Job Discussion Forums

[aliaeli]

I just talked to my novice migrations lawyer friend and he pretty much told me it was impossible to get an independent visa. I told him that I have degrees to teach English to speakers of other languages, but he said that if it doesn't say specifically teaching English to Spanish speakers it could take months to convince migrations to give me the independent visa. He said that I should find a language institute and get my FM3 that way, but I really don't want to be tied down that way.
Is it really next to impossible to get the independent visa in D.F.? I really do have good and legitamate creditentials to teach English. Should I find another lawyer? How long should the process take?

[MO39]

Your lawyer friend must really be a novice because he doesn't know what he's talking about. As long as your degree is in TESOL, you will have no trouble at all getting your FM3 "independiente" (as we call it here, because the real name is a bit clunky ). The lawyer I used told me that as long your degree has the word "English" in it somewhere, that's all that Migraci�n needs to see. PM me, if you like, and I'll gladly give you his name and contact information.

[TheLongWayHome]

I don't live in D.F. but I do have an FM2 Independiente. The process was simple and the paperwork minimal. I don't know why you'd need a lawyer. Talk to migracion instead, it's really not that complicated.

[notamiss]

I have an FM2 independiente even though my academic credentials don't relate directly to the activity I'm authorized for. It is possible.

[Phil_K]

[MO39]

I used a lawyer because none of my "pieces of paper" (aka degrees) had anything to do with teaching English. Also, I had no desire to make multiple trips to Migraci�n. If these two things do not apply in your case, then you could apply for the FM3 on your own, as Phil_K and TLWH did.

[thelmadatter]

I thought an FM2/3 independiente meant that you were more or less self-employed (working on honorarios) and that you didnt have to go back to Migra for every little job you were doing. Like for people who work a couple of hours a week at several differnt places and/or working temporary gigs. But a friend of mine who has one of these says you do have to report to Migra every plce you work. What's the deal?

[notamiss]

Perhaps it depends on whether you're working "for" a place as an independent contractor (freelance) (no reporting) or employee (reporting).

[aliaeli]

Thank you all for the replies. I will attempt to take care of it myself

[MO39]

Remember that the first time you visit Migraci�n, you'll be given a print-out listing all the documents you'll need to present the second time you show up, along with the various fees involved.

Good luck and let us know how it goes for you!

[aliaeli]

And furthermore,
I know I am an idealist and optomist( (elsewise I wouldn't be here), and I know that the govt. really likes their redtape and all, but I really couldn't picture them arguing with me about whether or not I was competent to teach in Mexico because my credentials say "to speakers of other languages" and not "to Spanish speakers".

[MO39]