So, today my dad and I had to go out, not to eat, though we did that, too, but to renew my permanent residency card. I know your probably thinking, “Renew?? A permanent card?” Yep!
As a minor, I have to renew the card every four years so the photo can get updated. Though, luckily, the next time I renew it will be the last, since I’ll be 18, almost 19. Anyhow, we met up with our immigration consultant Jose Villalvazo at the INM office across the street from Puerto Magico Cruise Ship Terminal to help us with the paperwork and forms. It can be a big hassle to fill out all the forms, and going back and forth between your phone and the papers. I speak perfect Spanish, and we don’t need Jose for interpreting, but it simply makes the experience so much quicker and so much easier. He filled them all out quite quickly, and after all those were done I had to have my picture taken, except it wasn’t only a camera, it was an “iris id,” so that means it is a retinal scanner. That way the photo can’t be faked or changed in any way, even if contacts are being worn, because the machine will detect them.
Now, back to Jose. Jose has helped my dad for around 20 years with immigration papers, even before he lived here as a permanent resident, and was visiting as a tourist or temporary. Jose actually used to work with INM, or Instituto Nacional de Migración, so he is an expert at what he does. And it also means he knows lots about FMMs, temporary residency cards, permanent residency cards, and the laws that go with such. So, of course, after we were done at the INM office we went to lunch, and he answered many of our questions. Now, here are some Q&A’s you might need or like.
Q: How much does Jose charge for his work?
A: Jose’s fee is 4,000 pesos, which is less than 200 dollars, and he charges the same whether it’s temporary 1 year, temporary 4 years, or permanent.
Q: What happens if a permanent or temporary card is lost?
A: It’s now mandatory for people to carry their card here in Mexico, but if they lose the card, they can simply apply to get a new one, which at the moment only costs 1,400 pesos, around 70 dollars. And, once again, Jose can file the paperwork for 4,000 pesos. Now, if they’re in the U.S and lose the card, they have to re-apply for a new one at the embassy, which varies in time and pricing. Though, no matter what, no one should ever enter with just an FMM if they have lost their residency card, because the law states that the current identification one carries is the real one, and therefore would be no longer considered as a resident, and instead as a tourist. Even if someone were to lose their card on the airplane, they shouldn’t fill out an FMM, and wait to explain their situation once landed.
Q: Can someone go back to the U.S for a short period of time when their FMM tourist visa expires, get a new one, and come back to Mexico?
A: Yes. They can stay for as little as it takes to get their new FMM. They could even come back to Mexico in the same day. The FMM is good for 180 days, so just make sure not to overstay your tourist visa.
Q: What can someone do if they can’t get out of Mexico to renew an FMM before it expires?
A: If someone has a legitimate reason that they cannot get to the U.S. before their FMM expires, they should contact INM immediately and explain their situation, so they don’t get in trouble if they’re caught with an expired FMM.
Q: Can someone volunteer with an FMM?
A: No. There are special visas that a person must get to be able to volunteer, and there is even a special visa to do missionary work.
Q: Can someone work, teach, or go to school with an FMM?
A: Yes and no. Article 16 and others of Mexico’s immigration law specifically state it is illegal to work, teach, or be taught by a school on an FMM. On INM's website under FMM it also states that no one is not allowed to do "actividades remuneradas," which the literal translation is "paid activities," though what that phrase really means is a getting payed for a job or paying for a job. Therefore, their website states that no one is permitted to participate in any type of jobs while visiting on an FMM. They are specifically for vocational purposes, so even working remotely or as a digital nomad is illegal. Though, it happens all the time, and the chances of being caught are low, but if someone were to do this, they shouldn’t post it publicly.
Q: Can someone work, teach, or go to school with a temporary card?
A: Yes, but on conditions. If someone wants to work for their own business in Mexico on a temporary, they must notify INM and get special permission, though if they’re working for another company the company must sponsor them and get the permissions. If that company is in the U.S, then they must get a temporary card or FMM for the person trying to work. As for going to school, a person can go as long as they get a CURP number.
Q: Can someone get their permanent or temporary card revoked because of a certain crime?
A: Maybe. In the U.S there are two types of crimes, felonies and misdemeanors, one being much worse than the other, but here in Mexico there is no line between crimes. So, they are not identified in different ways, and it is a possibility that even from a small crime such as drunk driving someone could get their card taken away. It really depends on the judge, not the INM or the law.
Article about FMM on INM's website
Article 16 of Mexico's immigration law
Jose's phone number & WhatsApp: +52 322 136 2175