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captvik

Feb 26, 2003, 11:54 AM

Post #1 of 13 (2956 views)

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FM3 Income Requirements - Questions

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Greetings:

I understand that the income requirements for qualification for the FM3 visa have increased in the last year or so. This is great news for the Mexican worker, since it indicates an increase (hopefully) in their minimum wage. However, for those of us "Gringos" who have future plans to settle in Mexico, it creates some questions:

When the income requirements increase, how does that affect existing FM3 holders? Do they have to prove that they have the new income amount? Are they deported?

I also hear that the requirements change from consulate to consulate, does the same situation exist among the different immigration offices within Mexico? If this is the case, has anyone attempted to create a list of the most favorable offices to obtain and/or renew their FM3's?

In the past I understand that the income requirement was halved if the FM3 holder owned a home in Mexico. Does anyone know if this was true, and if so, is it still the case?

Is it necessary to hold an FM3 in order to apply (and be considered) for the IMSS medical system?

Any help you can give me with these questions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

Rolly

Feb 26, 2003, 12:14 PM

Post #2 of 13 (2638 views)

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Re: [captvik] FM3 Income Requirements - Questions

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The minimum required monthly income is equal to 250 times daily minimum wage in Mexico City. This did increase this year, but not by much. The peso has fallen in value vs the dollar, so the net change in the dollars required for an FM3 is about unchanged -- approx US1,000 for one person; 50% more for each dependent. The required amount is 1/2 if you own your home in Mexico.

When you renew your FM3 each year, you must show proof that your income meets whatever the required amount is at the time. If you cannot meet this requirement, your FM3 cannot be renewed, and you will have to depart the country. Of course you can come back with an FMT.

The income requirements do vary at some consulates in the US, and I assume in other countries. But it is my understanding that all the INM offices in Mexico follow the same income requirements.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

Bucky

Feb 26, 2003, 3:53 PM

Post #3 of 13 (2534 views)

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Re: [Rolly] FM3 Income Requirements - Questions

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Just got the FM3 requirements from the consulate in Austin and he told me that the income requirement was not reduced at all if you own your own home in Mexico, and that was to a direct question about that. Different requirements for different offices.

jennifer rose

Feb 26, 2003, 6:04 PM

Post #4 of 13 (2476 views)

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Re: [Bucky] FM3 Income Requirements - Questions

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Yes, each Mexican Consulate has a slightly different twist. Some require that the applicants be 55 years or older. Some have higher income requirements.

And many applicants tend to interpret the income requirements which refer to "more than" as "not a single peso more than." Or the words "may" as meaning "shall."

Forum-shopping is not an option. The FM-3 must be applied for either at the Mexican Consulate having jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence abroad, or the INAMI office having jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence within Mexico.

Uncle Donnie

Feb 27, 2003, 7:24 AM

Post #5 of 13 (2478 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] FM3 Income Requirements - Questions

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In regard to continuing proof of income and your question about deportation if struck by financial reverses, I can only report on two states, Jalisco and Colima. In both areas, the only ones where I have personal experience with FM-3 renewals, the authorities asked for the same types of documentation as proof of income; bank statements for the three months preceeding the renewal date. They asked for statements from both foreign and Mexican institutions.

In the cases I know of they accepted copies (downloaded from the internet) of my U.S. bank statement but required original copies of a friend's German bank statements. In both cases they required original print-outs from the corresponding Mexican financial institution.

Some folks, me included, have opted to park a small amount of money in a Lloyd account in areas where they operate because if you do so they will take care of all or most of the paperwork involved in renewal.

A friend at Lakeside reported that Lloyd handled all of her renewal work with no need for a U.S. bank statement. One thing you'll learn is that the rules and regulations are often interpreted and applied on some sort of sliding scale subject to a number of unknown factors. The best suggestion I can offer is to contact someone in the area you're interested in to see how things are handled locally. There are usually some English speakers who have set up businesses to assist foreigners with most of their readjustment problems.

After you've dealt with Forma 5 a few times you may discover the fee for that help is a very small price to pay. Feel free to write to me off forum if you need clarification.

UD

Shameless self-promotion:
http://www.headformexico.com

Bucky

Feb 27, 2003, 7:55 AM

Post #6 of 13 (2434 views)

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Re: [uncledonnie] FM3 Income Requirements - Questions

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Indeed, the consulate in Austin, Tx does require the applicant to be 55 years old or older. However, my wife will only be 54, shhhhh!, and am I to interpret this to mean that she is not eligible for an FM3 yet, or can I assume she will be since she's my wife? I realize you don't answer for the consulate but best guesstimate would be interesting fodder.

Uncle Donnie

Feb 27, 2003, 9:05 AM

Post #7 of 13 (2423 views)

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Re: [Bucky] FM3 Income Requirements - Questions

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Bucky,

I have no clue when it comes to women's ages, their likes and dislikes or almost anything else regarding those lovely enigmas, but my best bet is that if you're "mature" enough to qualify for an FM-3 that the Mexican government won't expect you to leave home without the one you've wed, regardless of her age.

Unless of course that's your plan.

Her income requirements will be tied to yours so I can't imagine her tender age to be a problem. Maybe an ex-Deep South resident can tell you how he got into the country with his 13 year-old bride. Or just contact the Consulate again.

Adios my friend and good luck. After posting Darlin' Girl's age I'm guessing you may be facing some serious repurcussions around the house and hearth.

Shameless self-promotion:
http://www.headformexico.com

jennifer rose

Feb 27, 2003, 9:10 AM

Post #8 of 13 (2369 views)

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Re: [Bucky] FM3 Income Requirements - Questions

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Applicants residing in the jurisidiction of the Mexican Consulate in Austin who do not meet that Consulate's age requirement may apply for their FM-3s at the INAMI office having jurisidiction over their place of residence in Mexico.

Bucky

Feb 27, 2003, 9:14 AM

Post #9 of 13 (2406 views)

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Re: [uncledonnie] FM3 Income Requirements - Questions

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I said shhhhhhh! My darlin' is newly discovered and not to be lost so even if I have to commute back to the border to renew her FMT a couple times until she's old enough to enjoy an FM3, I will. Thanks for your guess. It sounds logical but that's like saying you assume....and you know what assuming does. When dealing with the government of any country, state, or mucicipality, logic has very little to do with what is procedural.

The great advantage of an FMT is it requires me to be in the car with my lovely for 12 uninterrupted hours. Would that I could have had that proximity for that time in my youth to my date.

Bucky

Feb 27, 2003, 9:23 AM

Post #10 of 13 (2343 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] FM3 Income Requirements - Questions

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So what's INAMI and where is it located in the Lake Chapala area? TIA

jennifer rose

Feb 27, 2003, 9:26 AM

Post #11 of 13 (2359 views)

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Re: [Bucky] FM3 Income Requirements - Questions

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INAMI is the National Migration Institute. http://www.inami.gob.mx Chapala is under the jurisdiction of the office located in Guadalajara, but INAMI sends a representative to the Chapala area every week or two.

JudyinKC

Feb 27, 2003, 9:49 AM

Post #12 of 13 (2410 views)

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Re: [Rolly] FM3 Income Requirements - Questions

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The consulate in K.C. also states that there is no change in the requirement if one owns a home in Mexico. The amount required is $1000 and $500 for other adults in family.

RAD55

Feb 27, 2003, 1:44 PM

Post #13 of 13 (2320 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] FM3 Income Requirements - Questions

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Would anyone happen to know if the consulate in San Antonio, TX has an age requirement & if so, what that age is?