Forums > General > Living, Working, Retiring

Blanton

Nov 10, 2003, 11:29 PM

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working in Mexico

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My name is Rob and I am currently a Language and International Trade major at the University of Clemson in South Carolina and am required to live abroad to fulfill some graduation requirements. I am basically looking for full or part time work to keep me busy over a four month stretch or longer starting some time around February. I was wondering if anybody could offer some good information as to the steps I will need to take to not only reside for that amount of time but working requirements such as a visa and what not. Any kind of input would be much appreciated. Thanks so much.

Guapo Gabacho

Nov 11, 2003, 6:12 AM

Post #2 of 7 (422 views)

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Re: [Blanton] working in Mexico

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For the hassle of a work permit and the unwillingness of an employer to hire you for less than one year, I would enter as a tourist and do volunteer work at some orphanage. An alternative would be to find a tourist hotel that would let you teach the staff in exchange for room and board.

Don’t expect the government in Mexico to welcome you with open arms. Expect open palms, both required by fee and demand.

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We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children.

gpk

Nov 11, 2003, 7:37 AM

Post #3 of 7 (403 views)

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Re: [Blanton] working in Mexico

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Try the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico and find a US company operating in Mexico willing to let you be an intern (maybe without pay). The Chamber has a website.

julietl

Nov 11, 2003, 2:21 PM

Post #4 of 7 (376 views)

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Re: [Blanton] working in Mexico

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I agree.

Right now, I am going through the quagmire of changing my visa from FM3-Student to a FM3-Working. Even with a personal contact in the immigration office and the sponsorship of my company, it is still a complete hassle. I would not try for a working visa if you are only going to be here 4 months.

You could apply for a student visa (good one year), but you need to have a letter of acceptance from a legit school down here.

What I would do if you really need some money while you are living here is find work under the table once you get here. Or you could put ads in the paper, bulletin boards, etc....advertising private English lessons.

You didn't hear it from me, but I know plenty of foreigners who are doing that here. It's just so much easier.

Your tourist visa will be good for 90 days. Make sure at the border/airport that they put down 90 days in the box on your tourist card. So, you will need to go across the border and return for your last month here.

(Good excuse for a road trip to Guatemala!)
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Rolly

Nov 11, 2003, 2:53 PM

Post #5 of 7 (374 views)

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Re: [julietm] working in Mexico

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Actually a tourist visa (called an FMT) can be granted for any period up to 180 days (almost 6 months). When you get to in immigration guy, tell him how long you want to stay.

Rolly Pirate

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Marlene

Nov 13, 2003, 7:24 PM

Post #6 of 7 (324 views)

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Re: [julietm] working in Mexico

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Once you enter on a student visa it is not possible to get a working visa at the same time. The immigration rules are strictly enforced in that area here in Mazatlan. If you enter the country on a student visa (required to study at the Tec de Monterrey on exchange study programs) you are not able to legally work. They make it clear that if you are caught working, you will be expelled from the Tec, and lose your University credit that you came for in the first place. They want to keep on the up and up with Migracion, that is certainly made clear.

julietl

Nov 17, 2003, 2:28 PM

Post #7 of 7 (272 views)

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Re: [Mazatleca] working in Mexico

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Yes, you are right. Believe me, I am going through this right now.

I had to fly to Houston 2 weeks ago on a Saturday. It was the cheapest flight I could find - I spent 5 hours there and turned around and came back home to DF, in order to return as a tourist.

I had to go through a VERY formal process of petitioning the Mexican Immigration office, with letter saying I am "permanently" leaving the country and in order to forfeit my FM3 Student Visa. THEN, I left the country and came back in as a tourist.

Now, with my tourist card, I can apply for my working visa with the help of my company. I would have moved down here with just a tourist card, but I needed an FM3 for my Menaje de Casa, to move my stuff down here. So, since I did not have a job yet, I got a student visa.

Trust me! For that short of a time - come in as a tourist and work under the table.
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