Job Discussion Forums

[bobbyb]

Hey guys, I went to immigration yesterday for my fm 3 and there's a problem with one of my documents. I'm not sure exactly, something about the notary on one of the pages. I think it's gonna take a little time to resolve. My tourist visa expires in 4 days. I'm afraid that my tourist visa is gonna run out before I get my FM 3. I also brought my car from the States what do I do about that now and after I get my FM3?

Thanks for your replies.

[Phil_K]

I think you are alright, as you have already started the process of application. If the date stamped on your application form is before the expiry of the previous visa - no probs!

The car problem, I can't help you. I bought my car here in Mexico.

[Isla Guapa]

Phil's advice is probably right on, but you could simply ask the people at INM if you'll have a problem if your tourist expires before you get your FM3.

[Guy Courchesne]

I was told by someone at migra that you have a 30 day grace period when renewing or changing status...[/code]

[Samantha]

Your vehicle is legal in Mexico as long as you are and as long as your documents are being processed, you are fine. Carry your current INAM paperwork (copies of) in your vehicle's glove box.

Something important to note. No way should anyone be confused here, and believe it's okay to let their tourist visa lapse for any amount of time before applying for an FM3 (which is what we are talking about in this thread). That would put you in the country illegally and you would be unable to apply for an FM3 at that point.

This is off topic of the thread, but I wanted to clarify what was posted above. You do have 30 days when your employment changes or your address changes. As far as having a 30 day grace period for renewal of FM3's, that's only correct if you are NOT in Mexico when it expires (and can prove it with official documentation). You must apply for renewal before your expiry date if you are in Mexico, and if you go late, the fine has been 55 pesos per diem. You have up to 30 days to get things right after your return, if you expire while on a trip outside Mexico.

[Phil_K]

[Guy Courchesne]

Hmm...I'd go back to migra and ask them about the expiring tourist visa. Ask them what can be done about it. The thing with migra here is that it differs from city to city within Mexico. Offices are staffed by people and not machines so you find that the 'rules' are flexible. Be nice with the person you talk to and see what happens.

Word of warning though...sometimes when there are 'problems with documents', that is an invitation for a bribe. I've seen that a few times at various agencies around the country. I'd steer clear of anything to do with bribery though as you never want to make such an assumption.

[bobbyb]

Thanks for your replies. It turns out that there really isn't a problem something just needs to be clarified with a letter. So I went and got my fotos, paid the bank and filled out the Formato Basico. I made a mistake in my first post it's an FM1 not an FM3. Anyway my FM1 has been approved and my next visit to immigration should be a short one.
Just my finger prints and get my card.
From my understanding, the permiso on my car is tied to my visa. In that it's automatically extended for the length of my FM1. However I don't get a new window sticker nor an offical document from the Aduanas office unless I paid cash at the border which I didn't. So to get another sticker I'll have to make a border run. I'm not 100% sure of that point though.
Now when I get stopped by the cops (which is twice weekly minimum)for an expired sticker I'm suppose to show them this law;

http://rollybrook.com/article_106.htm

Can anyone add to this?