Mexican Immigration Changes Coming

[RiverGirl]

For the last couple of days INM has been training agents all over Mexico in the changes that are coming up. A lot of questions remain, the training is not complete.

Beginning April 30th INM agents will be expected to enforce and work under the new rules. But INM agents (here in Cancun at least) have not yet been issued personal copies of the new manual, and it doesn't look like they will receive the new manual until AFTER the changes go into effect.

In other words, things will be chaotic at first while everyone figures this out by doing it. Also some of what I will explain here may not be fully accurate, but as of right now this is the best info I can gather.

FMM - Forma Migratoria Multiple
This form will replace the current FM-T (tourist permit), it will also replace current FM-TTV (a permit for business visitors and certain others). I understand that the FMM will be used by tourists, diplomats, crew members and business people, among others.

Everyone entering Mexico will be interviewed, this includes tourists. It will be interesting to see how this plays out as many INM agents here to not possess enough English to interview many of the tourists who come to Cancun. Under the previous rules there was a mandate to get tourists through the INM checkpoint at a rate of about 30 seconds per person. Under the new rules this mandate appears to be out the window. INM agents are now required to ask questions about the nature of the person's trip.

We will see how long this new process will take. But the reality in Cancun is that they cannot slow down the process too much. If the agents don't process passengers quickly then the room fills up, they are forced to shut down the escalator and old ladies start fainting right and left. So they HAVE to keep people moving through pretty fast.

Business Visitors
Previously business visitors (and certain others) were allowed to stay for only 30 day stints, under the new rules they will be allowed to stay for 180 days, the same way that tourists can.

Certain people coming to Mexico to do business, or for example rescue work, will have an easier time, under the new rules, getting permission to do what they come here to do.

FM2s and FM3s
Previously Mexican Consulates could issue FM2s/3s, which became valid when stamped upon entry into Mexico. Under the new rules Consulates will issue a special VISA-like label which will be adhered to the holder's passport. The holder will then enter Mexico using the FMM and will have 30 days to go to the INM office in Mexico to get their FM2/3.

FM2/3 holders will be given cards to carry instead of the booklets they now have. These cards will be scanned when the holder enters, and presumably when they exit, Mexico.

The new FM2 card looks like this:
http://www.sandiegoleisure.com/image...MAY_1_2010.PNG

The new FM3 card looks like this:
http://www.sandiegoleisure.com/image...E_MAY_2010.png

One thing that is not clear to me is WHEN the new cards will be issued. My FM2 expires in early 2011, will I get my new card before then, or when I renew? This is not clear yet.

Who May Enter Mexico
Citizens of countries that do not require a VISA to come to Mexico can still enter Mexico freely.

For citizens of countries that do require a VISA to enter Mexico there are changes:

- Under the new rules anyone holding a valid VISA for the U.S. will be allowed to enter Mexico regardless of their nationality.

- Under the new rules anyone on a flight coming from the U.S. will be allowed to enter Mexico regardless of their nationality.

These two rules will negate much of the need Mexico currently has for granting VISAS. If the U.S. likes you then Mexico likes you. This one will probably bring some interesting unintended consequences.

Mexican VISAS
This is background info because lots and lots of people get this wrong. An FM2/3 is not a VISA, an FMT is not a VISA either. And the new FMM will not be a VISA. FM2s/3s, FMTs and FMMs are permits.

A VISA is usually only issued to people from countries needing a VISA (so not Canada or US or many other 1st world countries). (There are special circumstances when people from countries not needing a VISA are granted a VISA, but it's rare.) A VISA is ALWAYS stuck in the holder's passport, it's a high security label that is adhered to a page of the passport. Now repeat after me..."an FM2 is not a VISA, and FM3 is not a VISA, an FMT is not a VISA." Good.

Here is an image showing what a Mexico VISA looks like, usually the photo of the VISA holder is on the left:
http://mexico.visahq.com/information...exico-visa.jpg

More Info
Beware that there is a lot of misinformation on the internet about the new changes. I've seen numerous sites that have information that is clearly incorrect. The full scope of the changes won't be known until they are put in force, then we will get the real story.

The following links, as far as I know, have information that is essentially correct (although each of them makes the mistake of calling FM2s/3s VISAS, which they ARE NOT):

Global Immigration Alert: Mexico Immigration Reform Will Impact Business Travelers • Gibney Anthony & Flaherty LLP

Tourist, FM-3 and FM-2 visa changes for 2010 - San Felipe Life

Mexico Simplifies Visa Procedures | Mexico Insight | Mexico Blogs

[Steve]

Nice info, thanks for taking the time to post it. Remind me to sticky it once it drops down.

Originally Posted by RiverGirl

Who May Enter Mexico
Under the new rules anyone holding a valid VISA for the U.S. will be allowed to enter Mexico.

Under the new rules anyone on a flight coming from the U.S. will be allowed to enter Mexico.

These two rules will negate much of the need Mexico currently has for granting VISAS. If the U.S. likes you then Mexico likes you. This one will probably bring some interesting unintended consequences.

That rules out the Brits then? Unless being exempt from a Visa for the US also applies.

[RiverGirl]

That rules out the Brits then? Unless being exempt from a Visa for the US also applies.

Brits are in a group which doesn't require a VISA to enter Mexico, so they can come anyway.

The new rules allowing entrance to people with U.S. VISAS or ppl on flights from the U.S. only apply in the case of nationalities that require a VISA to enter Mexico.

Here's a list of countries that DO NOT need a VISA to enter Mexico:
Instituto Nacional de Migracion - No VISA
These nationalities can enter Mexico without a VISA regardless of whether the pax has a VISA for the U.S., and regardless of where the flight originates.

Here's a list of countries that DO need a VISA to enter Mexico:
Instituto Nacional de Migracion - Need VISA
These nationalities need a VISA to enter Mexico UNLESS they already have a current VISA to enter the U.S. or they are flying to Mexico on a direct flight from the U.S.

It's confusing at first but logical once you get it.

[CancunCanuck]

Thanks Rivergirl. Gee, great, changes right at renewal time for me. Joy!

Good to know going in though.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by RiverGirl

Brits are in a group which doesn't require a VISA to enter Mexico, so they can come anyway.

The new rules allowing entrance to people with U.S. VISAS or ppl on flights from the U.S. only apply in the case of nationalities that require a VISA to enter Mexico.

Here's a list of countries that DO NOT need a VISA to enter Mexico:
Instituto Nacional de Migracion - No VISA
These nationalities can enter Mexico without a VISA regardless of whether the pax has a VISA for the U.S., and regardless of where the flight originates.

Here's a list of countries that DO need a VISA to enter Mexico:
Instituto Nacional de Migracion - Need VISA
These nationalities need a VISA to enter Mexico UNLESS they already have a current VISA to enter the U.S. or they are flying to Mexico on a direct flight from the U.S.

It's confusing at first but logical once you get it.

Ok that's cool, thought that might be the case.

Might want to edit your post to reflect that, doesnt read that way at the moment - not being picky just I want to sticky it

[RiverGirl]

Steve - I edited my initial post, see if it's clear enough. I'm foggy-brained at the moment.

[kathy_caribe]

Originally Posted by CancunCanuck

Thanks Rivergirl. Gee, great, changes right at renewal time for me. Joy!

Good to know going in though.

Yeah, me too. Maybe I should wait a little longer. Aren't you on your 2nd year of your FM2? So citizenship next year?

[CancunCanuck]

Kathy, you are correct ma'am. This will be my first renewal, second year on FM2. Better start studying for that citizenship exam!

[Steve]

Originally Posted by RiverGirl

Steve - I edited my initial post, see if it's clear enough. I'm foggy-brained at the moment.

Perfectly clear now, thanks!

[JohnB]

Thanks, Rivergirl!

The FM3/FM2 process has always been somewhat confusing, glad to see that this isn't changing.

It will be nice to have a plastic permit that can be updated more quickly than the current booklets. Some years we were in possession of our booklets for only 6 months.

[Gringation]

If anyone finds out if the FM2/3 booklets need to be changed immediately, please post!

Mine gets renewed later this year.

Thanks for the info. I'm excited about the cards! After 5 years, my green booklet is now taped together.

[V]

Haven't seen a single thing not to like, in these new rules and procedures. Congratulations, Mexico, for getting it right!
V.

[ToriB]

What I don't like is that if I don't have my FM3 when I leave for FL in June, I will have to come up with a nice story as to why I am Mexico...if the "interview" procedure takes effect.

[T.J.]

ToriB - You should be able to come back in as a Tourist in that case. Remember, never answer what you are not asked.

RG - Nice info. Although I always have my FME filled out before getting to the airport it can be a pain to get it processed before heading to the check in counters.

Any idea who will scan the cards of FM2 and FM3 holders? Do we have to go to where we go now and have to sometimes stand in line behind tourists who lost their FMT's? That is really the only current point of contact with Migracion when leaving. It would be surprising if they let the airlines do this or if the airlines would even agree to it. Plus Spirit would find a way to charge $29 - $45 US for it. Jeje.

Thanks for the info.

[RiverGirl]

Better start studying for that citizenship exam!

C'mon, that test is easy peasy. It's multiple choice.

The paperwork is the killer, SRE is super picky. I may not be able to file because when we got married in the U.S. hubby didn't put both his last names on the marriage cert (he only used his paternal last name when he lived there, it was simpler). Now SRE may not let me file based on marriage because of that. You need all your ducks in uptight little rows to get through the paperwork with SRE.

Haven't seen a single thing not to like, in these new rules and procedures.

Their goal was to reduce the number of tramites (amt of paperwork) for lots of their procedures. So this is very good.

They've done a less than stellar job of readying their agents for the changes however. During the nation-wide teleconference yesterday there were agents all over the country asking questions that show they are ignorant of immigration law. If agents are ignorant of the law they will be clueless about how to apply the new regulations for enforcing the law. And their ignorant questions were taking valuable learning time away from the agents who know the law backwards. In short the training did more to show how poorly trained many agents currently are than to ready them for change.

We will see how much chaos there is while INM figures this out by doing it.

Regarding people who need to renew soon, my understanding is that if you file by April 30 then your paperwork will be processed under the old rules. If you file April 30 or later you fall under the new rules. But for renewals there won't be much different except that they will give you the card.

FYI I keep my FM2 in a ziplock bag to protect it, it's the only way to keep the booklet from wearing out.

[V]

You should be able to come back in as a Tourist in that case.

I'm under the impression (it's nothing more than that), that people will be limited to 180 days out of any 365, in country, if they have nothing more than an FMM.

If that's the case, Tori, perhaps you could (would need to) apply for a Mexican Tourist Visa, next time around; thereby, getting your stay in the country pre-approved.

[T.J.]

V, we almost crossed in the mail on the info to ToriB.

Take care amigo. I am off to the INAPAM place.

[ToriB]

Of course I would come in on a FMM, but when I came in in January after a week in Philly, I was asked a million and one questions. Like, how long and I here? where am I staying? do I have a boyfriend here? Yes, they asked me that. I was getting really nervous. I ended up telling them that I am staying at a friends Condo, that I am going to school to learn Spanish (LOL), and I will be in Mexico for 4 months...then heading to Beliz to meet my family and leave from there.
May use that story again.

[T.J.]

JAJA. They really saw you coming mi amiga.

[ToriB]

Seriously, he had to have sen the fear written all over me...but I dished that story like a pro.

[RiverGirl]

Any idea who will scan the cards of FM2 and FM3 holders? Do we have to go to where we go now and have to sometimes stand in line behind tourists who lost their FMT's?

TJ - It makes sense that FM2/3 holders will still have to go to the Alfa office (the Salidas office we all go to when we leave) to get scanned. Part of the reason you go to that office now is so that INM can record your exit in the computer (after you walk away they enter your data), it's not just to get the red form.

And NO the airlines will not be able to do this, never, never. Currently I don't think the Alfa offices actually have the scanners in them, so they will need to install those.

I'm under the impression (it's nothing more than that), that people will be limited to 180 days out of any 365, in country, if they have nothing more than an FMM.

If that's the case, Tori, perhaps you could (would need to) apply for a Mexican Tourist Visa

The FMM and FMT are NOT VISAS they are permits!

Lots and lots of web sites are reporting that FMM holders will not be allowed more than 180 days in the country out of a 365 day period BUT THIS IS NOT VERIFIED!!!!! There has been no official statement issued about this, agents have been told nothing.

Under current law business visitors are allowed 30 day stints in country up to a total of 180 days out of 365. They are doing away with this. I believe that some of the sites reporting that FMM holders won't have more than 6 months in country are confusing what's being done away with with changes that are coming. All it would take is one author to mix this up, due to poor Spanish, and web site authors across Mexico would be spreading an ugly rumor. And that's exactly what I think is going on here. I think that one person got this mixed up and it's spreading.

Importantly, it doesn't make sense that they would change the rules this way because it goes against the way the law is written. Remember the new changes do not reflect a change in immigration law in Mexico, only a change in policy, only a change in how the law is applied.

The reason my initial post did not mention the rumors about FMM holders only being allowed 6 months out of a year in country is because this has not been substantiated. Let's not scare anyone until we know for sure what's going on with this. Again, it doesn't make sense for them to change this because of the way the actual law is written. We will see soon enough if they are changing this, but at this point it does not look as though they are.

[V]

The FMM and FMT are NOT VISAS they are permits!

Got it, I was referring to her applying for a Mexican Tourist Visa, at a Mexican Consulate, abroad.

Has the text of this new law not been published on this forum? I saw it, somewhere, and resolved to read it a little nearer the time it went into effect, which is now upon us!

[RiverGirl]

I ended up telling them that I am staying at a friends Condo, that I am going to school to learn Spanish (LOL), and I will be in Mexico for 4 months.

Tori - Under the old rules you could have been barred from entering Mexico when you told them you were coming to study Spanish. Technically you needed a permit to study to do that.

Under the new rules you will be allowed to study at certain schools without a permit, this is to make it easier for tourists to come and study Spanish. You cannot come here and go to university without a permit allowing study, but under the new rules you can come in on an FMM to study Spanish.

INM agents are trained at lie detection. The agent knew you were lying, and he was nice to let you in anyway.

You will be better off telling the truth, so long as the truth is that you are coming to visit your Mexican boyfriend, you will be here for a few weeks, you are planning to get married soon and will be getting an FM2/3 as soon as you can. The male agents have a soft spot for a gringa who is willing to put up with a Mexican man, so play that in your favor.

I wouldn't use that story with a female agent though...might want to stick to the Spanish school story if you get a female agent, haha.

[RiverGirl]

Got it, I was referring to her applying for a Mexican Tourist Visa, at a Mexican Consulate, abroad.

Tori is a US Citizen, she doesn't need a VISA to enter Mexico...and she won't get one if she applies for one.

The law isn't new, just the regulations for how to apply it. They are calling it the Manual. The old version of the Manual, from 2000, is published as a PDF on the INM web site. Hopefully they will post the new version soon, but as of last night it wasn't up yet.

[ToriB]

LOL...thanks RG. Do you need a student permit to study at one of the non University schools? They have 4 week classes and figured anyone can go to them.
At the time, I didn't know that US Citizens were given 180 days and figured I could only get 60 to 30. Oh well, I am here, and hopefully I don't need to make up any stories come July...which leads me to this question. And I am sure I can search the archive, but I really don't feel like re reading the billion posts....
Say I get a job, and the FM3 paperwork gets started..I won't have my FMT anymore as I have to turn it over...how do I go about leaving in June without it?

[V]

RG, isn't this what you're referring to? I first noticed it online on April 11, but deferred having a look at it, until now.

[Link deleted]

Unfortunately, the link I provided does not seem to work, and sometimes pulls up a much shorter, useless document. The document I found, very lengthy, and almost surely the one you're referring to, is dated January 29, 2010, was published in the "Diario Official de la Federacion" and is titled, "El Manual de Criterios y Tramites Migratorios".

I could paste it here, but Steve would probably kill me. With these extra details, you'll almost surely be able to find it.

[Katie9136]

Thanks for the info Rivergirl! I am supposed to be getting my renewed FM3 back in another week or so, hope I just missed the changes.

And I think that whole interview thing is rediculous. I´m guessing it will cause a lot more chaos than good.

[CancunCanuck]

Thanks for all the info again RG. I was considering trying to do the paperwork without Mauricio this year, but I have changed my mind, Mauricio can deal with the chaos again, haha. My FM2 expires May 20th so now is the time to do it and from what I am reading, now is the time where things are likely to be all screwy. Save me the headache, the $$ will be worth it.

[V]

OK, I tried what I suggested to Rivergirl, and it works. Anyone who'd like to see the rules she's referring to can do a websearch for "diario oficial de la federacion"; then, in the search function of the website, type in "criterios migratories" and you'll have it.

V.

[CancunMole]

Originally Posted by ToriB

LOL...thanks RG. Do you need a student permit to study at one of the non University schools? They have 4 week classes and figured anyone can go to them.
At the time, I didn't know that US Citizens were given 180 days and figured I could only get 60 to 30. Oh well, I am here, and hopefully I don't need to make up any stories come July...which leads me to this question. And I am sure I can search the archive, but I really don't feel like re reading the billion posts....
Say I get a job, and the FM3 paperwork gets started..I won't have my FMT anymore as I have to turn it over...how do I go about leaving in June without it?

This happened when my husband and I were in the process of FM3 renewals and he had to return to the States on business before the process was complete.

Luckily Mauricio was handling things as it was necessary for my husband to get a letter from Immigration, there was a cost for the letter but I can't remember how much, allowing him to depart and re-enter without his FM3. Hope this helps.