That´s a pretty funny video, Steve, but in my many contacts with immigration over the last two years I haven´t had anything much to complain about, aside from all the time it takes. Could they do a better job, of course they could! Something as simple as clearly marking the stations in the process with numbers for, ¨step one, step two, etc.¨, accompanied by a brief description of each stage, posted somewhere convenient, would be a good place to start. I still sometimes feel a little hesitancy about just who to approach with what, even after all my visits there. G, if it makes you feel any better, I realize now that I did pay the fee to register in the Registro Nacional de Extranjeros: while looking through one of the many pages of my three immigration files I recently ran across a paid receipt for just that!
Good! No fines for you, then haha I agree with you about marking the lines.. I'm NEVER sure where to go first! The times I thought I knew, they ended up sending me elsewhere.
My wife and I went to immigration, Cancun, to submit her request for renewal of her "FM3", Visitante Rentista. We made the effort to get everything conceivably needed ready beforehand, so we went straight to the desk to the right, as you enter, and asked for a "turno" (a number for your turn), rather than going to "information", where they would review what you're planning to submit and tell you if you needed anything else, and give you the information about how to pay, what kind of photos to provide, etc. After a 30 minute wait (there was only one person working the desk, and it took him that long to process about six people), our number appeared on the electronic board. They took everything we offered- the current FM3, two original applications prepared on the website, printed and signed; letter requesting the extension (written in Spanish, with a declaration under oath- language of which appears on the website); passport photo page; electric bill; marriage certificate (electric bill is in my name: I expect a letter from me, written in Spanish, stating she is my wife and lives at the address on the bill would have been enough), and last three bank statements. They kept the original applications, the FM3, the letter and the bank statements; they kept copies of everything else. They said check the website for an update in about three weeks. When we get a message directing us to return to the office, we will present original and two copies of the bank receipt for our payment, and photos. My wife will be fingerprinted, she will sign the new FM3 document, and we will again be told when to come back to pick up the new FM3. For those who've been through this before, it won't sound too different from past practices. I'm hearing they no longer demand translations of bank statements. It seems it is enough if the documents clearly identify the applicant as the owner of the account (name probably must match, exactly, the name of the applicant as stated on the application). ________________________
My renewal is being handled by my employer, but it has been in process since the beginning of May. Things are not moving fast there apparently.....
My employer is handling mine, also... since the beginning of MARCH. Things are not looking good. Never had to wait more than a month or two. Slightly concerned.
My FM2 is in process at the moment. Mauricio turned in the paperwork about 3 weeks ago and says he asks for an update on my application each time he's there but they haven't been able to give him any info yet. He said "things are moving painfully slow [at INM] right now" so it looks like we are all in the same boat. what a drag...but at least most of us have someone else dealing with the INM headaches.
I finally get my FM2 next Tuesday we applied for it through a lawyer at the end of March was told it would take 4 weeks. They are pretty slow, was told it was approved two weeks ago but have to wait until the 12th to get an appointment at INM to get my Id and paper work. So excited I can finally start working, had a job lined up since early April thanks to Gringation . I am going to spend next tuesday night drinking tequila, scotch and dancing to Banda and listening to Mariachi bank account is looking forward to some cash intake for a bit. Thankfully I have a LOT of patience.
Scorpio: Having lived in OZ for several years, I do appreciate the country and what is has to offer, but a change is usually very exciting. Thai was like "upside down world" when I left Sweden(duuh!), but it was something completely new. OZ was completely new and exciting for me as well, and Mexico has and is being the same. If I wanted "quality of life" in the secure meaning etc, then I wouldnt have left Sweden, ever Yes, pay is way lower in Mex compared to Sweden and OZ(amongst others), but money is def NOT everything in life. Back home winter kills my outdoor interests for 4-6 months each year... For me, Mexico is different and thats both good and bad, in soooo many ways. But Im quite sure that we learn more from "bad" experiences than good. At least I do. I have never appreciated life itself more than when living here and in Thailand. For me, Mexico is NOT "forever", but surely I can do a few more years than the 4 I have here now
To try to stick to the subject: Are you all getting the new visas now? The changes that were mentioned in another post? I have my 4th extension coming up in Sept/Oct... "Cant wait"... haha
