Job Discussion Forums

Radhagrrl · Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 8:28 pm Post subject: School Won't Get My Visa

I started working at this piece of crap language school almost ten months ago. I gave them my paperwork, apostille, etc, and the money to pay for it at that time. The school has been messing around, dragging its feet about getting it all this time, with endless excuses, blaming the immigration office, etc., while I get more and more angry. Now they say they can't pay for it at all (I'm assuming for both for the visa and the fine for overstaying my tourist visa) and want to talk to me on Friday about "what to do".

Needless to say, I'm livid and want to know what my options are. I'm not shelling our more money myself after they wasted the money they already took from me, but I don't want to leave Mexico or endanger getting an independent FM3 later. Advice? If you need more details, jsut ask. I'm pretty angry, so I realize I may have left something important out.

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

Wow. This has put you into a very bad position. Did anyone ever file for your FM3 on your behalf or did they just overlook the whole process and allow your FMT to expire? If so, you really can't contact Immigration at this point. It sounds as if you have been in Mexico for 4 months illegally, never mind working on a tourist card? You would have no leverage against the school in your current status.

If you want to stay in Mexico, I think if I were you I would go IMMEDIATELY to the nearest border and reenter with a new tourist card, and start over from there. That will buy you a new time frame. If the school is not going to assist with the FM3 process once you have a new and valid FMT, you probably should move on. You don't want to come to the attention of the Immigration office in the position you are in now. I wish you luck with this and hope it works out in the long run.

Radhagrrl · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 1:50 am Post subject:

I was thinking along the same lines, although they have filed the paperwork on my behalf (I think - no telling with what kind of liars they obviously are) - they just don't want to pay for it now that they've long spent the money I gave them for it and now have a fine.

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

In order to file for your FM3, the money would have had to have been paid at the bank as part of that process right in the beginning. Get your new tourist card and then hit the school up for a refund of your FM3 payment. Don't atempt that until you are legal in the country, if you are going to attempt it at all. They likely have been down this road before, hense the Friday meeting.

Radhagrrl · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 5:48 pm Post subject:

Oh, really? Hmm. Well, I'll see what lies they'll tell me Friday and then decide what to do.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Scary.

I am not sure, but I would consider leaving the country before Friday Shocked

raulyn · Joined: 09 Nov 2007 Posts: 64 Location: D.F.

The school I have a contract with started my FM3 process a month ago. I should have it next week. There hasn't been any problems in the process. The director says there usually is some debate about a certificate or a signature, but mine has gone very well.

10 months seems a bit outrageous!

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 2:28 am Post subject: Re: School Won't Get My Visa

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

She doesn't need to return to the USA whether she is American or not, if there is a border that's closer to where she is. Any old border will do! I have to agree with the previous poster who said to think about leaving before Friday...I think I would take a sick day or two and head for the nearest border to get a tourist card. Right now, you are in a very vulnerable position.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Anyone else holding their breath on where the OP is at this moment???
Question

It's past Friday...I'd quite like to know what's happened!

I'd have definitely done a runner before that meeting, personally. There are few legit excuses for such an action, but this would absolutely be one of them, in my book.

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2009 5:20 pm Post subject:

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

Prof Gringo wrote:

Radhagrrl · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 9:50 pm Post subject:

I'm from the US. And I'm still here.

New info: the jackass now says he didn't get the visa because the immi office won't issue them any more because of tax problems. As soon as he pays that off, he'll get the visa. Supposedly tomorrow.

Yeah, right.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I'd do a runner. Immigration is going to hold you responsible, if you're caught!

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

You definitely will need to possess a valid tourist card to obtain an FM3, so you can be sure it's not going to happen as long as you are in Mexico illegally.