Job Discussion Forums

[Professor]

Got an FM2
Going to the States by bus because I don't like to fly
Leaving from DF entering the States through laredo
WHERE do I get the exit stamp for my visa since I'm not flying out?? The airport says they won't do it unless I leave from the airport.
Get a bus to new laredo and find a migracion office there????????

[wildchild]

i just went to the U.S.... crossed on foot in Tijuana/San Diego.....

no stamps, goin out or coming in...

i wouldn't worry about it brother...

[norwalkesl]

Assuming your passport is US:

You do not need an exit stamp. If you have your FM2 you can come and go as you please. Crossing the US-MX or MX-US border via bus/on foot is as easy as walking down the sidewalk. A complete and total non-issue. Just bring your passport and present it when the bus is checked or when you walk across the border into the US. They do this all the time, and it is a smooth process.

[Tretyakovskii]

I can see where this could leave you feeling a little perplexed. It's also interesting, from another standpoint.

A holder of an FM2 cannot be out of Mexico more than 18 months in the first five years he holds the FM2; but, with the FM2 not being stamped in/stamped out, there is no record of your departure, and re-entry. Sounds like a possible advantage, doesn't it.

However, in this situation, I'd be concerned that U.S. Immigration might stamp the U.S. passport, either on entry or exit at the U.S. border. Then, at renewal time for the FM2, it might happen that an astute employ of INM would notice, among all the pages of your passport copy you must submit at renewal, this very interesting bit of information, that you had been out of Mexico without clearing Mexican Immigration.

It's my impression that both an FM2, and an FM3, carry with them the duty to clear Mexican Immigration, both upon leaving and returning. That it is awkward, or difficult to do, practically speaking, wouldn't constitute an excuse, if it were the case that you have this duty.

[wildchild]

i asked U.S. immigration for a stamp. they said no.

[Tretyakovskii]

Tricky business, this, eh? U.S. citizens sometimes get stamped in, never on leaving....

Why take the chance of screwing up your new FM2, like that, if it's possible to avoid it? Talk it over with INM, well before you go. They will probably be able to suggest a solution, and will appreciate that you care about the laws of Mexico, and the privilege you have of holding an FM2.

[scottmx81]

I would just go to the immigration offices at the car permit building in Nuevo Laredo. To do that you'd have to get off the bus in Nuevo Laredo, though, rather than staying on one that goes right across the border from the interior. I'm sure they know how to process people leaving the country there since people are supposed to stop there on their way out to have their car permit removed from the system. I can't confirm Nuevo Laredo, but I got an exit stamp at the car permit building in Reynosa once.

[Prof.Gringo]

[Professor]

Well I'm now in Laredo Texas and yes, migracion in Mexico stamped it for me. They also told me that I would need to have it stamped again when I go back into Mexico.
I never received a paper though Prf. Gringo. I hope I won't have a problem going back in. I don't think I will since migracion didn't give me any hassle about not having a paper.

[Prof.Gringo]

[MikeySaid]

I'm supposed to get my FM-2 stamped while out of the country? hmmmmm

I didn't do that.

Is there something I need to do to keep it active while out of the country?

We'll probably be in Phoenix the next three years for her PhD program but I'll be in and out of Mexico and can keep my work status up to date with my suegros.

[Prof.Gringo]

[Samantha]

[Phil_K]

...and by the way, FM2 is not for permanent residency (it's immigrant). Only after your 5 year stint with the FM2 can you apply for this.