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lucyloo

Jan 10, 2011, 1:44 PM

Post #1 of 16 (5872 views)

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Visa status if I lose my job

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I am currently living and working in Coahuila, Mexico and have an FM3 visa. What happens to my immigration status if I lose my job? Can I carry on living here on the FM3 even if I can't find a new job? I live with my Mexican boyfriend in 'union libre' but we are not married - can I become his economic dependant? I am British by the way!

Thanks!

Casa

Jan 10, 2011, 2:16 PM

Post #2 of 16 (5859 views)

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Re: [lucyloo] Visa status if I lose my job

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Hello Luckyloo

You did not mention what kind of FM3 Document you have.

You are required by law to report changes in your status, including change of address, marital status, and change of employer to the INM.

INM does not recognize Union Libres and, to be an economic dependant of a Mexican Citizen or Immigrado you would need to apply for a FM2 Familiares once you are married. ( If you plan to marry in mexico you will need to request permission from INM and you will need a valid immigration document to do that).

There is not an age limit for FM3 Visitante Renista so that may be an avenue for you to explore if you have some resources and can overcome the financial requirements.

lucyloo

Jan 11, 2011, 12:46 PM

Post #3 of 16 (5762 views)

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Re: [Casa] Visa status if I lose my job

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I'm not quite sure what type of FM3 I have (I didn't realise there were different types) - I think it's dependant on my job (they told me I could only get it with a letter from my employer) and is 'no inmigrado' if that explains what type it is? I don't have the financial resources to be able to apply for one where I support myself without working.

I understand that if I get married to a Mexican I can apply to change to an FM2 after two years, however what worries me at the moment is what happens if I lose my job - do I suddenly become an illegal immigrant overnight? Or can I legally stay in the country on my FM3 while I look for another job, even though they gave me the FM3 based on the fact I'm working for this particular company?

Sorry to be so clueless - I've spent ages searching for this information on the INM site (and the internet) but haven't been able to find anything!!

Thanks!

La Isla

Jan 11, 2011, 12:51 PM

Post #4 of 16 (5759 views)

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Re: [lucyloo] Visa status if I lose my job

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All FM3s are "no inmigrado" and come in two basic "flavors": those that allow you to live here without working and those that allow you to live here and work. The second kind may be tied to a specific employer or allow you to work independently, which is the kind I have.

What kind of job do you have? If you're teaching English, I can give you some advice about what to do if you lose your job. Feel free to send me a PM.

(This post was edited by La Isla on Jan 11, 2011, 12:56 PM)

lucyloo

Jan 11, 2011, 12:53 PM

Post #5 of 16 (5758 views)

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Re: [La Isla] Visa status if I lose my job

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Thank you......however I'm not teaching English, I'm an admin assistant in a private Mexican company!

Rolly

Jan 11, 2011, 1:13 PM

Post #6 of 16 (5750 views)

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Re: [lucyloo] Visa status if I lose my job

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Apparently you have an FM3 with a working endorsement that is for a specific job.
If you lose that job, you have 30 days to tell INM of your changed status.
If you cannot find a new job or meet the requirements for an FM3 without working, you will have to change to an FMM.
I don't know if the local INM office can give you an FMM.
If not, you will have to leave the country and return with one.
That will give 180 days to figure out what to do next.

Rolly Pirate

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

(This post was edited by Rolly on Jan 11, 2011, 1:17 PM)

lucyloo

Jan 11, 2011, 1:15 PM

Post #7 of 16 (5746 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Visa status if I lose my job

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That's a bit scary....but very helpful, thank you!

Rolly

Jan 11, 2011, 1:22 PM

Post #8 of 16 (5744 views)

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Re: [lucyloo] Visa status if I lose my job

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I should add that while an FMM is good for a maximum of 180 days, you can return to the border and get a new one every 180 days. It's a bit of a hassle, but it will keep you living in México.

Rolly Pirate

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

Casa

Jan 11, 2011, 2:19 PM

Post #9 of 16 (5725 views)

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Re: [lucyloo] Visa status if I lose my job

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Actually there are about 9 or so different types of FM3s you can read all about them in a previous post that I made. If you have the old book style FM3 it will say what kind it is.

http://www.mexconnect.com/...?post=150791;#150791

You do NOT have to wait 2 years after marriage to apply for a FM2. (not sure where you got that information) you can do it once you are married and have your marriage certificate. You can apply for Mexican citizenship 2 years after being married with your FM2.

As I stated before if you plan on getting married in Mexico you will need to get permission from INM BEFORE getting married, and you will need a valid immigration document to do that FM3 , FMM etc.

I believe the law says you have 30 days to report a change in your status, not 100% sure and don't have the time to look it up right now. I suppose you could use those 30 to look for a new job.

Another option for you may be a student FM3

(This post was edited by Casa on Jan 11, 2011, 2:26 PM)

Marlene

Jan 12, 2011, 6:48 PM

Post #10 of 16 (5638 views)

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Re: [lucyloo] Visa status if I lose my job

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lucyloo, if you do not find another job within 30 days when you are required to make your change, your are a good candidate to change your FM3 to a "Rentista", which simply means you must prove income from another source, as your support in Mexico. (A student visa would also require you to show support, but this way, you don't have to go to school, something you have not mentioned interest in doing). It doesn't need to be a retirement pension to be approved as FM3 Rentista.

Check with your local immigration office for the exact amount and how many recent bank statements you will need to show the deposits and balance from. It used to be the 3 most recent statements, but that's changed recently, at least in some Immigration offices. Or if you have a lump sum savings or investment, that is also proof. PM me and I will be happy to share examples of how this can work. Incidentally, I have heard instances of Union Libre being approved by INM. A lot depends on your INM office. Don't panic just yet.

(This post was edited by Marlene on Jan 12, 2011, 6:56 PM)

La Isla

Jan 12, 2011, 7:07 PM

Post #11 of 16 (5627 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Visa status if I lose my job

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In her second post, the OP says

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I don't have the financial resources to be able to apply for one where I support myself without working.

So it sounds like changing her visa to an FM3 rentista is not in the cards.

Here's hoping that she keeps her job for a long time to come!

Marlene

Jan 12, 2011, 7:16 PM

Post #12 of 16 (5623 views)

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Re: [La Isla] Visa status if I lose my job

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You are entitled to your opinion, of course, but there is "more than one way to skin a cat", as the old saying goes. I know of others in a similar situation.

(This post was edited by Marlene on Jan 12, 2011, 7:16 PM)

lucyloo

Jan 13, 2011, 12:22 PM

Post #13 of 16 (5554 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Visa status if I lose my job

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I asked in the local office about the union libre and the woman I spoke to said that it would be recognised, so that could be another possibility to look into if the worst happens!

Thanks a lot for your help!

La Isla

Jan 13, 2011, 12:53 PM

Post #14 of 16 (5549 views)

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Re: [lucyloo] Visa status if I lose my job

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Do you expect you really might lose your job, or are you just planning for that possibility, even if it's a slight one?

La Isla

Jan 13, 2011, 12:56 PM

Post #15 of 16 (5546 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Visa status if I lose my job

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In Reply To

You are entitled to your opinion, of course, but there is "more than one way to skin a cat", as the old saying goes. I know of others in a similar situation.

It isn´t my opinion; I was just mentioning what the OP herself had to say about her situation. If there's a way around her lack of funds that would ordinarily qualify her for an FM3 rentista, then great!

surebought

Jan 21, 2011, 7:05 AM

Post #16 of 16 (5233 views)

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Re: [lucyloo] Visa status if I lose my job

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You have to apply for a (cambio de charactoristica). They can do at your local office.