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roni_smith


Feb 16, 2010, 7:38 PM

Post #1 of 46 (7438 views)

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New immigration manual - have any of you heard of this?

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Mexico's immigration processes streamlined
http://www.relocatemagazine.com/...rocesses-streamlined


The following update has been received from corporate immigration specialist Magrath LLP.
Mexico's National Migration Institute published its Manual of Criteria and Migration Procedures on 29 January 2010. The new procedures introduced in the Manual will take effect as of 1 May 2010. Some of the more prominent changes are listed below.
  1. All forms for tourist, business and technical visitors will be replaced by a single form, to be known as the 'FMM' form
  2. Business visitor criteria have been redefined
  3. Consular posts will not be able to issue FM2 or FM3 booklets. They will be permitted to endorse the foreign national's passport with a single entry visa. The foreign national will then be required to obtain an FM2 or FM3 booklet from the National Migration Institute in Mexico within 30 days of arrival
  4. The Mexican National Migration Institute will issue new FM2 and FM3 booklets
  5. The requirement to have all change of circumstances, including change in domicile, marital status, etc, annotated on the permits will be abolished. Therefore, migrants can travel in and out of Mexico whilst a change of circumstances application is pending

------
Planning for Mexico Move Blog


morgaine7


Feb 17, 2010, 3:16 PM

Post #2 of 46 (7298 views)

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Re: [roni_smith] New immigration manual - have any of you heard of this?

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I've mostly seen online references to the FMM. But I did read something about a plastic card replacing the FM2. I inquired at INM when I renewed mine in November, and they told me that for now it's just in Mexico City.

Here's another article with similar info to the one in your link:
http://www.visalawyerblog.com/...ion_attorney_23.html

Kate

Rolly


Feb 23, 2010, 7:34 PM

Post #3 of 46 (6981 views)

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New immigration manual

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The new INM Manual is available in Spanish here: http://www.dof.gob.mx/...amp;fecha=29/01/2010

I hope to have more to say about these changes soon.

Rolly Pirate

Rolly


Feb 24, 2010, 7:22 AM

Post #4 of 46 (6932 views)

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Re: [Rolly] New immigration manual

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First biggie -- FM3 holders can no longer get a 50% reduction in required income by owning home. That reduction now applies only to FM2 folks.


More to come....

Rolly Pirate

Tab


Feb 24, 2010, 11:38 AM

Post #5 of 46 (6875 views)

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Re: [Rolly] New immigration manual

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Wow that is a biggy! It really surprises me that at a time like this they want to actually make it more difficult for expats to live in Mexico and spend money in their economy. So the current FM3 financial requirement is now $1000/month and $500 for a dependant with no exceptions? Correct?

Rolly


Feb 24, 2010, 12:18 PM

Post #6 of 46 (6861 views)

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Re: [Tab] New immigration manual

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The official income requirement for an FM3 is not US$1,000, although some consulates do still accept that amount. The official amount for 2010 is $14,365 pesos. At an exchange rate of 12.5 to 1, that would be about US$1,150.

Rolly Pirate

Judy in Ags


Feb 24, 2010, 5:38 PM

Post #7 of 46 (6727 views)

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Re: [Rolly] New immigration manual

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Rolly, can you tell me in what section that is found? - That owning house will not reduce the requirement. If that is true, we will be in trouble. As I shared last week, the INM also would not accept our joint income. Each one has to qualify.

Rolly


Feb 24, 2010, 6:37 PM

Post #8 of 46 (6696 views)

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Re: [Judy in Ags] New immigration manual

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I don't know where it is. The information was reported by a law student who works for a law firm in Ajijic, Spencer McMullen, who has a reputation of knowing what he's talking about. You can read his report in this thread. You'll need to scroll down a ways.

Rolly Pirate


(This post was edited by Rolly on Feb 24, 2010, 6:46 PM)

fishfrier

Feb 24, 2010, 9:37 PM

Post #9 of 46 (6640 views)

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Re: [Rolly] New immigration manual

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I'm a little confused. I copied this directly from the INM web site for an FM3 and it reads that the income requirement for the primary income earner is USD $1,500.00 and USD $750.00 for each dependent. I realize that the English version may not be exact because the official monetary would be in Pesos but it's still a big difference from what is being written. That's why I'm confused. I'm never sure what to tell people. Obviously the line stating reduction of income for home ownership may change. And live with funds I receive from abroad:
If you are already in Mexico and have decided to establish residency here, you must apply for a change of migration status at any National Institute of Migration office Directorio

In this case, you must submit:
  • Application for change of migration status to Resident Pensioner.


  • Passport or valid identification and travel document.


  • Letter to the National Institute of Migration, in Spanish and with your signature, stating your reasons for wanting to establish residency in Mexico.


  • Letter from a from Mexican or foreign bank or financial institution or trust proving that you receive sufficient economic resources from abroad and that from such resources, from the yields they produce, or from your investments in Mexico you will obtain a monthly income of US$ 1,500.00 for one year.


  • This amount will increase by US$ 750.00 for each family member accompanying you.


  • If a foreign national proves acquisition of real estate intended for his/her own use, such as a house, the National Institute of Migration may authorize reduction of the aforementioned minimum by up to half.



    • To obtain form FM2, you must submit:
    • Proof of payment of duties.


    • Completed form FM1.


    • Five photographs (4X4 cm), 3 front and 2 right profile (2.5 cm from chin to hairline), white background, with forehead and ears uncovered, and without earrings or eyeglasses. Instant photographs are not acceptable



      • Important. Foreign nationals must obtain permission from the National Institute of Migration to change or expand their activities.

Rolly


Feb 25, 2010, 7:42 AM

Post #10 of 46 (6584 views)

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Re: [fishfrier] New immigration manual

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This is a Google translation (emphases added) from the new INM Manual:

b) Letter from financial institution, Mexican or foreign bank or trust institution where stating that the person has at least a minimum monthly income equivalent to two hundred fifty times the general minimum wage in Mexico City.
c) If requesting authorization for dependents, the monthly amount indicated will increase a hundred twenty-five times the current minimum wage in the Federal District, for each person dependent on him.

This is also the current rule, notwithstanding the $1500 number quoted.

Rolly Pirate


(This post was edited by Rolly on Feb 25, 2010, 7:43 AM)

fishfrier

Feb 25, 2010, 9:26 AM

Post #11 of 46 (6544 views)

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Re: [Rolly] New immigration manual

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Thanks Rolly. I guess they use a higher amount in the translated version of the INM web site is to avoid any fluctuation in exchange rates. Better to be on the safe side when it come to minimum $ requirements.

mcm

Feb 25, 2010, 12:26 PM

Post #12 of 46 (6507 views)

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Re: [Judy in Ags] New immigration manual

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Judy -- the relevant section for requirements for FM-3 rentista visa is section 2.5 of the DOF (to which Rolly published the link).
Here's what it says:
Requisitos a) Copia del pasaporte o documento de identidad y viaje, válidos para México. b) Carta de institución financiera, banco mexicano o extranjero o de institución fiduciaria en donde se acredite que la persona cuenta por lo menos con un ingreso mínimo mensual equivalente a doscientos cincuenta veces el salario mínimo general vigente en el Distrito Federal. c) Si solicita autorización para Dependientes Económicos, el monto mensual señalado aumentará a ciento veinticinco veces el salario mínimo vigente en el Distrito Federal, por cada persona que dependa de él.
In contrast, the requisites for FM-2 Rentista are (from Section 2.22 of the DOF):
Requisitos a) Copia del pasaporte o documento de identidad y viaje, válidos para México. b) Carta dirigida al INM, en español y firmada por el interesado, en la que solicite la calidad de Inmigrante y característica de rentista, exprese su propósito de radicarse en México en tanto adquiera la calidad de Inmigrado. c) Carta de institución de crédito mexicana o extranjera o institución financiera similar o fideicomiso, en donde se acredite que el solicitante cuenta con recursos suficientes provenientes del exterior y que de éstos, de los rendimientos que produzcan o de sus inversiones en el país, obtendrá durante un año, ingresos mensuales por una cantidad no menor del equivalente a cuatrocientos días el salario mínimo vigente para el Distrito Federal. d) Por cada persona que integre la familia del solicitante, el monto de los mínimos mensuales señalados, aumentará por la cantidad equivalente a doscientos días de dicho salario mínimo. e) Si el extranjero demuestra la adquisición de un bien inmueble destinado para uso propio como casa habitación, la autoridad migratoria podrá autorizar que el extranjero acredite hasta el equivalente al cincuenta por ciento de dichos montos.
So -- the FM-2 rentista allows the possibility (at the discretion of the immigration authority) of a 50% discount on monthly income, but the FM-3 rentista apparently no longer has this option.

Sigh.

Many thanks to Rolly for the link to the DOF!

I'm looking forward to my next month's visit to migration, to see how, or if, these changes are put into effect.

tonynico

Feb 25, 2010, 12:54 PM

Post #13 of 46 (6490 views)

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Re: [mcm] New immigration manual

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I am 59 my wife a few years older. I called several consulates in the U.S. Each one said I need a letter from a bank stating I am receiving a pension and or SS. I explained I am to young for my SS and my pension does not start until I am 60. I went on to explain I have more then enough income in investments, they said no good you can take the money out of investments.
I said My wife will be able to get her pension and SS can I be her dependent they said they will have to look into this.
What garbage if my wife qualifies there is no reason I cannot be her dependent. I guess I can always get the FM3 in Mexico. They just want to see income statements from banks

Tony

arbon

Feb 25, 2010, 12:56 PM

Post #14 of 46 (6490 views)

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Re: [mcm] New immigration manual

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"So -- the FM-2 rentista allows the possibility (at the discretion of the immigration authority) of a 50% discount on monthly income, but the FM-3 rentista apparently no longer has this option."

Does it not say any more "up to a 50% discount".
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Marlene


Feb 25, 2010, 1:14 PM

Post #15 of 46 (6476 views)

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Re: [tonynico] New immigration manual

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Tonynico, Yes, and that's why it's a good idea to apply for your FM3 in Mexico. The "rules" established by your nearest INM office are ultimately the rules you will have to follow anyway, not the rules of the varying and individual Mexican Consulates elsewhere in the world. Investments/savings definitely do work to qualify those under retirement age. And I don't see why you can't be a dependent, as long as she has the income specified, to support a couple. (It seems that the folks in Aguas have run into something different this year, which may be the sign of things to come, or it may just be someone having a bad day).

Rolly


Feb 25, 2010, 1:21 PM

Post #16 of 46 (6470 views)

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Re: [tonynico] New immigration manual

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Tony, after May 1st you will have no choice; you will have to apply for the FM3 in México.

Rolly Pirate

Marlene


Feb 25, 2010, 1:23 PM

Post #17 of 46 (6465 views)

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Re: [Rolly] New immigration manual

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Rolly, do you suppose someone has actually let the Mexican Consulates around world, know that yet? :-) I wonder what sort of an answer they would give if one were to call and ask them if they knew about any of the changes....Nevermind...

Rolly


Feb 25, 2010, 1:24 PM

Post #18 of 46 (6459 views)

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Re: [Marlene] New immigration manual

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Smile

Judy in Ags


Feb 25, 2010, 1:27 PM

Post #19 of 46 (6451 views)

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Re: [mcm] New immigration manual

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Thanks, mcm.

I was hoping to find some place that specifically states that the "up to 50% discount" for owning a home applies only to FM2 and NOT to FM3.

This was not even an issue until this year since our joint income way exceeds the required amount. It's just that most it comes to me, and less to John, and this year they required he meet the requirement on his own.

If both this issues are enforced, it looks as if our only option may be to get FM2--at least for him. I've begun doing a search on MexCon for a comparison between FM2 and FM3, but it looks as if that might be quite a job. At any rate, the whole thing has been pretty disconcerting. We went to bed last night thinking that maybe we'd have to return to live in the U.S. For us, that is not a happy thought.

Well, we'll continue our research and see what we can come up with. Our FM3's are presently at the INM office and we trust they will be renewed for this year since they said they would be approved with the proof of home ownership (which we presented to them).

Rolly


Feb 25, 2010, 1:36 PM

Post #20 of 46 (6442 views)

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Re: [Judy in Ags] New immigration manual

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Converting from an FM3 to an FM2 for me a few days ago was no more trouble than a usual renewal. Of course, my INM office is staffed by angels, so YMMV.

Rolly Pirate

Judy in Ags


Feb 25, 2010, 1:40 PM

Post #21 of 46 (6432 views)

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Re: [Rolly] New immigration manual

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Rolly, so what changes are you experiencing (or will experience) with an FM2, as opposed to an FM3? What about taxes, vehicle registration, etc., etc.? In other words, how are the benefits and responsibilities different between the two?

Hound Dog

Feb 25, 2010, 2:03 PM

Post #22 of 46 (6423 views)

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Re: [Judy in Ags] New immigration manual

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The only difference for the first 5 years is the restriction on the number of days you can be out of the country in 5 years
No tax implications no car implications.
You cannot drive a foreign car if you decide after the first 5 years on FM2 to become inmigrado . (the equivalent ofthe Mexican " green card").Until then you can drive your foreign plated car.
I do not know if the rule on the number of days out of the country have change with the new regulations.

Rolly


Feb 25, 2010, 2:08 PM

Post #23 of 46 (6418 views)

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Re: [Judy in Ags] New immigration manual

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My sole reason for moving to an FM2 is the goal of Inmigrado, so I will not have to keep going to the INM office each year. Time out of country is not a concern for me, and in 5 more years I should not be driving even if my old truck is still drivable.

Rolly Pirate

tonynico

Feb 25, 2010, 3:00 PM

Post #24 of 46 (6394 views)

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Re: [Rolly] New immigration manual

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Would putting your husband down as a dependent help that way he does not need to show income but you need to show more income. Or is it cheaper for both of you to both get a fm2

Ron

Rolly


Feb 25, 2010, 3:07 PM

Post #25 of 46 (6389 views)

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Re: [tonynico] New immigration manual

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Under the new rules, for a couple owning a home, it is slightly cheaper for one to get an FM2 with the partner as a dependent and with home owner's discount than to have FM3s without the discount. (kind of a convoluted sentence)

Rolly Pirate
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