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michaelp711

May 30, 2009, 6:14 AM

Post #1 of 37 (6438 views)

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Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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Hello, my name is Michael and I am a 32 year old citizen of the US moving to Mexico to live with my fiance' who is a Mexican citizen. I will be living in Atizapan de Zaragosa in DF Mexico. I want to connect with any individuals who can assist me in finding a job there or in the surrounding area or who can offer any assistance in how to go about locating work.

I am bi-lingual and speak both English and Spanish fluently, college educated with a degree in Anthropology and work experience in Government work, logistics, and management.

I am looking for anyone who can help me out in getting leads for work opportunities. Please email me at michaelp711@yahoo.com

Thank you,

Michael

jreboll

May 30, 2009, 6:53 AM

Post #2 of 37 (6425 views)

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Re: [michaelp711] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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Talk about the "me" generation.

TlxcalaClaudia

May 30, 2009, 8:29 AM

Post #3 of 37 (6409 views)

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Re: [michaelp711] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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Michael,
I would contact a consulate in your area before going. Since you will be marrying a Mexican National, there are steps a little different than if you were an expat transplanting there.

Claudine

cookj5

May 30, 2009, 8:58 AM

Post #4 of 37 (6400 views)

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Re: [michaelp711] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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Michael- you didn't mention if you have a work permit. If you do, that's a start, but a long way from a job. If you don't, that's where to start your research. Without a work permit, you can forget about working in Mexico in the sort of positions you mention.

Some people do work here without one, but they risk deportation, and it does happen particularly when a Mexican complains about unfair competition from undocumented foreigners. Others work over the internet for businesses that are based in the US, or they create websites that bring in some money. Still others find niche work such as housesitting, or pet grooming--the kinds of jobs that are advertised word of mouth within the expat community. Since these sorts of jobs are harder to detect by the Mexican authorities, and these are not jobs a Mexican would normally be doing, they seem to be able to stay under the radar, but it is still illegal. Maybe you have thought of, or researched all these points, but if not you need to take them seriously. You don't want to get deported and separated from your Mexican wife.

Assuming you have, or can get, a work permit, you should keep in mind that you will be working on a Mexican wage scale which is considerably lower than north of the border. Be sure you understand what that means and are willing and able to live at that level of income. Having done all this, then start looking for a job.

Good luck with your investigations!

Oscar2

May 30, 2009, 9:32 AM

Post #5 of 37 (6390 views)

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Re: [cookj5] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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That was a considerate and well meaning post. It's a start for a young man, looking toward something he may just find.

Buena Suerte

sparks

May 30, 2009, 9:40 AM

Post #6 of 37 (6387 views)

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Re: [cookj5] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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I was under the impression you get the job first and then get a work permit that relates to that job only

Sparks Mexico - Sparks Costalegre

Rolly

May 30, 2009, 10:15 AM

Post #7 of 37 (6377 views)

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Re: [sparks] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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Sparks is correct. Job first, then work permit.
If you change jobs, you will need a new permit -- the permit is tied to the job.

Rolly Pirate

Marlene

May 30, 2009, 11:55 AM

Post #8 of 37 (6363 views)

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Re: [michaelp711] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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Michael,
Don't let some of these posts scare you off. A couple of them aren't quite accurate. Get your degree(s) and certifications apostilled before leaving for Mexico. Immigration folks will require it, depending on the job you are offered. Any employer who hires you (legally) in Mexico will present you with an offer letter and the documentation required to process your work permit. You will enter Mexico on a 6 month tourist visa FMT.

You can become self employed and do freelancing in your field since you are bilingual, and with the help of a trusty accountant can get your FM3 work permit that way. It's not difficult. Many foreigners in my area have done this and are happily working away (legally). Their accountant files for them monthly and produces what's necessary for Immigration. It makes no difference that you are engaged to a Mexican citizen, for Immigration purposes. Even after marriage, a foreign still requires work permission. Things are handled differently in Mexico, and differently in each Immigration center, so speaking to a northern Consulate can't really help you with this process. In my experience, it will only muddy the waters.

There are plenty of foreigners living and working in Mexico City. Mexico City is a world unto it's own and different from expat havens. There are online newspapers online in DF that you can advertise your services in. There is also a group of foreign expats who meet regularly and that would be a good place to network.

(This post was edited by Marlene on May 30, 2009, 12:02 PM)

michaelp711

May 30, 2009, 12:10 PM

Post #9 of 37 (6356 views)

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Re: [TlxcalaClaudia] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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Thank you very much Claudia for your reply. I appreciate it. My intention is to marry there, but I wasn't expecting to be given any sort of consideration just for being married to a Mexican citizen. I just want a good starting point from where to begin.

michaelp711

May 30, 2009, 12:14 PM

Post #10 of 37 (6353 views)

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Re: [cookj5] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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Thank you for your kind hearted reply, yes I have investigated the work permit process, but without a job in hand I don't believe I can go there and try to get the permit first, (at least from what I have read). I also am not looking for any particular position, just work to support me while my fiance and I wait for her fiance' Visa from the US to be processed and the waiting period that must come before that (due to her overstaying her Visa when she was here in the US). I arrive in Mexico on June 11th and have a place to live and such, I just need to find something to help with my living expenses and such.

Thanks again for the advice.

richmx2

May 30, 2009, 12:40 PM

Post #11 of 37 (6341 views)

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Re: [michaelp711] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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The employment situation seems to be picking up slightly for "Business English" teachers. As a former drudge in that field (and I even wrote a short book for people who wanted to do that, when I went over to the dark side as a teacher recruiter) I think the best way to look at this sort of work is as a "job while looking for a job job". It's crappy work and employers needs change without notice (or, your students just decide they have other priorities), so it's normal NOT to have proper working papers... or to end up working for two or three employers more or less under the table simultaneously.

While it's not an ideal solution, the chances of being deported are slightly less than being hit by an asteroid. And it at least brings in some income while you're looking around and getting settled.

Check sites like "Craigs' List" for Mexico City as a starting point.

http://mexfiles.net
http://voiceofmexico.com
http://editorialmazatlan.com

TlxcalaClaudia

May 30, 2009, 3:11 PM

Post #12 of 37 (6314 views)

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Re: [michaelp711] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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You'll find a job, that won't be impossible if in DF. Other areas are a different story. Still, a consulate can advise on your best approach because your visa is going to be the biggest issue of all. Your approach for legality will need to be careful and by the book since your wife, a national, is going to be involved. What kills me more than anything is when someone insists because things worked one way for them in THEIR town, community, city...they think it applies across the board. Your best defense, ask the consulate but don't ignore any good advice you can find here. It all ties in and helps eventually.

I am going to email more info in private reply as I don't want to broadcast my visa experiences for all to see. There was so much to deal with but had I spoken to a consulate first, I know I could have avoided much of the headaches.

Claudine

TlxcalaClaudia

May 30, 2009, 3:17 PM

Post #13 of 37 (6309 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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So true what Rolly says... and if one employer is late with their end, guess what, you will be charged with a violation not the employer. A good relationship with the employer is needed.

TlxcalaClaudia

May 30, 2009, 3:24 PM

Post #14 of 37 (6306 views)

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Re: [michaelp711] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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Unfortunately, being married to her is a huge consideration. I too disliked that I had let that be a factor in my visa process given I have always been a person who took care of her own business. And, I can't say for sure if this is true (Maybe Ed of Ed and Fran will jump in and offer his view on this) but I have been told for expat men married to a Mexican female national it is more cumbersome (the paper work, not the marriage). I'm sure someone will jump in with more info on that once they read this (especially if I am incorrect). ;)

Good luck
Claudine

(This post was edited by TlxcalaClaudia on May 30, 2009, 6:36 PM)

Papirex

May 30, 2009, 4:17 PM

Post #15 of 37 (6292 views)

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Re: [michaelp711] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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There is no special consideration for a foreigner married to A Mexican citizen, except that the time to apply for Mexican citizenship is shortened to two years to apply, all other requirements, tests, etc. remain the same.

I am an American married to a Mexicana in The US, and I had to provide everything normally required to get an FM3 visa, and I still need to renew it annually to continue living in México. The only extra thing I need to do because of our marriage is to prove the extra percentage of income for her as my dependant for my FM3 every year. That is no problem for me, but when I asked why I had to prove enough income for my wife to live in her own country, I was simply told that it is required.

If a foreigner wishes to marry a Mexican citizen in México permission to do so must be granted by the Mexican government however. This will mean a few more hoops to jump through. Permission must be asked, and granted by a registro civil office where all legal marriages are performed.

You seem to have a good grasp of how hard it is to find a well paying job here. There is no such thing as a civil service program for government workers here. Most government workers are given their jobs because of political activism and support, for the party in office in a particular area, or because of family relationships. Note I said “given.”

Since foreigners are forbidden to engage in any political activity, that closes the best avenue for getting a government job for most foreigners.

The maximum term of any government worker is six years, that is the normal term of any President here. All government workers must be reappointed to their positions every six years if they are to be retained. Any government worker may be terminated at any time by their Gerente, no cause must be given.

After your marriage, it may take some time for your wife's US visa to be approved. Being married to an American does not automatically grant anyone a US visa, or entry to The US, there will still be hoops that you both must jump through.

Good luck, Rex
"The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved" - Victor Hugo

(This post was edited by Papirex on May 30, 2009, 4:30 PM)

richmx2

May 30, 2009, 6:33 PM

Post #16 of 37 (6274 views)

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Re: [Papirex] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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Paparex, what are you talking about? Of course there are career civil servants, and plenty of people retire on civil service pensions (and are buried on them... even wondered why there is a Civil Servant's funeral parlor on calle Miguel Schultz in Mexico City?). As to foreigners working in these offices, most that I've met are doing "consulting projects" of some kind, which often depend on the political appointee in charge (who do tend to change with changes in the administration)... some even as "illegal aliens".

Income requirements (and spousal income requirements) relate to retiree visas, not working visas.

One thing Michael might look into (given his background and skills set) is telecommuting work... even if it's lower paying than in the U.S. or "freelance" work paid thru pay pal or by direct deposit to a U.S. bank. TECHNICALLY, he would be working in the U.S. (teaching a distance learning course or translations might be a good fit). Another possibility (I knnow an ILLEGAL ALIEN who did this, but was a citizen of the country in question) is temp work at one of the embassies or consulates.

Also, given that you have a Mexican spouse, you've discovered you've married a passle of cousins, in-laws, out-laws sisters, brothers, compadres of brothers... use "familia.net" in your job search (understanding it's only a short-term thing til you find something with more permanency). If you do advertise your services, don't make the mistake of only looking at English-dependent sources like "craigslist", but run your ads on Mexican sites and in Mexican papers, where you'll have a better chance of finding people who can actually use your services.

By the way, Paparex, I have a friend who was -- AS AN ILLEGAL ALIEN -- teaching English for a GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT in one of the states. I worked as an illegal alien in Mexico City for quite some time, and other than not being able to open a bank account, it isn't a problem for people with a moderate, Mexican middle-class lifestyle.

While it's best to have all the legal work in place, Mexico is not the United States (with its byzantine immigration system) where not going through all the hoops will create humongous problems. Michael sounds like he's going to get regularized... it'll just take a while, and as long as he's not creating problems, or pissing people off or ostentatously stealing bread off another family's table, no body's gonna get too bent out of shape.

http://mexfiles.net
http://voiceofmexico.com
http://editorialmazatlan.com

TlxcalaClaudia

May 30, 2009, 6:59 PM

Post #17 of 37 (6270 views)

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Re: [Papirex] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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See what I mean? Each case is different. I walked into the office to apply for my FM3 visa with all documents I was told ahead of time to bring and as soon as they got the info that I am married to a Mexican National, out went MY proof of income and then HIS had to be used. Why? Because of gender? He hadn't been in his country for so long that he didn't even have a curp much less a job there when we first arrived. Also, getting a curp for me was not easy. Yes, I know...it is an easy process for most others here. And, I was applying for a work visa...but somehow the game rules changed on me and I didn't get a say in it.

Did you change your name papirex? Were you names something else before?

Claudine

(This post was edited by TlxcalaClaudia on May 30, 2009, 7:02 PM)

michaelp711

May 30, 2009, 9:13 PM

Post #18 of 37 (6244 views)

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Re: [TlxcalaClaudia] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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Thank you everyone thus far for the replies and for those individuals who I have been chatting with in private, your assistance in one day has gotten me father than my fiance' has been able to get me in 3 months. She is a graphic designer in Mexico City, her sister a Computer Programmer for Oracle and none had any idea where to begin. So again, thank you all so much. Please, anyone else with leads, ideas, suggestions, jobs...inside info perhaps, I'm all ears. Yes, I want everything to be legit and by the book, but I'm open to anything.

I have been working here in the US over the past three years involved with the H2B legal migrant Visa program, 'Chueco' is a word I learned early on and understand that individuals need to eat. Hard work has never deterred me, and making new friends along the way is a great reward.

Tell me your story, share with me your experience and when I arrive in Mexico City on the 11th of June, I'd love to have coffee with the lot of you.

Until then, thanks everyone...this site in one day has been a blessing. I have 11 more days till I arrive, so I've still got some looking around and chatting to do.

Michael

Papirex

May 30, 2009, 10:40 PM

Post #19 of 37 (6237 views)

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Re: [TlxcalaClaudia] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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No Claudia, other than adding my mothers maiden surname name to form my appelido, I have not changed my name. My wife has had to resume using her fathers surname down here instead of mine too. It is just too much of a hassle down here trying to explain the English naming system used in The US.

If it isn't typed on any form I must sign here, I always ask if I should sign with my firma, or my appelido. When in doubt, I will always sign with my appelido, or my regular signature including the first letter of my mothers maiden name. For some weird reason, probably sexist, I prefer to think of it as my grandfathers name. I know it isn't true, but I like to think that he lives on every time I sign with my appelido.

You are right that you never know what any government office will require down here until you are there. Sometimes the easiest things are impossible to accomplish, and vice versa. Sometimes it is relatively easy to break the law, but not a good idea if you have a lot to lose, such as permission to marry a Mexican here.

Government jobs can often be bought, either for cash or by an applicant agreeing to work for a lower salary than normal. Either way, someone is usually fired to make room for them. The illegal worker will never want to admit that, but my wife is from an upper middle class family and several of them have fairly high government positions, I have been here for a while, and I know how it works. We used to Live in México, D.F. , it is my wife's home town.

Rex
"The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved" - Victor Hugo

TlxcalaClaudia

May 31, 2009, 9:08 AM

Post #20 of 37 (6198 views)

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Re: [Papirex] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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"No Claudia, other than adding my mothers maiden surname name to form my appelido, I have not changed my name. My wife has had to resume using her fathers surname down here instead of mine too. It is just too much of a hassle down here trying to explain the English naming system used in The US. "

Sorry, I didn't explain myself well. I meant your username here (Papirex) when I asked if you changed your name. You had a different mexconnect handle no?

And yes, in respect to a legal name, explaining the English surname naming system is a hassle and the reason I was denied my CURP for months.

Oh my gosh nothing drives me nuts more than that whole plaza system. Hubby's fam has two in govt. jobs too via that system but it was the only way they could get in. Even they wished a degree would suffice, but when it didn't...pay. Teachers use that system too.

Claudine

Papirex

May 31, 2009, 10:01 AM

Post #21 of 37 (6183 views)

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Re: [TlxcalaClaudia] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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Sorry I misunderstood you, yes, I used to post with the user name RexC on Mexconnect. I quit posting here for a year or more, when I returned, I started using the user name I use on several other message boards. My wife's nickname for me is Papi, so it is a combination of that plus my first name.

Rex

Save the earth. It is the only planet with chocolate.
"The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved" - Victor Hugo

La Isla

May 31, 2009, 10:19 AM

Post #22 of 37 (6177 views)

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Re: [richmx2] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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I live and work in Mexico City, teaching English to adult professionals, mostly in my home. I don't agree that it's "crappy work", though it's not as dependable as having a contract with a "colegio" or university. Students usually stay with me a minimum of six months, but often longer, and the ones who can pay my fees (I don't come cheaply as I'm an experienced teacher) and stick with me have turned out to be some of the nicest, most interesting people I've met here.

I have an FM3, the kind that allows me to live here and work "independently" as a teacher, though I also do translations and editing work from time to time. If you want to go the independent route, I strongly advise getting a lawyer to help you jump through the bureaucratic hoops. I would be happy to give you the name of the one I used last year.

Good luck with everything and an early Welcome to Mexico!

gpkgto

May 31, 2009, 11:50 AM

Post #23 of 37 (6160 views)

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Re: [michaelp711] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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You can get a university teaching job very easily with your degree. Follow Marlene's advice re the apostille. When you get to DF, go to all the Universities and go to the recursos humanos office. Tec de Monterrey and Iberoamericana pay the best. UNAM is the most prestigious. There are literally dozens more. The main issue will be whether your job pays enough to cover the required minimum income for an FM3. In Leon, Gto., Inmigracion now requires that the normal minimum monthly income be met with outside funds if the job itself does not pay enough (this is a change from several years ago). Check somewhere here for the amount needed (I have my citizenship, so I don't keep up with these things anymore).

La Isla

May 31, 2009, 12:16 PM

Post #24 of 37 (6150 views)

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Re: [gpkisner] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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It's true that there are lots of universities in the D.F. besides the Tec, UNAM and the Ibero, but these are generally private for-profit outfits that don't pay very well, especially if they only offer you part-time work. You may be able to find work teaching at a university, but since you have no teaching experience and no evidence of even having taken a short certificate course in teaching English as a Foreign Language, Migración in Mexico City may give you a hard time. I'm not trying to discourage you, just giving you the benefit of my recent experiences looking for work here.

As you have probably figured out by now, each Migración office sets different standards for granting an FM3, and I don't believe that the new rule in León that gpkisner mentions in his post applies in Mexico City. This year when I applied for the first prórroga of my FM3, regarding my income, all I had to include was a brief note saying how much I estimated I took in each month from teaching. I gave a figure of $3000 (that's pesos, not dollars!). I only work a few hours a week because the bulk of my income comes from a modest US Social Security pension. The guy who helped me with my application wasn't interested at all in the money I got from the US government, and it wasn't mentioned anywhere in my application materials.

(This post was edited by La Isla on May 31, 2009, 12:29 PM)

gpkgto

May 31, 2009, 3:03 PM

Post #25 of 37 (6116 views)

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Re: [La Isla] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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This is correct--LOCAL experience is everything in Mexico. My experience in Guanajuato has no bearing on DF's practices. One other suggestion--check the US Embassy website. They have job postings in the DF embassy and your Spanish/English fluency is just what they ask for.

Papirex

May 31, 2009, 6:08 PM

Post #26 of 37 (5641 views)

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Re: [gpkisner] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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One word of advice re: jobs at The US Embassy in México City: During the term of David Davidow, the last really effective US Ambassador to México, the US Embassy website advised that most jobs filled at The US Embassy would be paid at Mexican equivalent salaries, and the only positions there that are paid at US State department norms are to career persons that are transferred to México from other US State Department posts.

If a US citizen is hired at The US Embassy in México City, do not expect to be paid as high of a salary as is normally paid to a US citizen, you will be competing with Mexican citizens among others for a job there.

Rex
"The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved" - Victor Hugo

gpkgto

Jun 1, 2009, 6:21 AM

Post #27 of 37 (5609 views)

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Re: [Papirex] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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The jobs I have seen have the pay listed, so the applicant knows in advance what to expect. The ones I have seen also seem to have higher pay than many if not most normal English teaching jobs and, of course, would come with Mexican benefits of health insurance, etc.

beachdreamer

Jun 2, 2009, 7:36 PM

Post #28 of 37 (5559 views)

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Re: [gpkisner] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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I am married to a Mexican national and have a FM-2 and can work with this visa. I entered Mexico as a dependant of my husband. If you plan to marry, it is easier and less expensive to marry in the states first by a civil authority and then have a religious wedding in Mexico. If you chose to marry civilly in Mexico you will have to go to gobernacion and pay $2500 pesos for the privilege plus provide them with a short list of paperwork. If you marry in the states, you should get the marriage certificate apostellado since it will be needed for your FM-2 or FM-3 visa. If you can show income of at least $1500(US) you will not need to come as a dependant.

The gobernacion office in Morelia was very efficient and provided us with a printed list of what they required for processing my visa. If you have all of the required items, you will get a visa. It is not like the US where you can apply and be turned down.

I am concerned that your girlfriend overstayed her USA visa. My sister-in-law did the same and she was not allowed to apply for an US visa for 5 years.

Good luck and enjoy your adventure.
An adventure begins with a dream

michaelp711

Jun 17, 2009, 7:27 AM

Post #29 of 37 (5458 views)

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Re: [beachdreamer] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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Thanks again to everyone who replied to me and advised me on how best to find a position here in Mexico. I have arrived, having been here since last Thursday and have been to two interviews, although...declined both positions as they both were 3 hours travel time by 'Micro' and Metro from my home in Atizapan. It hasn't discouraged me, it has just made me want to find something closer to where I am living and thus makes me want to redouble my efforts.

I appreciate all the private messages and public discussion in concern to working in Mexico, and with everyone well.

Thanks,

Michael

La Isla

Jun 17, 2009, 2:29 PM

Post #30 of 37 (5412 views)

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Re: [michaelp711] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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Although job opportunities are more plentiful in Mexico City than in many other parts of the country, because of its sheer size (!), you have to look for a job that won't require you to travel great distances to get to work. That's why I always mention where I live when I place ads looking for English students, so I won't be asked to travel unrealistic distances. Good luck with finding employment closer to home!

BajaGringo

Jun 17, 2009, 5:24 PM

Post #31 of 37 (5389 views)

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Re: [michaelp711] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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Have you looked for jobs that you can do online with high speed internet access and a voip phone line? I know of several folks doing that very thing - it's not a lot of money but more than you would make on average at most jobs you can get here...

Our House Building Project in Mexico...
Lomas de San Martin
Loving Life on the Baja Peninsula

Professor

Jun 20, 2009, 7:21 AM

Post #32 of 37 (5304 views)

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Re: [michaelp711] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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I live and work in DF and I can tell you that the best way to go is with a FM2. Once you're married to a Mexican you can go to migracion in Polanco and get the information you will need for the FM2. It's MUCH BETTER than the FM3. Costs more but you'll be able to do more with it.
Plus, you won't be tied to a school. Having a school get a FM3 for you is a TERRIBLE idea. You then will be connected to that school and if after four months you no longer like it there, you're screwed. Get the FM2 independent. Let me give you an example or two of why letting a school get your work visa is a TERRIBLE idea.
Wall Street Institute in Mexico City gets the FM3 for the teachers. The only problem is they don't pay their teachers and you're stuck with them or you have to go to migracion and tell them what's going on. Either way it's a mess. By the way, don't work for Wall Street Institute because many of their centers are closing and they are paying no one.
I know because I just got some money from them through the lawyer friend of my wife. Also stay away from Harmon Hall and all chain schools in DF.
They will pay little and work you too much. Quick Learning is full of racist Mexicans. DO NOT apply there. You can look for companies and privates. That's where the money is. The schools for kids here in DF are terrible because the kids are terrible. Stay away from them unless it doesn't bother you to have students disrespect you constantly. When you come to Mexico you'll have a tourist visa which will be good for sox months. That should give you time to get married andget the visa. If however you will need more time, you can go to migracion in the airport and they will give you some extra time for a fee.
Emailme if you need any further information. I can help you.

Marlene

Jun 21, 2009, 9:07 AM

Post #33 of 37 (5231 views)

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Re: [jfurgers] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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Michael stated that he is in Mexico temporarily, waiting for his wife's visa approval for the USA. With that in mind, recommending an FM2 is not good advise. FM2 is for those aiming to be in Mexico permanently. He also has never stated that he is an English teacher, which makes his situation different from yours. Once he gets a job in whatever field, his company will likely assist him in getting his FM3. And FYI, a person can be authorized to work independently on an FM3. It doesn't have to be an FM2.

La Isla

Jun 21, 2009, 6:51 PM

Post #34 of 37 (5172 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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Something else I think is true of an FM2 is that it limits the number of times you can leave the country in a given year, which may or may not be a problem for Michael.

As I have mentioned a couple of times here, I have an FM3 that lets me teach English independently. It was not that difficult to get, but I did need some proof that I am qualified to teach, apart from my degrees, which are in Spanish and Latin American Studies, not in English teaching.

jennifer rose

Jun 21, 2009, 7:24 PM

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Re: [La Isla] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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The FM-2 does not limit the number of times its holder may be out of the country in a given year.

An FM-2 holder may be out of the country for no more than 18 months during the 5-year FM-2 term.

La Isla

Jun 21, 2009, 7:43 PM

Post #36 of 37 (5161 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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Thanks for clearing that up for me, JR. Now I know what I have to look forward to in 4 years!

Professor

Jun 21, 2009, 8:01 PM

Post #37 of 37 (5158 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Moving to Mexico and looking for help

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Michael,

The FM2 doesn't restrict how many times you can leave and enter Mexico.
The FM2 I have allows me to do ANY TYPE of work in Mexico, not just teach. My FM2 is very special and it requires no lawyer. You have to know people.
Trust me on this one Michael...get the FM2. You don't want to be tied to a company. Send me a private message and I can explain more.
More than others on this site who don't have the FM2 that I have.

John