Job Discussion Forums

[Silence820]

Well I just returned from my visa renewal here in M�xico City, and I hope this will be useful. (You can renew your visa 30 days before it expires.)
1) Fill out and print this form, make sure you turn of all pop-ups.
Solicitud de Estancia - Instituto Nacional de Migraci�n
2) Fill out and print this form (you can go to INM and pick up this form and they will give you the instructions on how to fill it out, or you can just print this one.)
http://www.marinersmexico.com/documents/Mexico-Immigration-Form-FB.pdf
3) Fill out and print this form then you can take this to any bank and pay $,1294 also make a copy of the receipt for your records. INM will keep the original.
Instituto Nacional de Migraci�n
4) If you are using your bank statements for proof of income, do not bring any part of your statement that does not pertain to your account. My bank prints information about new bank policies in the top portion of my statement and I had to have that information translated into Spanish on a separate paper. Also as a tip use a highlighter to highlight your deposits and balance. Trust me this will help greatly.
5) You will need a cover letter. This is an example of the one I used I received this info from INM
Instituto Nacional de Migracion.
Yo, (your name here), bajo protesta de decir verdad manifiesto que subsisten las condiciones por las cuales me fue otorgada la caracter�stica migratoria y continuo realizando las mismas actividades. Gracias,
6) You will need 1 black and white copy of your passport (the I.D. page only)
7) Bring your old visa
8 ) Get 5 infantile photos 2.5x3.0 they are smaller than the old ones and can be in color. 3 of the front and 2 of your right profile
9) I did not need it but just in case bring a copy and original of a utility bill
10) Take all of your documents to the INM office. When you walk in you are facing the information counter, go to the first line to the left and wait to be called. (Try to get the older lady with blond hair and glasses, she speaks a little English).
In one week you will return to INM to receive your new visa.

[Phil_K]

Do you really still need proof of income? I thought that had been abolished. (I'm on an FM2, not FM3)

[Guy Courchesne]

$1294 pesos? Yours is a FM3 correct? My renewal was 2100.

[Silence820]

[Isla Guapa]

Since most of us on this forum do not have rentista FM3s, when posting information, it's important to make the distinction between the two kinds of visas, especially for newbies who might otherwise get confused.

[Samantha]

Exactly. You cannot legally work in Mexico on the "Rentista" category. You must show proof of support income from outside Mexico on this one, so not applicable to those earning in Mexico.

[Isla Guapa]

I wonder if it's possible to have an FM3 rentista that also allows you to work legally.

[Samantha]

No. The activity status for an FM3 holder who is not working is "Rentista" and for one who is working is "Lucrativa". For lucrative activities, one requires a work permit. The work permit is not a separate document, but rather, a change to your activity status. The fees are higher.

[Guy Courchesne]

I wonder if they have simplified some of the categories of work too. My new photo ID card reads Tecnico o Scientifico - Lucrativa, whereas before there was a 4 line description almost word for word for what I described my independent work as.

[Enigma2011]

[Enchilada Potosina]

[Isla Guapa]

By proof of income, do EP and Enigma mean proof that you've paid taxes recently? Is that still required to renew an FM3?

[Enigma2011]

[Isla Guapa]

[Samantha]

Isla, you have it reversed. Rentista category must prove they are self-sufficient in Mexico by meeting guidelines laid out by INM for those NOT working here.

Also, Enigma poster stated some time ago that he was authorized to do several lucrative activities in the category assigned to him. His marriage to a Mexican may have something to do with the original status assigned to him.