What do I need FMT, FM 2, FM 3 ????????????

[ToriB]

RG....that is information I have yet to read...and kind of wish I didn't have to wait til January to indulge more into the Familiar status. Especially since I will have to leave in July and again before January to get more FMT time....unless by some miracle, I find a job that isn't gonna make me sell my soul to the devil.

Thanks again for clarifying. Oh and the only reason I lumped the Retirees as the Rentistas is because there is to be an outside income, like Social Security, or sufficiant funds in the bank. I know there are a bunch that work for themselves or a US based Co, but none that I have met personally, in the age group I mentioned....with the exception of Coby.

[RiverGirl]

Tori - When you get an FM2 or an FM3 it lists your approved activities, it says where you can work, if you can work, etc. When you have Familiar status is says something about being able to work anywhere so long as you notify them.

What I am not 100% clear on, is whether when you are Familiar status your employer still has to maintain the ratio of Mexicans to foreigners that they have to maintain when you get an FM3 based on your employer sponsoring you. I think that the employer does not have to uphold that ratio if you have Familiar status, which is great because it literally means you can work anywhere, at a business of any size, if you have Familiar status.

Since my work is all from the US and Canada I haven't worried about any of this personally.

[ToriB]

Well, RG, that is some positive news, even if not true. I guess when the time gets close, I will contact Mauricio, and look into the specifics. I am nominating you to be my Immigration know it all, (I know, lucky you), and then next, (NOT THIS YEAR), I will illicit the help of Cancun Canuck about raising a bilingual child. Ya'll will be sick of me!!!!!

[pocodinero]

Any idea on the cost of using the services of a lawyer to get an fm2 or fm3?

[V]

The cost will depend on the lawyer, and the services you want included: the least I've heard of is 3,000 pesos for an uncomplicated application. I've heard of fees as high as 7,000 pesos. Official fees not included. No substitute for talking with the lawyer concerned on this question.

[pocodinero]

Can anyone reccommend an Immigration Lawyer?

[CancunMole]

Originally Posted by pocodinero

Can anyone reccommend an Immigration Lawyer?

From one of RG's previous posts:

There's an attorney in Cancun who does only immigration and citizenship work. He was a subdelegado in immigration for 6 years. He's very good, he knows exactly how they apply the law here. His name is Mauricio Mendoza.

Contact:
maurris [at] hotmail.com
maurris [at] yahoo.com
998-159-1599 - Mobile
884-0003 - Home

My husband and I have used his services for our last two renewals. We can't say enough good about him...he is wonderful!

[kathy_caribe]

I'm doing the dance now and posting my results over at intheroo. The old forms are out the new form (see linked thread) is the only form they'll accept for new FM3's and prrorogas. I know most of you all use lawyers so this is probably transparent for you.

Immigration changes beginning April 30, 2010 - Playa del Carmen & Riviera Maya Forum by In The Roo

[CancunCanuck]

I'm "en tramite" for my second renewal of the FM2 as well. Met with Mauricio last night (no way was I doing this on my own, this year especially). He laughed as he talked about the changes at INM, and being the nice guy he is, he refrained from using nasty words to describe the situation. He hemmed and hawed and finally said "Pues.......es un poco chaotico". I said "es un desmadre".

He doesn't think they are prepared to do the new cards yet, they are still giving out the old booklets, but of course, we may find next week that I will have to go for new photos (the photos are different now for the new cards, they'll be colour and "infantil"). He guessed that we might hear back from them in about ten days, less time than we've experienced in the past. (Knocking on wood).

Here's what I had to provide for the renewal (my FM2 is for working in Mexico, not "rentista")....

-Copy of all pages of FM2
-Copy of all pages of passport
-Expediente basico from my employers
-Copy of the ID of the person who signed the expediente basico
-Letter from my employers stating my position and salary
-Comprobante de domicilio (in Hubby's name since nothing is in my name)
-Copy of Hubby's ID (to support the comprobante)
-Letter from Hubby saying I live at the address on the comprobante
-Signed application form (from website)
-Letter from me stating my intentions to renew my FM2 (written by Mauricio, I didn't read it so I hope he kept my intentions good)

Cost to renew the FM2 is $2,801 and Mauricio's fee is $3000 (those are pesos of course). Mauricio is worth every centavo.

[V]

Thanks, Cancuncanuck, for the rundown on what you had to produce, this time round.

And, she's right, Mauricio Mendoza, often mentioned here, is very professional, not at all expensive as lawyers go, and can take all the hardships out of the process for you. Nevertheless, some, such as Kathy, above, still prefer to do it themselves.
______________________

Kathy, I think a significant minority of those who post here, also do their own applications: it's set up, after all, for "do-it-yourselfers", with English speaking staff there at INM whose main job it is to answer questions, and direct traffic. When I'm in there the number who are doing their own seem to outnumber the ones with lawyers many fold, making this a place to get acquainted with expats you might not ever have contact with, otherwise. (Of course, there are visa agents, as well, who come in there with stacks of 8-10 at a time, and this can skew the impression you get, as well as the numbers.)

As you know, to do it yourself, you've got to have quite a lot of flexible time- in order to make the four-five trips the process may require. Many find the convenience of having someone do it for them worth the money; but, there are others, like me, who just enjoy doing it themselves. It sounds like you may be in the same category.
____________________

[kathy_caribe]

Originally Posted by V

Thanks, Cancuncanuck, for the rundown on what you had to produce, this time round.

And, she's right, Mauricio Mendoza, often mentioned here, is very professional, not at all expensive as lawyers go, and can take all the hardships out of the process for you. Nevertheless, some, such as Kathy, above, still prefer to do it themselves.
______________________

Kathy, I think a significant minority of those who post here, also do their own applications: it's set up, after all, for "do-it-yourselfers", with English speaking staff there at INM whose main job it is to answer questions, and direct traffic. When I'm in there the number who are doing their own seem to outnumber the ones with lawyers many fold, making this a place to get acquainted with expats you might not ever have contact with, otherwise. (Of course, there are visa agents, as well, who come in there with stacks of 8-10 at a time, and this can skew the impression you get, as well as the numbers.)

As you know, to do it yourself, you've got to have quite a lot of flexible time- in order to make the four-five trips the process may require. Many find the convenience of having someone do it for them worth the money; but, there are others, like me, who just enjoy doing it themselves. It sounds like you may be in the same category.
____________________

Actually, if I could afford the $3000 x 6 that it would cost for a lawyer (hubbie, myself and 4 kids) I'd TOTALLY do that. That said I would have to take a number of days off work to equal the price we'd pay to a lawyer, PLUS the INM fees.

here in Playa the situation is the reverse; VERY few ex-pats and almost all lawyers. They sure do tie up the clerks, but seem limited to the number of apps they can run at one time as I'll see them there all day, getting a round of numbers. So, we're all in tramite and requested:

For me (prroroga no2) the usual (bank, domicilio, request letter, passport photos, FM3 photos) and were very happy to see I'd put my CURP on the form.

For the kids, (first FM3) they wanted a CURP. Now go figure on that because here in Playa (maybe it is different in Cancun) you can't get a CURP without an FM3 so total Catch-22 there. Two agents disagreed whether I really needed birth certs for the kids, so I wasn't going to go through the trouble of an apositle and translation and will wait to see what they say about that. Letter from kid (2nd agent said I didn't need that but we did it anyway) and letter from me. Domicilio, bank, passport and payment. They won't even review the documents without the first payment. (different from when I did it). AND, Playa (and maybe CUN) has gone ONLINE! Now, instead of coming back "in 2 weeks" and told to go back home because they're not ready, you can CHECK THE STATUS ONLINE!!!! WooHoo!!!

[V]

Kathy, we've got at least one poster to this forum who has said she's handled her own applications for the last 23 years: this year may make 24! There may be some others who've been doing it even longer.

My impression of the changes is that they are meant to simplify, rather than complicate the procedure, but by just how much, remains to be seen.

[CancunCanuck]

Yay, just got an email from Mauricio that my renewal was approved. He also said they WILL be giving me the new card so that means new photos, different this time around. Here's a quote from the email...


"They also informed me that they'll issue the new FM2 card, this implieas that you need to take some photographs, with the following description;
- 3 front and 2 from right side
- Size "Infantil" color, no instant photos.
- You cannot wear earing or necklaces on the photo."

And that's that. Two weeks from submitting papers to receiving the approval. I have an appt next week to go into INM with the new photos, so three weeks in total it seems, unless they don't give me the card right away. I am pleased!

[kathy_caribe]

Originally Posted by CancunCanuck

Yay, just got an email from Mauricio that my renewal was approved. He also said they WILL be giving me the new card so that means new photos, different this time around. Here's a quote from the email...


"They also informed me that they'll issue the new FM2 card, this implieas that you need to take some photographs, with the following description;
- 3 front and 2 from right side
- Size "Infantil" color, no instant photos.
- You cannot wear earing or necklaces on the photo."

And that's that. Two weeks from submitting papers to receiving the approval. I have an appt next week to go into INM with the new photos, so three weeks in total it seems, unless they don't give me the card right away. I am pleased!

That is a great response. Mine is still en tramite, but Jamie's and the kids' have been "classified" (whatever that means) but at least theirs show that something has happened on them. Mine is still "assigned".

[CancunCanuck]

Phew, done for another year. Got the new card today, yay, no more falling apart book! Had an appt at 1:00, but apparently appointments don't mean much, was there for two hours. They asked me to check that all the info was correct, when I pointed out that they had spelled my street name wrong they said they couldn't change it (so what's the point of checking?). Anywho, the card is in my hot little hands (with blue tinted thumbs from giving up the fingerprints). Huge thanks to Mauricio who once again came through in a professional, timely and friendly manner.

One more renewal and I can apply for citizenship!

[Mellow_in_Puerto Morelos]

A nice change at least in the Playa office is no longer the need to translate bank statements or prove address and no bank statement required at all for renewals. (FM3s)

[playagrandma]

Originally Posted by Mellow_in_Puerto Morelos

A nice change at least in the Playa office is no longer the need to translate bank statements or prove address and no bank statement required at all for renewals. (FM3s)

Frank how recent is this because as of last week, all the above was once again required in Playa. Man it would be great if they could get their act together one way or the other.

[tokolosie]

It should be that easy, did not need anything more than photo's, form filled out, cash/fee payable and finger print to renew my FM3 lucrative in another part of Mexico around the 2nd week in Aug 2011.
It should be the same in Playa office as well.

Can anyone tell me if you still need to do the equivalent of a USA "letter of parole" when you exit Mexico stating how long you would be outside Mexico ?

[V]

The situation is uncomplicated and you don't need anyone's permission so long as you are not planning to leave while a renewal is in process and- provided you return before the FM3 expires- you can stay gone as long as you wish.

[Iowa!]

Originally Posted by CancunMole

From one of RG's previous posts:

There's an attorney in Cancun who does only immigration and citizenship work. He was a subdelegado in immigration for 6 years. He's very good, he knows exactly how they apply the law here. His name is Mauricio Mendoza.

Contact:
maurris [at] hotmail.com
maurris [at] yahoo.com
998-159-1599 - Mobile
884-0003 - Home

My husband and I have used his services for our last two renewals. We can't say enough good about him...he is wonderful!

Does anyone know if Mauricio is still performing this service? I am moving to Cancun in a week and would like to hire someone to walk me through the process of applying for an FM-3.

[rawkus]

Iowa: Yes, met with Maurico as late as yesterday. Hes helping me check what the h*ll is up this time, haha.

[T.J.]

Rawkus - You should have hired me. I work for beer and/or wine and I bet Mauricio will have trouble breaking my 9 day record from application to FM2 in hand.

I just spoke to V as he is walking in the door at INM to submit his FM2 renewal application. He may have it in only 8 as he really knows how to work within the system and giving them the required info and docs the first time in the door.

Good luck.

[rawkus]

TJ: Haha

I submitted mine on the 6th of October.

Ill let you guess if anything at all has happened since....

[rockbottom]

hy all, hope your lifestyle is happy in cancun area. my question is somewhat off topic as i got into difficulty before taking a job in the bahamas. this time i want to buy/start a business in mexico and was wondering if a mexican national had to have controlling interest {as is the case in many carribean countries} or if in mexico i can legally own 100% and run as owner/operator providing i employ 1-? mexican nationals? any links to english websites i can study would be appreciated. thanks

[T.J.]

Originally Posted by rockbottom

was wondering if a mexican national had to have controlling interest {as is the case in many carribean countries} or if in mexico i can legally own 100% and run as owner/operator providing i employ 1-? mexican nationals? any links to english websites i can study would be appreciated. thanks

No as to Mexican nationals having to own controlling interest.

Yes, you can effectively legally own 100% as owner operator. There must be two shareholders and their shares are specified in the corp docs. Neither have to be Mexican so it can be 50/50 with a relative or even 99/1. The original docs need to be signed by all shareholders and the signatures must be notarized by a Mexican Notario. If you are near an area where there is a Mexican Consulate or Embassy this can be accomplished without everyone making a trip to Mexico.

No, I do not believe you have to employ anyone, but if you do need employees, if a Mexican can and will do the job, you must hire a Mexican. If your job description cannot be met by a Mexican (like maybe you need a brain surgeon, or someone who reads and writes Punjabi) then you can hire whomever you want that can meet your requirements.

Sorry I cannot refer you to English websites about these requirements. But you can get a lot of info from various forums around Mexico.

[T.J.]

Hey Rockbottom,

I need to make a slight correction to my January post. There are certain businesses where a Mexican must be a shareholder. For a transportation business, it must be 100% Mexican owned. For a fishing business, it must be not less than 51% Mexican owned and not more than 49%. I just learned that last week. There may be other such rules for specific businesses where the gov't has decided that foreignors cannot totally control a company.

[V]

There may be other such rules for specific businesses where the gov't has decided that foreignors cannot totally control a company.

That's right, T.J., these are the industries protected under the terms of NAFTA
.
To see the complete list of protected industries you can go to- SICE: Trade Agreements: North American Free Trade Agreement

if you do need employees, if a Mexican can and will do the job, you must hire a Mexican.

This is a piece of information that is oft repeated, I think in part because it sounds so much like immigration law for H1 visas in the U.S., but I don't believe it's an accurate statement of Mexican Law, and I'm living proof, being non Mexican but holding a job at a state university that could be performed by thousands of Mexicans around the country.

The rule as I understand it is that, so long as you employ less than 10% of foreign staff you can freely hire foreigners to fill local jobs.

Given the expense and trouble involved in getting documentation for foreign workers (even though there is no prohibition, beyond what I spoke of), you will not find employers giving positions to foreigners that locals can do, and will do for less money. Those employers with more specific requirements, better met by foreigners, will naturally consider them for employment; and, I believe that, with justification, the 10% limit can be waived, as well, so that in some industries you can find more than 10% foreigners in the positions.

(On this, as on most other things relating to the law, anyone who thinks this is not accurate can post the contrary Mexican Law, and should do so, to dispel any misconception I may have on this subject.)