Job Discussion Forums

SmallBigWorld · Joined: 16 Oct 2007 Posts: 11

When we're flying into GDL airport, hoping for our 180 day tourist visa, do we tell immigration that we're going to be looking for work in Mexico? Or do we just pretend we're on holiday?

jfurgers · Joined: 18 Sep 2005 Posts: 442 Location: Mexico City

DO NOT tell them you are going to be looking for work! Tell them you're there for a vacation or something...IF they ask. I lived in DF many moons ago and I'm heading back in February or March and I know you have to go in under the radar. Get your tourist visa, then start looking for a job.

The people on this post who already live and work in Mexico will be able to give you all the detailed information you will need.

Good luck!

MELEE · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 4:50 pm Post subject:

Don't volunteer anything.
Answer questions as honestly as possible without giving a crumb more information than required.
If they do give you 180 days, say thank you and be on your way.
If they don't give 180 days automatically, ask for it, I'd say well I heard that I can have 180 now. If they ask why you want that long say you'd like to stay in Mexico as long as possible. If they ask what you want to do, say get to know Mexico. No reason to lie.

Phil_K · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2041 Location: A World of my Own

Slightly off topic, but related.

Question for the Gringos.

Why, in our recent visit, at Orlando and Miami Airports, did I get shifted to the "Gestapo" line for extra security check, apparently according to comments my wife overheard, for being British! She is Mexican, and passed through the normal line. Surely it should be the other way around. What happened to the "special relationship". Mad

jfurgers · Joined: 18 Sep 2005 Posts: 442 Location: Mexico City

Who knows Pkil_K. Possibly because of what happened last summer with the terror cell that was planning to blow up 12 airliners over U.S. cities. The flights originated all from Britain I believe. They stopped them right before they were to execute the plan.

Or intel may have some kind of new chatter about some Brits who may be linked to Al Qaeda.

One never knows.

I think we'll be hearing a lot more about terrorists in the coming new year since it's an election year in the States and the republicans will play the fear card again to try to win the White House.

Remember when Al Gore got picked for a "random" search at an airport a couple of years ago? Did you fly in from Mexico? Perhaps that may be the reason. We'll never know. It does seem like everyone here in the States are VERY concerned about someone coming in from Mexico even though the 19 high jackers who pulled off 911 all came in legally.....through Canada.

All of the politicians are picking on Mexico here lately.

Phil_K · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2041 Location: A World of my Own

jfurgers · Joined: 18 Sep 2005 Posts: 442 Location: Mexico City

Weird. I guess we'll never know.

gregd75 · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 12:06 am Post subject: advice

I recommend that you dont say anything when you arrive in GDL. Of course, apart from Hello, good afternoon!

They will automatically give you the tourist visa, without questions.

There is a post on here from Guy in Mexico city saying the rules have changed and that immigration now automatically give you 180 days for your tourist visa. If not, I would just accept what they give you... 90 days would be enough for you to get here, look for work and change your immigration status, should you wish.

It is easy to go to the federal Palace in downtown and exend your tourist visa. They ask for proof of a credit card, to show that you can support yourself here, and thats about it!

Finally, when you leave the country, you can do one of two things if your tourist card expires... tell the person at check in that youve lost it, or present the expired tourist card and they wont notice anyway- I know it sounds bad, but the reality is that you're just about leaving the country at this point, so theyre not going to give you hassle.

I hope this helps. basically, come, dont say anytihng and you-ll be fine

MO39 · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 5:19 pm Post subject: Re: advice

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Greg wrote:

gregd75 · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:45 pm Post subject:

When talking about the changes in the tourist visa, i was referring to a previous post in this forum by Guy - he's the one that pointed out the system has changed.

I have known a number of friends that have stayed beyond their time. None of them have had problems with immigration. Some have had to pay a fine, some have not had to do anything, and some have had to go to the immigration office (which at Guadalajara airport is actually IN the airport, between the check-in counters and the International arrivals area.

My point is, in response to this thread, that there's no reason not to come here with, get a tourist visa, then get a job, and then apply to change your status within the country.

MO39 · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:00 am Post subject:

gregd75 · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:22 am Post subject:

MO39, I guess you could be right.

I am just trying to give an honest answer to the question posed in this discussion thread, and I guess the person asking the question is able to make their own decision.

Im just trying to be helpful.

Thats all.

MO39 · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:27 am Post subject:

As am I. Maybe I am bothered more by being "caught" by the authorities than you are when I've not followed the rules to the letter!

gregd75 · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 1:08 am Post subject:

I understand.

I just think there is some flexibility around these rules, and they are not as black and white as many rules are here in Mexico.

So, looking at all the information, I would say to the person posting this discussion.... Yes, be cheeky and sneaky and I think you'll be ok