Job Discussion Forums

[djpresidente]

Okay, I'm onto my second job in two months here in Mexico and we have to start the visa process all over again. My school is recommending I use a lawyer, which they said would cost around 2000 pesos, but when I emailed him, he asked for 5000, which is out of my price range (especially on top of the application fee itself).

So I have two questions:
1. Is this a precio gringo, in which case I should look for a cheaper lawyer?
2. Is the difficulty of visa process overblown, and should I just go to immigration myself?

The school is sponsoring me (giving me the letter), but I have to pay for the fees myself. I do want to get this done quickly, since I'm only working part time at the moment and don't have a ton of money.

[New Haven]

Instead of having a school sponsor you, why don't you go the independiente route? That way you go once, it's good for all teaching jobs, including private lessons, and you don't have to worry about it for a year, at which time you need to get it renewed. Also, $5,000 seems ridiculously high. Here in Merida there is an ex-pat service that will do it all for you for $150.00 (plus the cost of the visa, photos and translation of certification). Or you can go on your own if your Spanish is good enough...or hire an interpreter.

Good luck.

Sharon

[Enchilada Potosina]

There is absolutely no need for a lawyer to get a visa here. Take someone along who speaks Spanish. Most of the process is done online now.

[Isla Guapa]

A few years ago in Mexico City, I used a well-regarded immigration lawyer to get my FM3, and it cost me $4000 plus the usual fees to INM. It was not a gringo price, just his usual fee. I regarded it as money well spent because I didn't want to risk being denied the visa. Also, I was applying to work independently, which can make the process a bit trickier.

[djpresidente]

[Enchilada Potosina]

[globalcitizen1968]

Do it yourself! Lawyers have been known throughout the world to complicate things that aren't complicated and to slow things down. Plus, you do NOT want a school in Mexico to sponsor you because then you're stuck with them even when they don't pay you on time or the total amount. This will happen a lot so getting the work visa yourself is much better.

[BadBeagleBad]

[Phil_K]

I would also say "Do it yourself". There are no tricks, no traps and the only advantage of paying someone else is to save you the frustration of hanging around the immigration office, although with the new(ish) online procedures that is much better than it used to be.

As long as you read the requirements well, there should be absolutely no problem. The worst that can happen is that you forget something and have to go back a second time.

One tip: Fill in and print off the "Hoja de Ayuda" online, and go to a local bank and pay before you go to immigration. This can be done in the office, but it means an extra queue, and possibly another one in the bank closest to immigration, where everyone is doing the same. This way, you can just present the paid and stamped bank receipt.

[Isla Guapa]

It sounds like the process is much simpler than it was when I went through it in 2008, and it also sounds like INM is trying to be helpful and not looking for ways to trip you up and deny you the visa. Good luck to everyone!

[djpresidente]

[Phil_K]

1) Choose from the first menu, "Derecho por servicios migratorios ordinarios (DSMO), and "F�sica" from the second menu.

2) Just fill in "Primer apellido" and "nombre(s)"

3) Choose "Visitante con entradas y salidas multiples - (d) para dedicarse a actividades lucrativas & your local immigration office in the second menu

...and print!

[New Haven]

Phil, the hoja de ayuda printed out like a charm. Now if the bank and INM accept it, I'll be a happy camper!!

Thanks.

Sharon

[Phil_K]

The bank will accept it, it has a government reference on it. INM only needs the bank receipt & (I think) 2 copies.