May 2010 and Mexico's New Immigration Procedures
Out with the old, in with the new. Mexico has adopted a new set of immigration laws as of May 2010 that are making it easier for foreigners to obtain permanent residency status. This is great news for those who have lived in Mexico for years, doing the every six-month border run process, and who want to be done with it once and for all. If you are planning on spending more than six months out of each year in Mexico, apply for your FM 3, it's easy to get and makes life in Mexico a whole lot easier.
What is an FM 3 and how does it differ from the regular tourist visa, an FMM? An FMM only allows you to stay in Mexico for up to six months at one time. After six months, you must leave the country for up to 72 hours or visit the nearest INM office to explain your circumstances and apply for an extension. In order to negate this lengthy paper work, and perhaps cut down on illegal bribes that foreigners often pay to border officials for extensions, the government of Mexico is making it easier for foreigners to receive an FM 3, which is a permanent residency card that allows holders many rights and privileges of a regular Mexican national.
One of the downfalls of coming into Mexico on an FMM is that if you are driving you are not allowed to keep your car in Mexico for over six months without returning to the border for a permit extension. With an FM 3, you are allowed to import your vehicle free of charge and there is no time limit on how long it can stay in Mexico with you. However, you will still need your Mexican insurance, which can be purchased online or at the border before entering Mexico. In addition, you can enter and exit Mexico as many times as you want with an FM 3. You must extend the FM 3 once a year at the immigration office nearest you, but there is no limit on how many extensions you can get.
If you want to get an FM 3, there are two ways to go about doing it. One is to contact an immigration lawyer. The other is to gather the necessary paperwork and head down to the INM office nearest you. You can also now apply online (http://www.inm.gob.mx/EN/index.php), however this is a brand new system and still has some kinks, so be prepared to encounter inconsistencies. Here is the paperwork you will need to have in order to apply for an FM 3 whether you apply online, in person or with a legal service:
1. Copies of your bank statements for the past three months or other proof that you have a stable income of at least $1,000 a month.
2. Proof of residency in Mexico. If you own your own home, you can bring in copies of your electric and telephone bills in your name. If not, you can go down to the Municipal in your town and have them issue you a proof of residency. The cost for this is around 50 pesos.
3. Copies of your passport and at least 4 passport sized photos.
4. Plan on spending about $100 U.S. for your FM 3.
The new immigration procedures that are done online require a letter of intent written in Spanish and do require some specific legal phrasing. If you are not proficient in Spanish or are confused with the INM site, do yourself a favor and hire a legal service that specializes in immigration procedures.
However you choose to obtain your FM 3, it is highly advised that you do so. It is the simplest way to live in Mexico, free and clear, for as often and long as you please.
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