Job Discussion Forums

[jessn]

I think these FEM3 questions haven't been answered in previous forums, I apologize if they have, and ask for any info you can offer. My plan is to apply for an independiente as I have a MATESL and experience.
1) How much ahead of time can you do the apostillations before applying for the visa? In other words, if I get my documents apostilled now, how long are the apostillations good for?
2) If I get the visa (probably would go to the Montreal consulate) how long before I need to move to Mexico, i.e. before the visa expires?
3) Assuming I get a visa, can a self-supporting non-Mexican spouse accompany me and reside with me on the basis of my papers -- one who is not planning to work in Mexico?
Thanks so much for answers Jess

[jillford64]

I can't speak for Canada, but apostilles obtained in the United States do not expire; however, they are rendered invalid if they are detached from the original document.

[MamaOaxaca]

I assume some of our Canadian friends will pipe in any minute. But Canada actually didn't sign the Hague Treaty that created Apostilles, so if you MATESL is from a Canadian university, you will have to get it Legalized, not Apostilled.

Most people get their visa in country, changing from an FMT (tourist card) to and FM3.

Your spouse will have to get his/her own visa. If they are staying less than 180 days they can use a tourist visa, if not, once you have an FM3, your spouse will apply for a dependant FM3 you will have to have your marriage certificate legalized. You will have to show that you earn enough, or have other foreign income to support your spouse. The dependant FM3 costs the same as your FM3 so costs pile up if you bring a family.

[Prof.Gringo]

I took my TEFL cert. course in Mexico and it doesn't need to be apostilled . It sounds like a nightmare and a headache to me though .

[danielita]

[scottmx81]

2) If I get the visa (probably would go to the Montreal consulate) how long before I need to move to Mexico, i.e. before the visa expires?

I don't have reference to back this up right now, but you probably can't get the visa at the Montreal consulate. I think the consulates in Canada only issue FM3s to people who are not receiving a Mexican based income.

I would say you should be looking at planning a two month trip to Mexico if you are going to try and get this visa. This is because they will consistently change the requirements each time you go in, and even if you get it all figured out within a week or two, you will not ordinarily be allowed to leave the country while your application is being processed, which could take a month.

FM3 con actividades lucrativas e independiente isn't exactly the easiest visa to get. I think you're going to be in for a big surprise when you go to apply for this visa.

[Samantha]

Again, it is going to depend on where she applies, but as Melee says the marriage certificate must be legalized in Canada to serve this purpose with Immigration, going by the book. Get it done early. The legalization process in Canada has changed in the past few years and involves some messing around which takes time (and gets you in practise for Mexico!) If the spouse has a savings, RRSP, investment income, etc. or works online and earns the minimum required, he can go for his own "rentista" which is the FM3 that retirees or online workers are issued....no money is earned in Mexico.

[jessn]

Thanks so much for all the helpful tips. It looks like getting this will be lots of fun! Because...my BA is from McGill in Canada, and my MATESL is from here in Vermont; I'm a Canadian citizen living in the US with a US citizen husband.
I will look back in the archives for info on how to "legalize" my Canadian diploma and my US marriage license;I do believe I saw some info there. It does sound as if the thing to do is pull the documents together now, and then head down to Mexico and get the visa there.
Luckily, I spent most of my youth in an expat Canadian family in Honduras; I learned not only Spanish, but also a high tolerance for randomness and irrationality, along with infinite patience and a sense of humor. I trust all these will be put to the test as I go through this process -- but then getting my US "green card" was no picnic either.
I look forward to the day that I can join Guy and the rest for a couple of frosties in DeEfe. Thanks again, JessN

[mapache]

Anyone heard of INM running out of FM-3 books? This is the latest with my INM adventures in Tuxtla. After paying, they told me to bring back pictures for a new book because they said my original was damaged. I went back on the day specified and they said they didn't have the booklets. I'm supposed to go back the 6th for my visa but I wonder if this is another unnecessary delay or an extra trip in expectation of a mordida.

[ls650]

[Ben Round de Bloc]