided us to the various locations around the city so we could gather the items on the list that the man at INM had given us. Since "photos" were checked off on the list of requirement, LLinLP took us to her local photo studio and we both had mug shots taken.

Yesterday when we returned to submit the documents they wanted for the registration, a different guy gave the photos back to us and said- "we don't need your pictures for this".

BTW, a familiar Samurai drove by as we were leaving the INM office and we took up a chase through the unfamiliar streets of La Paz- but the clever driver ditched us

longlegsinlapaz - 3-11-2010 at 05:15 PM

Rumor has it that the clever driver actually thought she spied Bigwooo in front of Immigration & circled the block for confirmation, but you'd pulled a fast disappearing act! :yes:

I'd have been back around before you coulda gotten to a corner, but "clever driver" is a slower driver! :lol:

oladulce - 3-20-2010 at 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by oladulce

...Yesterday when we returned to submit the documents they wanted for the registration, a different guy gave the photos back to us and said- "we don't need your pictures for this".

We returned to the La Paz immigration office a couple of days ago to pick up our newly registered FM3's. The man behind the counter said "the only thing missing for your files are your photos"...

monoloco - 3-20-2010 at 01:13 PM

My wife just got her FM2 lucrativo through the La Paz office, she did the whole process on her own and everything went very smoothly.

redmesa - 3-20-2010 at 04:56 PM

It seems the problem I am having is that now they want you to present yourself or someone else must present your actual passport or a certified copy when renewing, before a photo copy was satisfactory. Unfortunately, I am in Canada and will not be back to Baja for a few months. My agent is working on it. I am sure one way or another I will get it completed. It is encouraging to here that everyone is acquiring their papers with little complications.

DianaT - 3-20-2010 at 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by redmesa
It seems the problem I am having is that now they want you to present yourself or someone else must present your actual passport or a certified copy when renewing, before a photo copy was satisfactory. Unfortunately, I am in Canada and will not be back to Baja for a few months. My agent is working on it. I am sure one way or another I will get it completed. It is encouraging to here that everyone is acquiring their papers with little complications.

Did he tell you from whom the certification needs to come?

We would like to be prepared and do not want to drive to La Paz, nor do we want to part with our passports.

Thanks