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Rolly

Feb 22, 2011, 11:21 AM

Post #1 of 7 (5206 views)

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Ruminations on renewing my FM2

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I just renewed my FM2, so I have been reflecting on the changes in the INM procedures. We’re almost a year into the new INM.. The announced goals of this new program are to simplify the process of applying and renewing visas, to reduce the paperwork, and to make the procedures the same in all INM offices. Have these goals been achieved? It seems to me that we are only partly better served than before.

I find the online application a lot better than the old system of taking a form to a public typist to be filled out. I’m happy not to copy every page from my passport.

A letter stating that nothing has changed in one’s situation was supposed to eliminate the need for bank statements and proof of address. My office still wants bank statements, but not proof of address. An informal and unscientific survey of INM office requirements around the country based on e-mails and message board postings leaves me with the impression that about half of the offices still want proof of income.

Most of all I was delighted at the speed of the renewal. I applied on a Wednesday, returned the next day with bank statements, and my card was ready on Friday.

I am blessed with a very fine INM office. I give them an overall solid 10. Friendliness and helpfulness = 10+. Speed and efficiency = 10. Ample off-street parking = 10. Clean, airy comfortable waiting room = 10. Access to bank for paying = 8.

YMMV

Rolly Pirate

Rolly

Feb 22, 2011, 12:07 PM

Post #2 of 7 (5185 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Ruminations on renewing my FM2

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I forgot to say that they also got a CURP for me.
I do wish their finger print ink was easier to wash off.
I was surprised at how many copies of the same thing I had to sign and thumb print.
My whole name is 21 characters long. That is hard to get into the tiny space on the card.

Rolly Pirate

morgaine7

Feb 22, 2011, 8:07 PM

Post #3 of 7 (5107 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Ruminations on renewing my FM2

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I prefer carrying the card vs. the FM2 booklet, and filling out forms online vs. doing it by hand (we never had to get ours typed). But it would be a stretch to say that the process is simplified, and if anything, there's more paperwork. Renewals didn't use to require photos or the formato básico, for example.

In an ideal, simplified world (jajajajaja), the whole process would be done online, and maybe that's what they're working toward. So far, it doesn't require any fewer trips to the INM office. That's no big deal for me but tough on folks who live several hours away.

I don't like the FMM for exits and re-entries. The FME was easier because it required less info and had carbons instead of two separate sides to fill out. Maybe they'll eliminate it when card swipes are implemented. For now, I'm just hoping that time in and out of Mexico will be calculated properly for inmigrado status and/or citizenship.

Kate

PS ... My name is 21 characters long, too!

skier14

Mar 11, 2011, 7:25 PM

Post #4 of 7 (4720 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Ruminations on renewing my FM2

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Just returned from the Guadalajara INM office with my info to change from booklet to card FM2 with Primer Refrendo. The office has expanded into both sides of the building on the 4th floor. Hours 9am to 1pm. Information is on the right when leaving the elevator. Presenting documents is in the same old left side when leaving the lift. Office staff was very pleasant and spoke good English. They want the number assigned when one goes online(www.inm.gob.mx) to start the process, an offical letter requesting renewal, a copy of ones passport pages showing the general data and names of the holder, original of the FM2 booklet, original and two copies of payment of fees ($2801 pesos), 5 photos infantil (3 front and 2 right side, no glasses, and hair off forehead and above the ears (nothing said about color or B&W),and one bank statement or letter from a financial instution showing acceptable amounts of income. Interesting comment from the info specialist on my request as to how many years of FM2 are required before applying for Immigrado status as the spouse of a mexican citizen. I was told five (5) years required for immigrado, but only three (3) years if one wants to go for citizenship.?????? Am I getting wrong info or has the rule changed?

Rolly

Mar 11, 2011, 7:56 PM

Post #5 of 7 (4714 views)

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Re: [skier14] Ruminations on renewing my FM2

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So far as I know it's still 2 years. INM does not make that rule. That comes from SRE.
Here is their website: http://www.sre.gob.mx/

Rolly Pirate

Rolly

Mar 11, 2011, 8:00 PM

Post #6 of 7 (4710 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Ruminations on renewing my FM2

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Here is the link to the marriage rule: http://www.sre.gob.mx/...on-o-mujer-mexicanos

and it says 2 years

Rolly Pirate

surebought

Mar 21, 2011, 3:39 PM

Post #7 of 7 (4360 views)

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Re: [skier14] Ruminations on renewing my FM2

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For me, it was five years. The fifth year you send all your stuff including the booklet to D.F. and wait. But I have to travel in Mexico mientras. Well, your US passport shows that you submitted the documents so make sure you have it at the airports. In the last year, I had my last child with my Mexican Wife. When I went to register her at the registro, they said I needed my documents from Immigration. I was very unhappy because all my documents were in D.F. The meanest guy there at the imigration office said he would fix it if I came back tomorrow (But just don't talk, he said.) I went the next day and everyone was acting really different. The Secretary said, "I think something came for you." She then came out holding some documents like they were a birthday cake. I burst into tears when she said I had finished with the process. It was really six years from the time of the issuance of the FM2 to the coveted imigrado statis I possess to this day. Good luck with this. Don't let anything expire. Don't change occupations. I am living proof that someday you too will finish the process.