Job Discussion Forums

bridgetc · Joined: 14 Nov 2007 Posts: 23

Hi all,

I'd be really grateful if anybody with experience of this problem could advise, or indeed anyone without experience of this problem could give their opinion.

I moved to Sonora in August 2010 to work in a school and my FM3 was processed (eventually) in November 2010. All hunkydory. In June this year, with the school year done and dusted, I flew back to the UK for a family visit via the US.

I am due to return to Mexico - again via the US (Phoenix) - at the end of the week. However, I have very, very stupidly lost my FM3. My options (as I see them) are as follows:

a) Get an FMT tourist visa on entry into Mexico this time around. When I get to my local town, visit the immigration office and report the FM3 lost and apply for a new one or a replacement (not sure which is the procedure!).

b) Re-enter (I'm going by bus) and do not fill out the visa at the border. Hope nobody asks for visas on the bus - it has never happened to me before but knowing my luck - and when I get back to my town in Sonora, report it as missing as though I lost it on return.

I kjnow b) sounds shady and has potential for trouble but I read something somewhere about it being illegal to have two visa documents running concurrently!

c) Contact my boss at the school and see if he can shed any light. I would do this but to be honest I doubt there is anything he can do!?

What would you do in this situation? In reality I know it probably won't be the problematic and hopefully the worst that could happen is a fine. However I don't want to end up being hauled off TUFESA by armed police officers or kicked out of the country... dramatic I know but you just never, ever know!

Opinions much appreciated!

bridgetc · Joined: 14 Nov 2007 Posts: 23

Oh, the alternative option is that I COULD fly. If that were to make things easier, albeit more expensive. If it were to take away some of the stress and hassle I'd be willing to do it...

Enchilada Potosina · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 344 Location: Mexico

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

As far as I understand it, a lost FM3 needs to be reported to SRE as well (Relaciones Exteriores), directly at their office. Another poster here from DF had this happen once.

bridgetc · Joined: 14 Nov 2007 Posts: 23

Thanks. I suppose I will just get my FMT and try to organise the rest when I get to my destination... hopefully it isn't going to be too expensive or scary! Typical of me to lose my FM3 after all the time and effort it took to get the bloody thing!