First off - I know the terms "FM2 and FM3" are old - but for simplicity sake, I use these terms to mean the inmigrante and no inmigrante documents that replaced these in conveying the information below.
When my husband and I got our FM2s last year, immigration took our FMMs during the application process and did not return them saying we did not need them. We asked about filling out an FMM upon re-entry into Mexico and were told this was not necessary.
Yet, I've read many, many posts from people who say this is very important and to not do it means immigration can't track the amount of time we are in or out of the country and, if caught, we would be fined heavily and possibly lose our FM2 status.
So, when renewing our FM2s this year, I again asked immigration if we needed to fill out an FMM when we re-entered Mexico after a few months in the US and the answer again was no. That was here in La Paz. I also asked an immigration officer in Tijuana and he also said no need to fill out an FMM if we have a valid, current FM2/3.
Today, I discovered that immigration just fined my neighbor, an FM3 holder, $1800 pesos for filling out an FMM when he re-entered Mexico. Immigration told him that having two active documents was in violation. He said they were very polite, but were cracking down on this sort of thing. His attorney who advised him to fill out the FMM paid the fine, fortunately.
Apparently, at least here in La Paz, they have a new computer system and actually contacted him about this violation. They also said that he, an FM3 holder, is never to fill out an FMM when entering the country whether by car or by plane.
Maybe things are different when you travel to places other than the Baja, but I wanted to pass this information along to FM3/2 holders in case you are as confused as I was about whether or not an FMM is also required. If you still think that you should fill out an FMM, I would suggest at least talking to an immigration officer and letting him/her know you have an FM3/2 before just filling out the FMM.
* This post was
edited 05/05/12 04:23pm by kca87 *
I believe the key is to renew before your FM2/3 document expires. If I am not mistaken, you can get fined for not renewing on time and having an expired document.
This may be why your neighbor asked for an FMM tourist card to cover for not renewing on time and reentering the country without a valid document. Correct me if I am wrong.
Yes, INM is cracking down as their new systems come on line. As I have stated before, you may not see them entering your document at the moment, but in their slow hours they are entering the data into the system. Is it happening at every INM office? Can't say, but changes are coming. Just look at how strict they are with the TIP.
Another reason for me to stay north of the border. Never filled out anything to get out of or back into Pennsylvania. Or any other state, come to think of it.
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On to the thread. What could people be trying to do to reap the wrath of Immigration by having two visas? I hope it is not just a fine for Gringos who are having trouble interpreting the instructions??
If it is --Tourism Mexico have to be informed! They are making irrational rules which serve them no national security but annoy potential tourists.
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Every INM office intreprets the rules differently. Our FM3's expire in November. We are in a situation that may prevent us from returning to Mexico until January. The person in charge of our INM office told me to not worry. Just get an FMM when we return and show it when we apply to renew in January?????
You check in and out with your FM2/3 ... that's how they track you. Using an FMM when you have an FM# could be construed as avoiding the computer system. You do realize the out of Mexico time limits are much stricter for an FM2
In Moisheh's case the old visa will have expired so the FMM is required
I don't know if I need a new topic, but this is on the same line./
I just applied for my FM3 through the Mexico Consulate. They applied my FMM to the inside of my passport and then gave me a signed document that says we have applied for, paid for and have been approved for "No Immigrante" status. (FM3). I am told that all I have to do is to stop in at INM and drop off this form, fill out another card and they will issue my FM3.(NOT).
So far so good. But, I wanted to get the FM3 in my hand before crossing. Mostly because we will be staying at different RV parks and only staying short periods of time at each. I did not want my FM3 mailed to any of them. I wanted to have it mailed to me here in TEXAS.
Now the dilemma?? The consulate could not give me an answer. I went to the nearest INM office in Mexico, and they would not go for it, and his reason was that I could not have the FM3 mailed to the U.S. and, once my FMM was stamped, I would not be legally allowed to re-enter. (Which doesn't make sense to me, since I would now have an FM3 pending.) The INM official told me to come back when we are ready to cross and they would put it through and mail the FM3 to a Mexico address. (Which is what I do not want, but may have to come up with a solution).
I really wanted the FM3 in my hand before we make the drive. ANY suggestions, ideas, thoughts???
I know it is too late but one should never apply for an FM3 (old name) at a consulate. I actually thought that consulates could no longer start the procedure. The proper method for anyone else reading this is to get your FMM at the border. Good for 6 months. You take that with you to the INM office and they start the procedure using your FMM. It sounds like you are moving around while in Mexico. You need some sort of permanent address. Some use CG's. You also need either a Mexican water,power or phone bill in your name. To the best of my knowledge you have to renew your FM3 at the same office. You should also be aware that each office interprets the rules differently. Our office requires you to pick up the FM3. No mailing. If they do mail it you might never see it again. You could have it couriered. Sorry but I have no answer for your dilemna.
moisheh wrote: I know it is too late but one should never apply for an FM3 (old name) at a consulate. I actually thought that consulates could no longer start the procedure. The proper method for anyone else reading this is to get your FMM at the border. Good for 6 months. You take that with you to the INM office and they start the procedure using your FMM. It sounds like you are moving around while in Mexico. You need some sort of permanent address. Some use CG's. You also need either a Mexican water,power or phone bill in your name. To the best of my knowledge you have to renew your FM3 at the same office. You should also be aware that each office interprets the rules differently. Our office requires you to pick up the FM3. No mailing. If they do mail it you might never see it again. You could have it couriered. Sorry but I have no answer for your dilemna.
Moisheh
Agreed. You need a Mexican address and a utility bill of some kind. Play the game, get your FM3 and be on your way.
I understand about the address, and that may be my only option, but what do you mean by not getting the FM3 at the consulate? Several other consulates are also doing the same, and the INM office that I went to did not say anything about it.
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