Job Discussion Forums

[orangiey]

Hi Guys
Thinking of coming to Mexico City from China via a month holiday in Europe.

I have a CELTA, no degree but I do have teaching expereince and a possible job offer waiting to be confirmed.

If I get the job offer before arrival what visa would I arrive on and where would I get it?

I can only find information about applying in your own country which won't be possible for me.

Is it normal upon arrival, get a tourist visa and then get that changed whilst in Mexico or get a tourist visa or work visa before arrival from ......... ( I don't know how I'd do this bit if I'm bumming around Europe before?

Thanks in advance

[ls650]

I had a job offer before I came to Mexico. I legalized my documents in Canada (most countries use the similar process of apostillization), and then came to Mexico on a tourist visa.
Once in Mexico and at the school, I received a letter of offer and other papers from the school, and then converted my FMT (tourist card visa) into an FM3 work visa.

Most people come to Mexico as a tourist but with their legalized/apostillized papers, find work once here, and then go through the conversion process.

Save yourself a hassle: when you come to Mexico, do not tell the customs and immigrations folks that you're looking for work. Just pretend you're an ordinary tourist and they'll let you go on your merry way.

[Guy Courchesne]

Yeah, I would say the same as LS. The only problem you might encounter is that CELTA. Let's hope you would need it apostilled/legalized hen you deal with migra. Without a degree, it's your only document.

Immigration departments vary in strictness around the country. You said you're coming to Mexico City so you'll probably be okay as migra isn't very strict here. If you can check with n employer first, it would be helpful to ask for the exact process they are used to.

You might also find yourself working on the tourist visa - 'illegally' of course, and while that carries certain risks, it is a common practice.

[orangiey]

Thanks guy, one question still not sure about?
Where would I get my tourist visa, on arrival at Mexico City airport or before I leave from a Mexican Embassy? Sorry, one more.........and would a one-way ticket be a problem on obtaining it )either way)?

Thanks again

[danielita]

[jillford64]

Every time I've flown to Mexico I was given the tourist visa and the customs form on the airplane (unless I was asleep when they handed them out!). Also, I've never had a problem with a one-way ticket.

[orangiey]

Thanks guys, that covers everything for now I hope...you've all been great!