Job Discussion Forums

ESLmontana · Joined: 25 Feb 2008 Posts: 12

So, what exactly is involved in the visa process (teaching/working visa)?

Can a potential teacher simply show up in Mexico and obtain one through a school, or does it have to be done before arrival?

What is required for the visa?

Any help is appreciated.

cheers.

eslmontana

notamiss · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:18 pm Post subject:

I have heard that it is nearly impossible to get one before arrival. (Any experiences to the contrary?)

MO39 · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:29 pm Post subject:

I have to agree with notamiss. I know that language institutes won't hire you unless you're standing before them looking professional with your CV in hand. At least in Mexico City, some of these schools won't hire you unless you already have the work visa. Others won't get it for you, but will help you with the necessary paperwork. Others will get it for you and even pay for the process. Of course, then there are those schools that will hire you and pay you "under the table".

Oreen Scott · Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Posts: 179 Location: Oaxaca, Mexico

When I called the Mexican Consulate in Toronto I was advised to enter Mexico with a six month travel/visitor's visa. He said six month visitor's visas are now standard.

When I have a job I would then apply for an FM3.

I suppose I can be a little more independent than some, but I wouldn't work under the table.

On the University Campus, where I attend part-time, soon to be B.Ed. graduates are interviewing for private Mexican schools. They will be hired from Canada.

From what I heard the Mexican schools are struggling to get qualified teachers and their interview sessions are not well attended.

I'm not trained, nor do I want to teach, children.

MO39 · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:54 pm Post subject:

dixie · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 644 Location: D.F

MO39 · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 10:05 pm Post subject:

Once you're here, you'll need certain documents to apply for your FM3, some of which need to be certified officially before you get here. You might ask the friendly folks at the Consulate for a list of these necessary pieces of paper and for a description of the certification process (for US citizens, it's called getting them "apostilled" - I'm not sure if this applies to Canadians).

Oreen Scott · Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Posts: 179 Location: Oaxaca, Mexico

Dixie: The Mexican schools are competing with Manitoba school divisions. We don't have an international job fair per se, I suspect it is because Winnipeg is a secondary Canadian centre.

MO39: Canada wasn't part of the Hague agreement regarding Apostilles. There is a link up in Dave's stickys regarding what Canadians ought to do. And, Leslie has also been very helpful in a private message.

I'm finished my course work on April 14. It's been an exhaustive year, with my CTESL and BA I ought to be employable. And my documentation will be notarized, or whatever the term is, in Ottawa.

I will have Canadian certification CTESL, which gives me a certification to teach adults in Canada. But, I don't know if I will ever work in Canada. Maybe, one should never say never.

If everything goes on schedule I'll be crossing the border via Juarez by bus September 8. Not the best time to look for work I know, but I can take my time finding the right fit for me.

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

I have my marriage license and my college degree apostilled but not my online certificate to TEFL. I only have a notarized letter saying that the certificate is OK.

Since I have three and a half years teaching experience I won't worry too much about the certificate not being apostilled. Hopefully my degree will be enough for me to get a teaching job.

ESLmontana · Joined: 25 Feb 2008 Posts: 12

Alrighty, then.

Thanks for the info, guys. I appreciate it.

I'm pretty much 50/50 on coming down. I really enjoy teaching, and working with kids. I just don't want to experience what I went through in Asia (Korea, mainly). I am seriously hoping that the scene is different down there, and ESL teachers are not thought as those who can't get jobs in their own countries...........which is true for some, but not all. Either way, what does it matter? If you are doing something you enjoy, and are able to make some money at the same time, what is the harm?

eslmontana

MO39 · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 3:58 am Post subject:

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

dixie · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 644 Location: D.F

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

Sounds like all the kids in Mexico are spoiled also from what I keep hearing on this forum. Perhaps that why no one here (except for Freddy) teaches kids.

guatetaliana · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 4:12 pm Post subject: