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tashby

Apr 23, 2008, 12:40 PM

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Registering FM3 in Guadalajara-Question

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SHORT VERSION: How long does it take to register an FM3 in the Guadalajara INM office?

LONG VERSION: Well, we screwed the pooch today. We are currently in Chapala/Ajijic and were going to register FM3s via the nice people who come to the Palacio Municipal every Wednesday in Chapala. (Week 1-pick up forms and info...Week 2-drop off application and docs....Week 3-return to pick up FM3 that's been stamped in Guadalajara.)

Today we went to drop our applications off, week 2, but didn't get there in time. (For anyone wondering, they start calling out numbers at 10:30ish to process your papers depending on where you are in line....but you have to get there between 8 and 10am to get a number. We arrived at 10:15 a.m. Ooops.)

So rather than spend the next two weeks waiting to do it in Chapala, we think we'll head into Guad to take care of it there. I know where the office is, and we have all the docs we need (I swear! Maybe!), but are wondering how the process works, and how much time we need to devote to it? Assuming our applications are granted, can we expect to receive our registered/stamped FM3s that same day? Otherwise, it won't be worth the trip.

According to the INM website, it looks like the office is only open to the public between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. http://www.inami.gob.mx/...?page/Hor_At_Jalisco

We are traveling with a dog, and getting out early in the morning to get there first thing is a bit tough given his routine. Assuming we have all the documentation we will be asked for, and since we're just registering it, anybody want to guess what time we need to get there to get it all done in one day, assuming that's even possible?

We really will have everything they'll ask for, I think.

Orig FM3's and Orig Passports and copies of each.
Application forms (typed...with typewriters!)
FM1's -( two copies each...also typed!)
Copy of rental agreement
Copy of Telmex Bill
Super pretty photos based on their specs

(And a big binder - "The Bible" - filled with originals and copies of anything else that might be asked for.)

SO.....how long does it take to register an FM3 in the Guadalajara INM office?

(This post was edited by tashby on Apr 23, 2008, 3:17 PM)

jerezano

Apr 23, 2008, 5:12 PM

Post #2 of 5 (2453 views)

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Re: [tashby] Registering FM3 in Guadalajara-Question

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Hello,

You said:>>SHORT VERSION: How long does it take to register an FM3 in the Guadalajara INM office? You also said:>>(Week 1-pick up forms and info...Week 2-drop off application and docs....Week 3-return to pick up FM3 that's been stamped in Guadalajara.)<<

I have no idea about Guadalajara. But your planned schedule is a bit on the down side. You have ONLY 30 days to register your FM3 as I understand it. It's been so long ago I had to worry about the first one that I am not really sure of the time. But if right those 30 days started when you crossed the border. Better think twice about your dog and run don't walk to the nearest office. The fine is a stiff one. Week one and week two and week 3 since you are meeting obstacles can go pretty fast. Even in México.

In my own case, I did not pick up forms and applications but filled them out right in the office, was finger-printed, waited an hour or so and received the signed FM3 entry. But that was when we registered our FM3's and bust out of there. Those days are gone forever it seems here in Zacatecas. Perhaps elsewhere as well.

Hasta luego. jerezano.

tashby

Apr 23, 2008, 5:49 PM

Post #3 of 5 (2451 views)

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Re: [jerezano] Registering FM3 in Guadalajara-Question

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Thanks jerezano!

We're trying *really hard* to stay within the 30 day limit you refer to. We crossed on April 2....that's part of why I'm asking the question of whether or not we need to head into Guadalajara, rather than doing the week-by-week scenario via the folks who visit the Chapala office (but only on Wednesdays).

We'll do whatever we need to do.

(This post was edited by tashby on Apr 23, 2008, 5:52 PM)

bournemouth

Apr 23, 2008, 6:16 PM

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Re: [tashby] Registering FM3 in Guadalajara-Question

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Tashby - they are very relaxed about registration in Guadalajara. Due to many reasons - family, health and other things - we didn't actually make the move to Ajijic until after the period to register had expired. We had crossed the border at Nogales, filled out the little form and been stamped into the country, so that part was fine. We had absolutely no problems registering late - Ajijic Law (www.ajijiclaw.com) had assured us it would be fine - and it was.

tashby

Apr 24, 2008, 7:46 AM

Post #5 of 5 (2416 views)

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Re: [bournemouth] Registering FM3 in Guadalajara-Question

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Thanks, yet again, for the info bournemouth. (And thanks to you sneaky people who sent info by pm.) I appreciate it.

We were hoping to handle this stuff on our own, just to familiarize ourselves with the process, etc. But at this point, we might consider hiring someone to push the papers around on our behalf. That way we free ourselves up to do something more interesting. We'll see.

Thanks again.