Job Discussion Forums

swoodman · Joined: 15 Oct 2010 Posts: 8

I work for two schools here in Guadalajara. Im new so I only have a tourist visa. My school say theyll give me a letter if I need one when I go down to the immigration office.

Is the best idea to get an Independent FM 3? I don�t want to have to repeat the process when I start work at a new place.

Can someone walk me through the process?

Thanks in advance.

Enchilada Potosina · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 344 Location: Mexico

hiddenninja · Joined: 29 Dec 2010 Posts: 96

I am receiving cash in hand.....are you saying I can't register as an independent without a pay stub?

In all other regards my school have been professional, I only work ten hours a week there. They have mentioned that they'll give me a letter of recommendation but it seems they expect me to do it myself.

Enchilada Potosina · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 344 Location: Mexico

hiddenninja · Joined: 29 Dec 2010 Posts: 96

Thanks a lot......Im joining a new school as so they may be able to do it for me...or at least give me the job offer you mention.

1 more question.....Is there any way I can get a pay stub made up by my school and thus still register as an independent, even though I've been paid cash in hand throughout?

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

You won't need a pay stub (or proof of income like tax forms) for the very first time you apply for the independent status...only for subsequent renewals.

mejms · Joined: 04 Jan 2010 Posts: 390

As Guy says, getting the independent visa for the first year won't be hard.

Continuing with it the following year will be if you can't demonstrate that you're actually using your independent visa. The only way to prove your using it is with tax statements.

And you're also getting involved with Hacienda, the Mexican IRS. You will need an honest accountant and you will need issue receipts every month.

Another possibility would be to apply for your independent visa and have your employer process an extension of activity to this visa. This way you'll have the benefit of an independent visa and you won't need to issue receipts every month. But this would only be possible if (1) you were being paid legally (not under the table), (2) your employer were willing to do this, and (3) someone will pay for both the independent visa and the extension of work activity (the cost of another visa).