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bzy1

May 26, 2011, 12:36 PM

Post #1 of 16 (7043 views)

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To change from FM2 to Inmigrado

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has anyone changed their status recently from FM2 to Inmigrado and have the current fees and if this is worth it to do so? I have been married to a Mexican for almost four years and have had an FM2 for three years. Can I do this online? and if you have any other info or tips and if you have done this and feel it is worth it or not would be great to know.
Thanks!

Casa

May 26, 2011, 12:55 PM

Post #2 of 16 (7034 views)

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Re: [bzy1] To change from FM2 to Inmigrado

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Inmigrado status is only available after holding a FM2 for 5 years. (within 6 months of the expiration of the 4 renewal) You can only be physically absent from Mexico for 18 months during this whole 5 year period in order to qualify. So from what you have said you do not yet qualify.

You will most likely qualify for the new tarjeta de residencia permanente. The rules and requirements are not yet published so you will have to wait and see.

You mayhowever qualify for citizenship if you have not been absent from Mexico for more than 6 months in the last 2 years. You will need to take a history test and fulfill some other requirements.

bzy1

May 26, 2011, 1:22 PM

Post #3 of 16 (7026 views)

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Re: [Casa] To change from FM2 to Inmigrado

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Thanks for the info. I live full time in Vallarta rarely leave for more than a week a year. I thought I could change to inmigrado status since I have been married to a Mexican for over two years. I am not interested in citizenship- just not having to renew every year:)

sparks

May 26, 2011, 4:12 PM

Post #4 of 16 (7001 views)

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Re: [Casa] To change from FM2 to Inmigrado

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I thought there was a 2 year route to inmigrado if you are married to a Mexican. Maybe have to apply for that route specifically and the OP hadn't? Retroactive, I doubt?

Sparks Mexico - Sparks Costalegre

mazbook1

May 26, 2011, 4:12 PM

Post #5 of 16 (6999 views)

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Re: [bzy1] To change from FM2 to Inmigrado

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You should check with your local INM office. Having an FM2 and being married to a Mexican citizen at least two years definitely qualifies you for citizenship (dual-as you don't have to renounce your present citizenship), but I've never heard of being married to a Mexican citizen speeding up the time necessary for inmigrado status. However, as Casa says, you will undoubtedly qualify for the permanente status (más o menos the same as the current inmigrado) by the time the regulations go into effect for the new law. I do agree with Rolly, it's going to be at least a year (and possibly more) before that happens.

Vichil

May 27, 2011, 11:17 AM

Post #6 of 16 (6919 views)

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Re: [bzy1] To change from FM2 to Inmigrado

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you need to go to the inami.gob.mx site and apply before going to the office. You willl receive a number and will be asked to go to the office with the paperwork. Read the site, the instructions are pretty clear.
We did it and had to go back two or three times as they were not accepting my name and my husband reversed the day and month in his birthday. Any error , any kickback of paperwork and you have to start from the beginning and pay the processing fee again.
Have fun!

Maesonna

May 27, 2011, 6:46 PM

Post #7 of 16 (6871 views)

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Re: [bzy1] To change from FM2 to Inmigrado

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I believe that this is one of the things that has not changed with the new immigration system. After 5 years with an FM2 (with a status that was formerly called imigrante), you must apply for the status of imigrado; it is not a choice. (Well, strictly speaking, you have two other choices; give up your visa altogether, apply for a new FM2 and start again from year 1; or apply for Mexican nationality). The two years only applies to seeking Mexican nationality; if you are married to a Mexican national you can apply after two years.

So with 4 years under your belt, you just have 1 more year left of the yearly renewals.

Rolly

May 27, 2011, 7:16 PM

Post #8 of 16 (6864 views)

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Re: [Maesonna] To change from FM2 to Inmigrado

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apply for a new FM2 and start again from year 1;
That is not the way it works. At the end of 5 years with an FM2, you cannot get a new FM2, you would have to go back to an FM3 if you don't do one of the other two options.

Rolly Pirate

bzy1

May 27, 2011, 7:50 PM

Post #9 of 16 (6857 views)

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Re: [Rolly] To change from FM2 to Inmigrado

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Thanks everyone for your help, comments and info. I am heading in on Monday and will see what they say and what hoops I get to jump through. I will even bring a stapler! http://youtu.be/XXWZ3uAEKsw

sioux4noff

May 29, 2011, 8:03 AM

Post #10 of 16 (6787 views)

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Re: [bzy1] To change from FM2 to Inmigrado

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Good luck and keep us informed as to how it goes, bzy1.

Mexberry

May 29, 2011, 8:51 AM

Post #11 of 16 (6768 views)

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Re: [bzy1] To change from FM2 to Inmigrado

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Good luck at the INM office - the one by the Puerto I presume. I have found that using a 'consultant' is so much less hassle and saves having to wait in that overcrowded waiting room. Let them find out what you need and save yourself the trouble. I will think of you as I drive by in my airconditioned car !

Casa

May 31, 2011, 1:39 PM

Post #12 of 16 (6636 views)

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Re: [bzy1] To change from FM2 to Inmigrado

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In Reply To

I am heading in on Monday and will see what they say and what hoops I get to jump through.

so what did they have to say at INM on Monday?

bzy1

May 31, 2011, 1:54 PM

Post #13 of 16 (6628 views)

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Re: [Casa] To change from FM2 to Inmigrado

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I went yesterday and today. It was a breeze. I had to fill out a form, do the online form, make a copy of the photo page of my passport, have infantil photos taken, pay the 2801 Pesos at the bank and make two copies of the bank payment receipt and give them a letter as to why I want to live in Mexico and that everything I have supplied to them is true. (I forgot the letter but Norma downstairs had a generic one that I just had to sign.)
No bank statements or comprobante de domicilio.
I have a receipt and user/password info to check online in two weeks and it should eb ready for pick-up.

I can go inmigrado next year but I feel the laws will have changed by then so it would be a moot point. :)

surebought

Jun 9, 2011, 2:08 PM

Post #14 of 16 (6285 views)

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Re: [bzy1] To change from FM2 to Inmigrado

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One thing to consider is after the five years and you want imigrado, all your paperwork goes to D.F. and its gone for at least nine months. This makes flying in Mexico very tricky because you don't have your documents. It some big federal crime if you get a tourist visa while your papers are in Mexico City. Most of the time you can just sneak past the Imigration Guys at the Airports, but some times they catch you and you have got to do some splaining. Learn the language, This is why you should make sure that you have the FM2 renewal stamps in your US passport. This is sort of proof that you are in tramite.

Rolly

Jun 9, 2011, 4:15 PM

Post #15 of 16 (6262 views)

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Re: [surebought] To change from FM2 to Inmigrado

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There is a procedure to take care of leaving the country while an application is pending. It's called Permiso de Salida y Regreso. You can apply at the INM office where they will sell you a permit that you can use to exit and reenter the country. There is a PDF form here that you can print and fill out before going to the office if you wish

Rolly Pirate

chinagringo

Jun 9, 2011, 4:52 PM

Post #16 of 16 (6249 views)

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Re: [Rolly] To change from FM2 to Inmigrado

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Rolly:

I just read on one of the forums where the new INM Office in Chapala was no longer granting those letters while trying to figure out the new laws. I have no idea as to the accuracy of the information provided.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM