LEGAL
TIPS |
|
Migratory
Documents and Traveling An increasing
problem we come across these days has to do with the workload being put
on Immigration, and reluctance by the Federal Government to due to budget
cutbacks to add any staff to alleviate this workload. How
does this affect you? Well quit simply, it can take Immigration anywhere
from 3 to 7 week to complete a simple renewal. A new FM3 can take as long
as 10 weeks. We all assume that this is an easy procedure for Immigration
to complete, but with the workload these people have on them, as well as
all the hands these documents must pass through, we are fortunate that they
get done at all. Last year Guadalajara was the second busiest Immigration
office in the whole republic, at getting busier every day. For
most of you, this is not a problem and we write it off to the regular issues
of living in this wonderful country. However, for some, it does create a
problem. Some of you are only here for a limited time, and cannot wait for
the allotted time Immigration requires, and for some the renewal date just
simply falls on the time you are not in Mexico. If you in fact have to leave
the country, and your migratory document is at Immigration, you will require
a Permit to Leave. To obtain this permit, you will require your Passport,
itinerary, and a proof of residency. The only drawback with this permit
is that it can only be for a maximum of 45 days. If
you are only traveling around Mexico, this is not an issue whatsoever. All
you need to carry with you is a copy of the application stamped by Immigration,
which will be supplied by Immigration or the individuals helping you with
your migratory needs. When
leaving Mexico, the paperwork required always depends on your migratory
status here. For FMT (Tourist Visa) holders, you simply give back the FMT
to the airlines, or the Immigration officials at the border if driving.
Make sure to hand in your vehicle permit at this time as well. When
traveling on an FM3, you will have to fill out an FME - Foreigner (Statistic
Migratory Form) when traveling by air. This form is not asked for when driving.
However, by law you must turn in your vehicle permit. Most people do not,
and the customs officials do not seem to enforce it. But remember, if your
vehicle is stolen or written off in an accident while you are in the US
or Canada, and that permit has not been handed in, you will be responsible
for the taxes on that vehicle if you try to import another as customs will
not have proof you drove said vehicle out of Mexico. When
traveling on an FM2, the same rules apply as the FM3, but you must have
it stamped by Immigration when you exit and then return. Over a 5-year period,
you can only be out of Mexico for 18 months total. Also
remember, if your vehicle permit has expired, it is still valid as long
as you have your valid FM2 or 3 with you. When
traveling as an Inmigrado, you must fill out an FME – Para Mexicanos, just
like a Mexican national. And just like a Mexican national, by law you are
only allowed out of Mexico for 6 months less a day a year. The car permit
is not an issue, as persons with Inmigrado status are not allowed to have
a foreign plated vehicle. They are allowed to bring Mexican plated vehicles
into the States as long as you have insurance. Adriana Perez Flores |