There have been a few posts lately about things like a recent change that requires an FM3 holder to get an FM2 after 5 years. Some about whether FM3 holders, or even tourists, can own a Mexican car, etc. Things like that. I know of people who have been here more than 10 years on with an FM3. I know FM3 holders who own Mexican cars. I know of at least 2 people without FM anythings, who come here as tourists, both of whom have purchased Mexican cars. I even borrowed one of these cars the other day when mine was in the shop for 2 days. I know of people who have driven a foreign car (meaning one registered in the US) to Belize and sold it to another FM3 holder, who then drove it back to Mexico and got the Permiso, with zero problem. I even had a friend tell me the other day that I could nationalize a car not yet 10 years old by paying the equivalent of x number of years of tenencia. WHERE I AM GOING with this is that these changes I have read about do not provide chapter and verse of the authority, like a link to the law. Someone recently posted about a number of changes that went into effect in May, 2010. Without appearing to be a skeptic, I for one would love to be able to read the law, or whatever it was that the posters are referring to. We don't need outdated or incorrect info floating around, not that it does, but many people rely on these boards for 100% accurate info. Recently I made a post about how many days were now allowed tourists. Someone stated that they had talked to a lot of tourists, all of whom had recently gotten 180 days automatically. I posted that the forms said "up to 180 days" so we had a discrepancy. To resolve it, I went to the airport on some other matter and went to Migracion and asked what the deal was. Turns out the other poster and I were essentially both right. They give 180 days as a matter of policy, but the form still rules, so the agent has the discretion to "grant" any amount of days he or she wants to do, if some exception to their normal policy suggests it. But this stuff about the cars and about no more FM3s for you after 5 years, I would like to be able to know where that info came from. A link to a news report, governmental website or whatever, would be greatly appreciated. For really important info, many of we regulars, and many non residents, read this board about really important decisions, so it must be accurate. Thanks a bunch to all you posters.
fm3 well TJ, I think all of us would like to see the actual ruling on the fm2 required after holding an fm3 for 5 years. I know many that have had an fm3 for more than 5 years-some many years. However, as I stated on another post, the person that does my fm3 told me this is the new rule. He has promised to send me the link but has not as of yet. I will be talking to him tomorrow and hopefully he can help us. All he did tell me was that anyone renewing their fm3 and they have had one for 5 years, will be required to get an fm2. I have no doubts about believing him. I do understand a misguided information. So until we can get something in that shows this particular issue-anyone out there in the process of renewing a 5 year fm3-have been told at IMMIGRATION, they now need an fm2. As for the 180 days-I was the one that said everyone I had talked to since May 1 is given 180 days. I happen to me one of the skeptics on this issue and waiting to see how this one plays out. I think we have a ruling on this and that hasnt helped one bit. Its just not clear enough As for the rest of the issues. I have been coming here for 25 years and have heard so many variations on everything and most have been totally wrong. And that in itself is scary.
TJ - I'm curious as well, since I have to renew my FM3 this month and I'm about to hit the 5 year mark!! I'll post as soon as possible whether or not I need to upgrade, and how the whole experience goes. My company just decided to get rid of their outsourced lawyers and do their own lawyering this month... so that should be fun. I asked the head of Human Resources and she said, "Send me an e-mail to remind me about your FM3 renewal because I still need to decide who's in charge of that." Awesome.
fm3 It just occurred to me but maybe this new ruling is for rentista only. I would imagine there could be a different sets of rules for works and those retired. I hope we can clear this up soon.
Ok here's what I've found out so far... I just asked a coworker, who also works at an office that oversees immigration-type transactions. She says after 5 years on an FM3, you do NOT have to upgrade to an FM2 (although you can if you want to). They only thing that will happen is that they will give you a NEW FM3. (example: if you used the little green book, you would get a NEW little green book. It's a card now instead of a book, but you get the idea.) If you notice, in the books there are only 4 spaces for a "prorroga", so you'd obviously need a new document when that space runs out. Not sure how it's all gonna work out with the cards. Like playagrandma, I can't produce official info on this, but it seems to coincide with the fact that so many people are able to stay here for years on end with an FM3.
not much help because we once again have two different answers. I just emailed my guy and asked him to please send me the official document with this ruling. As I said, prior to may 1st, you could renew over and over again. Hope we have something today
To V (forgot to quote), you know I really think it doesn't matter. You're going to get different answers from different officials and it really doesn't matter WHAT the law says, the only thing that matters is what the official's response is to your (or your lawyer's) question or request. You can get different answers from different officials in the exact same office (or on the street) so it only really matters what the person handing you the paper (or trying to obtain a mordida) really thinks. The law is really moot at that point. then you dance the dance with that person and either get what you want or comply with what they want. That is really the only "law."
HAHA! Success! After awhile of searching, I finally found the answer on the INM official website (they sure didn't make it easy!) http://www.inami.gob.mx/index.php?page/Documentos_Migratorios ¿Los extranjeros pueden permanecer más de 5 años con el FM3?: Respuesta Sí, cuando deseen permanecer en México y no tienen intención de residir en forma permanente. Dentro de los 30 días anteriores al vencimiento de la cuarta prórroga de su FM3, el extranjero deberá solicitar una nueva permanencia, presentando los mismos documentos con los que ha obtenido sus prórrogas. En caso de ser autorizado, se le expedirá una nueva forma migratoria FM3. My translation for all you non-Spanish speakers: Can foreigners stay more than 5 years with an FM3? Answer: Yes, when they wish to stay in Mexico and have no intention of residing permanently. Within the 30 days prior to the expiration of the 4th renewal of their FM3, the foreigner should request a new "continuation", presenting the same documents used to obtain their renewals. If authorized, they will be issued a new FM3. *note: It was published in September of '09, but since the site has been renewed with all the new FMM/FM3/FM2 info since then, I assume it hasn't changed since May 1, 2010. **another note (5 minutes later): Other FAQs on the same page seem to give the "old" information. Way to stay on top of things, INM. Looks like we're back to Square 1...
fm3 I just read on another forum that someone has just renewed their fm3 in June-this is their ninth one. After 5 years, as stated, you have to start all over. I will talk to my guy about this tomorrow. He just sent me something but it was in spanish and he never said where he found this information. So are we really at square one? The person that posted the above info is a moderator for that board, so I will assume he is telling the truth. He is located in another state(not sure)but not Q Roo-so possibly different rules for different areas. Cant believe that but then who knows anything at this point.
Playagrandma - In my opinion, all the information I've seen and heard seems to show that it's still ok to renew an FM3 after 5 years. I say we're at square 1 because I can't find any CURRENT official info to back that up. If you'd like you could send me the info you have and I'll do my best to explain what it says in English.
