Alma: Whenever I have been there in the morning, the people outside are just waiting there since there isn't enough space inside.
We were there in the late morning. There were a few people outside sitting on chairs under a cover. No smokes. We didn't know any better so we just crammed our way inside. The longest line was at the information window (they even had a sign for it) The line to submit papers was short. They were serving #97 and we were #99.
Scorpio - I would think the main answer is that you can only remain legally in Mexico for 180 days, then you must leave the country and return. Getting an FM3 can be a pain but for me this past year, I did it myself, with some counseling from V and I had it in about a month. This is either my 5th or 6th counting renewals and in the past I always used an attorney and there were still occasional hassles. I think, Rawkus, like in real life AND in dealing with INM, is an anomoly. Before I went the FM3 route I was traveling in and out of the country monthly so using the FMT is easier. But the FM3 can make life easier here when people know you are part of their culture. You occasionally get some slack and benefits when you say, I live here, and then back it up.
Scorpio: Well, living here it made sense having an FM3 as Im not sure about exiting to Belize and such ever 180 days. The problem this time was that I started my application on the 28th of September, 2010... When I get back from Canada, Im entering with an FMT, thats for sure. NEVER doing this crap again. Not worth the cash, the time etc.
I got my FM3 back last night and popped to the CURP office. It clearly states on the window that I need the Registro Naional Extranjero number in my FM3 in the space the man pointed to last time - and which I still haven't got. But the gods were shining on me today and the man was busy with another person, so I handed my FM3 to a lovely old lady and within 5 minutes I had my CURP - go figure eh. If I had got the man again I would have had to ge back down to immigration again, but for some reason she didn't seem to mind that the number was missing Lets see on thursday if I can get my new IMMSS card now I have all the paperwork (at least I think I do....)
Well done Esteba...ehrm, Mat Scorpio: Edmonton, beginning of March (I need some cold, fresh weather, and a system that works, hehe )
That's true Mat, what's not true is that it's required! Most of us are not registered with the Registro National Extranjero because there is no specific requirement that we be so (you might be registered with them if you were married to a Mexican), but if we work we will have to have the CURP before we can get an RFC, and the "Expediente Numero" is sufficient to get the CURP. I told you it'd take ten minutes or less to get the CURP! Only time it takes longer is if you're unlucky enough to visit the Registro Civil just as a handful of others have decided to do the same.
Another annoying INM report I needed to let INM know of my change of address, so I went today, arriving at the office at 10:45. I asked for a "turno" because I had to submit my documents at the "recepcion de tramites" desk. They couldn't find any of the little pieces of paper they use to give out turns, so I just stood at the desk. After a couple of minutes, they motioned me forward. I had everything I needed except for a letter asking for them to take note of my new address. (Always struck me as odd that you must both fill out a form and print it in which you make application for a certain action; then, must also accompany that with a letter, addressed to INM, in Spanish, in which you ask for the same thing- but that's how they do it.) They handed me a piece of paper and a pen with which to write the letter. When finished, I handed it to them and they said come back in a week. I was in and out in eight minutes. ______________________ Mat, I just noticed you're planning to try your luck at IMSS registration. If you've got all your ducks in a row, and go there about 1:30 PM, or so, you can be completely done in inside two hours. (Do not go in the morning, unless you enjoy long lines, and even longer waits!)
