Job Discussion Forums

jillford64 · Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 397 Location: Sin City

In another recent post, Tim mentions that once you are "en tramite" for your FM3 visa it doen't really matter how long the process takes as far as being legal in the country.

I assume this means you are legal to be in the country even if it takes longer than the 30 days, but you are not legal to work? Presumably a lot of people work anyway?

Does anyone know if it is possible to leave the country when you are en tramite? The reason I am asking is I would like to go home (to the US) for christmas break, but I am en tramite don't have my FM3 yet and I suspect it won't be finished by then.

I went to migracion (in Morelia) this morning to check the status and the woman helping me searched the whole office and said my paperwork wasn't there. Unfortunately, my language skills are so bad that I couldn't figure out if it was just lost or if the paperwork gets sent somewhere else for processing. She told me to call or come back on December 9.

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

MELEE · Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2006 6:52 pm Post subject:

Yes, around here it's also standard to have to pay for that letter. It's not a lot, but not free. Somewhere around 200 pesos I think.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

scottmx81 · Joined: 26 Oct 2006 Posts: 64 Location: Morelia, Mexico.

The Morelia immigration office will not let you leave the country while your FM3 is en tramite.

I can't say for sure what the punishment is, but they won't give you your FM3 if they find out you did without permission. You'd at least have to start the process over again.

Don't leave the country without a special written permission from immigration if your FM3 in Morelia is en tramite.

I don't think it is a good sign if your papers "aren't there". You should get a bilingual person to go with you when you go next time.

If it is any help, I'll be in there tomorrow morning probably between 12 and 1 if you need someone to help you out.

jillford64 · Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 397 Location: Sin City

Scott, Thanks for you offer of help with translating.

In the continuing saga, yesterday afternoon migracion called and asked me to come back this morning with 3 SAT5 forms so I could pay the $1686 peso fee, which I did. This time they had a folder that appeared to be my paper work. So I paid my fee and they told me my FM3 wasn't ready yet, but they would call when it was. I asked how long and she said a week, mas o menos.

Sgt Killjoy · Joined: 26 Jun 2004 Posts: 438

FYI, they have a special form to fill out in order to get permission to leave while you are en tramite. Not too much of a hassle to get, I had to get it a several years back.

I remember in el DF, I got my first FM-3 in 4 weeks, faster than others because I visited the office every week and I remember during week 2 my paperwork was lost. I can only imagine how long it would have been if I had waited the 4 to 6 weeks they told me to check on it.

jillford64 · Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 397 Location: Sin City

Thanks to all who offered information and advice. I am happy to report that I am no longer en tramite. I got my FM3 today. Whoo Hoo! The entire process took 56 days and required 4 visits to migraci�n.

Ms. Atondo · Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 1:58 am Post subject:

MELEE · Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 3:28 pm Post subject:

jillford64 · Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 397 Location: Sin City

His name is Alex. I never got to speak with him, but I heard him talking to another person and he speaks English quite well. He was there the first time I visited the office but not the other times, so I am not sure if he only works certain days or if he isn't working there anymore. There is another girl, Laura Sandoval, who speaks a little English.