FM3 Visa help

I can't get a response from Mexican embassy in LA re: documents I need to get visa. Help?
John

[moisheh]

Hi John: What do you need to know about your FM3. I will try to help.

Moisheh

[Quién Soy Yo?]

Refresh our recollection, please. Are you seeking an FM-3 to only live in Mexico, or an FM-3 with permission to work in Mexico? Many of these requirements are included on the various websites for Mexican Consulates and/or the Embassy of Mexico in Washington, D.C. Rather than telephone the consulate closest to you, it's probably best to go there and ask in person. Be prepared for inconsistencies: requirements may vary by office you speak with or website you consult. Some people find it easier to enter Mexico on a tourist card (FM-t) and then convert that to an application for an FM-3. If you do follow the latter, make certain you have all of the necessary paperwork with you to file the application, or you'll be faced with the prospect of having to return home to get it.

[Dr. Charles]

You are wasting time and money dealing with a Mexican Consulate in the USA.
Like the other gentleman said, come on down as a tourist (FMT visa) available at the border or on the plane. Get your FM3 here, faster and cheaper! You will need either 3 or 6 months of your bank records showing you have an income from the USA of about $1,100 a month. This is a requirement. However, IF YOU PURCHASE A HOME HERE that requirement is reduced by 50%.

[moisheh]

DR. Charles: it is a little more complicated than that. DEPENDING on where you will be getting your FM3 they may require that your bank statements be translated into Spanish and apostilized (sp) by your Dept. of state. Might also want references, water bill or phone bill or CFE. There is a whole list of requirements but every migra applies the rules differently. One of them insists that the bank accounts be joint or you each need your own account.

Originally Posted by moisheh

Hi John: What do you need to know about your FM3. I will try to help.

Moisheh

Thank you. I am building a house in Sayulita. I want to get FM# Visa for that reason. Also, I'd like to do it for 5 years and get dual citizenship. I think I'm going to have to take my chances at the LA Consulate, as I heard that if I start the process in Puerto Vallarta, I can't leave the country because they keep my passport. I found a list of the required doc's for Temporary Resident Visa on this website. I still feel lost!
John

[Quién Soy Yo?]

Maybe I've been misinformed, but my understanding is that having an FM-3 isn't a requirement for home ownership in Mexico. Having one is helpful if you're going to be living here, however. So, don't place too much pressure on yourself - poco a poco and it'll get done. Check out Rolly Brooks webpage information about Moving to Mexico - it's been helpful to many. Click here.

[moisheh]

Sayulita John:
I dont remember leaving my passport at the office. BUT you can get a special letter from the migra that states that you have made application for your FM3 and this is accepted by MEXICAN Immigration as a visa. I have never heard good things about getting an FM3 from a consulate.

[jomarshall1943]

I elected to get my FM-3 from the Mexican consulate in Portland, OR because the information required in Michoacan was so extensive that it intimidated me, and there were a few requirements that I wasn't sure I could meet. It was pretty easy in Portland, although it took me 3 trips, as they don't respond well to telephone messages. First trip I got the information about what they required ( I understand it can be different for each consulate). The 2nd trip I turned everything in including my US passport which concerned me, but I did get it back. The third trip I picked it up and paid a fee that I think was around $200, although the figure is fuzzy--cash only! The one thing they didn't tell me was that I had to register the FM-3 once I was settled in Mexico and within 30 days. The immigration at Guadalajara didn't tell me either, although I specifically asked if I needed to do anything else. If you get the FM-3 in the US, I understand that you must make the move to Mexico within 6 months or it is invalidated. That may or may not be true. You never know what to believe.

Thank you for the info. On my 1st trip to the LA Embassy today, they let me know the requirements are different then on the websites I visited:

1 a police report needs to be submitted with appl.
2 financial info. for 1 year not 6 months
3 annual renewal of Visa to be done in Mexico

I hope 2nd trip will finish the process.
John