MEXICO IMMIGRATION CHANGES 2021 (I talked to an immigration expert to find out what's going on...)
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- Опубліковано 2 сер 2024
- I talked to an IMMIGRATION EXPERT about the MEXICO IMMIGRATION CHANGES happening right now // The internet is buzzing with chatter about the immigration changes taking place in Mexico right now. If you're living in Mexico as a foreigner, you need to know what these changes are and how to avoid getting caught up in the current Mexico immigration crackdown.
00:00 Intro
00:46 Goal of this video
01:16 My go-to immigration expert
01:42 Breaking down the immigration changes
02:15 Random checkups
02:37 Are these changes really changes?
03:32 How to avoid trouble in Mexico
04:23 Mexico's objective
04:46 Is your long-term plan living in Mexico on a tourist visa?
05:41 How many times can you renew your tourist visa?
06:30 Fewer than 180 days??
07:23 Residency in Mexico
09:12 Regularization Program
11:22 What to do if you OVERSTAY your tourist visa
For this video, I talked to Ivonne Pavaan of Host Relocation who helps Americans living in Mexico and Canadians living in Mexico navigate getting residency in Mexico. If you're thinking about moving to Mexico, watch this video as the first step to living in Mexico legally.
#mexicoimmigrationchanges #movingtomexicofromus #backpackingbrunette
Want to get in touch with Ivonne Pavaan of Host Relocation? Find her contact info here: hostrelocation.com.mx/
Check these videos out for more about getting residency in Mexico:
How to get your temporary resident visa Mexico (part 1): • TEMPORARY RESIDENT VIS...
How to get your temporary resident permit Mexico (part 2): • TEMPORARY RESIDENCE IN...
The EASIEST ways to get residency in Mexico: • Temporary Resident Vis...
✨ Moving to Mexico? Snag my top tips for finding an apartment in Mexico PLUS a handy renting in Spanish cheat sheet ⬇️
**Download the FREE 25-page Move to Mexico Quickstart Guide (PDF) // freebies.backpackingbrunette.c...
👉🏼 Want access to exclusive content?? Join the Move to Mexico Membership // backpackingbrunette.com/regis...
📍Step-by-step guide to getting your RESIDENCY in MEXICO: backpackingbrunette.com/mexic...
🤓 BOOK a 1-1 CLARITY CALL with me // backpackingbrunette.com/consu...
• MEXICO IMMIGRATION CHA... - Розваги
Followed all the proper steps. Moved to Mexico 🇲🇽 from Canada 🇨🇦 7 weeks ago. Just finished up temp residency ❤👍
Congrats on getting your temporary residency!
Well done on doing it the proper way unlike most, glad that Mexico is tightening up on the abuse going on by so many gringies who are the first to complain that immigration is too lax in their own countries
Thats dope. I just got here on the 17th. We are only planning being here for about a month, even tho we were granted 6 months visa, we planning on moving here permanently in the near future
Congrats, we’re Canadians living in Florida on temporary visa, if US doesn’t work out for long term, we hope to make Mexico our plan B. Are you retirees?
@@littlebird3495 wife is working remotely im to dumb to have an online job bahaha so I got to retire early
I heard the other reason they are cracking down is because of all the migrants coming from other Central/South American countries headed through Mexico to the US 🤷♀️
I've heard that too, Lauren. A response to pressure from the US and Canada.
Truth
Both are correct. It’s a combination of the migration & pressures from the northern countries.
Like nomad capitalist says it’s best to have your plan B ready. Get 2nd passport now because the trend is for countries are going to make it harder and harder for entry. The days of easy travel are over.
Good to have this information. Thank you so much for cutting through the haze. Love your videos.
I am glad you found it helpful, Lynne!
Excellent explanation of the ins and outs, Alex. As always, quality. Thanks !
Thanks for watching, Phil! I'm glad you found it helpful 🤓
Great video. I needed some clarification. I’m thinking of the residency visa due to these changes.
I am glad you found it helpful, Jay!
Thank you for such a clear and concise explanation!
Thanks for watching! I'm glad to hear you found it helpful!
These are some really significant changes. In all my trips to Mexico in recent years, I *NEVER* paid attention to the number in the lower left corner of my FMM card. I really can't say for certain if it said 180 every time in the past. It looks like the one we have now says 15 which means we have to leave tomorrow. I suspect that's the case because when we arrived at midnight on the 3rd, it was already the 4th when we passed through customs and the guy asked when we were leaving and we said the 19th--exactly 15 days later. We were kicking around the idea of staying through Saturday but I guess we really have to leave. If we don't get seats on the flight tomorrow and have to spend an extra night, I'll be panicking that it could jeopardize our ability to come back in the future.
Thanks for all your help!
Thank you for sharing this valuable information Alex! This puts my mind at ease. 🙏🏼
I am glad you found it helpful, Debbie!
Excellent, succinct, clear information. Will share with our community. 😊
Thanks for the great and timely content!
Thanks for watching, Allen!
Thank you so much for the update friend!
Thanks for watching, Jack!
Great and informative video! I'm glad you cleared everything up for me! I was nervous
Glad it was helpful!
👀
Thanks for the info!
I arrived in Mexico in March 2020, overstayed my FMM after September, and got my Temporary Residency April of this year with the Regularization program. Just mentioning this to counter the "2019 and before, only" statement.
Great video, thanks so much!
What city did you apply for it?
@@TheBjfication Queretaro
Thanks for sharing your experience, Ross. I'm glad to hear it worked out for you! I know other people in similar situations haven't been as fortunate.
Thanks for the explanation, great video!
Thanks for watching! I'm glad you found it helpful!
Thanks for making this very informative video. Sounds like as long as I go by the book, I should have no issues staying long term in Mexico.
You've got it, Daniel!
Just signed up for your 7 day challenge. Thanks for your informative videos!
Good luck with the challenge, Don!
Lived in GDL until February and never got a second look. Good to know!
Nobody I know has either … only FB chatter …. but FB is not a reliable source of factual info.
Just bought a condo in Puerto Morelos. I suppose my plans right now are to just keep it as a vacation rental and not live there full-time. However, if I ever decide to live in my condo full-time, sounds like I will have to jump through some hoops. Thank you for your video! You seem like such a great person!
The hoops are worth the peace of mind that having your residency card in hand provides. Thanks for watching & congrats on your new condo!
Depending on the value of your home and whether you own it free and clear, that real estate investment could be enough to qualify you financially.
@@WiseOwl-1 thank you for that information! I do own it! But it's a small condo, probably only worth $95,000. Value will probably increase though!
Great information !
Thanks 😊
I am glad to hear you found it helpful!
Hi Alex. Just a quick comment on your "Immigration Changes" video. I recently left/reentered Mexico to renew my FMM. My 3rd time. Things have changed! I own property here and have a clean record. But, none of that mattered. The ONLY way they would allow me back into Mexico was to show them I had purchased an airplane ticket to leave Mexico when my (new) FMM expires ... 180 days. (The cost was exorbitant because I had to buy a ticket 6 months in advance. They would NOT accept a bus or any other type of ticket. Had to be a plane ticket.) The departure-ticket-6-months-in-advance is a very expensive option costing quite a bit per month over the 6-month FMM. But, it was the only way to get my new FMM, or any other entry visa. That's the way it is now ... I suppose. Viva the Residency Approach!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Lou! Wishing you all the best with the residency process!
Great info, gracias ✌️
I'm glad you found it helpful, Sam!
Thanks for the important information miss”
Glad it was helpful!
The fine for overstaying is not 594 pesos (that´s what you pay when you lose the FMM). Penalty for overstaying depends on duration and can be several tousands of pesos. If you overstayed for a long period of time, consider leaving through the land border (although you might be controlled at Tijuana airport), or show up at the airport shortly before the gate closes (it´s risky be normally they let you board and you escape migration).
duraction?
Very timely, as always! Just got back from Mazatlan and La Paz. La Paz looks like my residency designation.
Good to know your resource works in that city too.
Thanks!
I look forward to hearing about your time in Mexico, Cate! Hope to see you at the mixer later this month!!
Nice explanation. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanx for this. I'm here too and need to take some action. I don't know that my rural location will shelter me from prying eyes of the INS and its affiliates
Wishing you the best!
Wow thanks for the info!
Thanks for watching, Carmen!
@@alex-wittman Thank you for this amazing info! Your channel and amazing resources will help me when I decide to make my move. Can't wait for the next vids!
Thank You Alex.
You're welcome, Don!
So glad I got my visa last spring!
That's awesome, Pamela!
This must be for Queteraro. I qualified in P:V. for the regularization program in August 2021 after my extended humanitarian compassion visa ended in March 2021. Though they had started the regularization program then, I did not know about it till August and by that time which worked for me they changed it in July to any overstays. Now they just changed it to you had to have visited more than once to apply for the program. Yet talking to an Immigration lawyer in Nayarit yesterday for my roommate, she has never heard this. As they say, Mexico is consistently inconsistent. As well, INM offices do have certain autonmony in making decisions, most likely on a case by case basis. I appreciate your video as you do explain things well.
Consistently inconsistent is right 🥲I'm so glad to hear that you were able to qualify for the regularization program & thank you for sharing your experience in Puerto Vallarta. I heard just yesterday from one immigration source that the program is only operating in La Paz and Merida, but this obviously isn't the case...hopefully, we can get some clearer answers soon!
@@alex-wittman Thanks for your reply. You are welcome. The program is here P.V and the Nuevo Vallarta INM in Nayarit. My friend in Tijuana said, it is starting in Ensenada also. So much different info! Lol
I'm in same situation. Should I go to INM? Lawyers are no help
@@lolasdogrescue You overstayed? What part of Mexico? When did you enter and was this the first visit? Two qualifications for the regularization program. You can do it yourself though much faster with an immigration consultant.
Great content!
Thanks for watching!
Hi Alex great video and very informative,I am living in South Africa and looking at my options ,
I see other bloggers have also moved to the same city as you may I ask what is the attraction there ?
I just returned from Miami to Mexico City on Sunday, November 21.. I have been living in Mexico on the 180 day Tourist Visa for the past year and a half. When I walked up to the Migration Officer ( I speak fluent Spanish ) I exchanged pleasantries with him and asked him to give me 180 days.. he said no. He could only give me 30 days. I argued with him and told him I always got the 180 day Visa but he said they changed the policy a month ago. Now in order to get the 180 days you have to show a return trip ticket. He said that's the only way they will give the 180 days. I continued to plead with him in Spanish and he finally relented and gave me 120 days. He was adamant that he couldn't give me the 180 days without showing the return flight ticket ..
@April's Wandering This has actually always been the rule here (The person to whom you are speaking with has the decision making power). Also, each country has different rules applied to them which is also always being updated. The easiest way to renew an expiring stay is to travel to Belize, and then cross the border to Mexico to renew the vIsa (if applicable).
Great video! Liked and Subscribed!
This situation scares the crap out of me. My mom and dad moved down here to Mexico over 20 years ago. My dad passed away two years ago. Before COVID, I'd been coming down twice a year to visit for three weeks at a time.
My mom was back in the U.S. for several months, but moved back down here in late June. She asked me if I would consider moving down here too. So on Sept. 1, I did.
I do not meet the financial requirements to qualify for a permanente nor a temporal. If I did, I would get one straight away, even with the Consulate requirement. However, between my own financial situation and my mom's, I can afford to stay here. But legally I can only get the tourist visa.
Our local lawyer said that I could just keep getting the tourist visa, but she may not have been aware of these crackdowns.
It would really suck after finally being able to move down here that I might have to leave. I would gladly do whatever legal means are necessary to stay, if they would allow me to!
Start with an Mexican attorney in Mexico, not the U.S., you will probably find a way, don't panic, like a taxi ask for prices for the process, don't mean you will get ripped off but better to know, its shouldn't be much, maybe like the most 500 or 6 hundred
@@geraldarnoult We do have a Mexican attorney in Mexico, and we had a consultation with her last week.
She is an immigration specialist and also spoke with INS about my situation. She assures me that I shouldn't have to worry, and if there are any issues when I am coming back in to Mexico, we can call her right away on her cell phone.
@@martyklestadt6766 Thinks for telling me, I (THINK)? I was addressing someone else, who was concerned about it.
Is your Mom a Mexican citizen? After 20+ years there. Or a permanent resident? If she doesn't have proper documentation, she could be deported. It's a good idea for married men to get life insurance for their wives who typically outlive them.
Maybe you can consult with another Mexican lawyer who is an expert on the current immigration crackdown.
Very interesting info - thanks
Thanks for watching, Howard. I hope you found it helpful!
Go where you are treated best!
Great. Video Alex
Thanks for watching!
This is a good video for a summary of the immigration changes. I do have an important note though
You said that the regularisation program is only for people who arrived in 2019 or before and have been living in Mexico since. That's not really accurate. I got my 4 year residency in Mexico, arriving most recently in March 2020. Another fellow I talked to got it - they did confirm that he had entered Mexico once in 2019 or before, but he hadn't been living here. He just came here a few times on holidays.
I know you're in Qro and they did introduce that rule there. However, that's not true in all states. For example in Nayarit, Quintana Roo and Guerrero - at least for a while - they did not have that criterion.
I understand you got your information from an immigration expert. To me, this confirms that we should be skeptical of immigration experts, and even skeptical of the INM themselves. I was told a few times by the INM that it was impossible for me to change my FMM for a residency card in Jalisco, that it was illegal for them to do it, and there was no way any immigration office was doing that. I went to live in Queretaro and did it there, a relatively painless process for Latam bureaucracy.
There is zero consistency. My husband and I both applied for the regularization program, I was approved but they kept telling him he didn't meet the criteria, needed proof of income, etc. This was in the same INM office and we had the exact same paperwork/criteria/etc. but had different results because we were assigned to different agents. fortunately my husband came back with a lawyer and was able to complete the process successfully.
Good job! Very good information.
Glad it was helpful!
Nice informative video Alex. -Marc
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for information. Are there more updated one for 2022?
Check out this video: ua-cam.com/video/0XSOdNsUsLs/v-deo.html
Thank you for the update. Very important information. Just to verify Alex’s information, I am in the process of moving to Mexico so I know first hand that this information is accurate.
If you're working with Ivonne, then I'm sure she shared all this with you! Thanks for watching, Anita 🤓
@@alex-wittman….Yup! 👍🏽
Hi Alex, love your channel. The information you supply is great and very informative. You talked about Host Relocation. My husband and I are planning to move to Mexico, but we need legal advice and since you mention Yvonne from Host relocation i was wondering if you would be so kind as to send us the link to her. We their help with starting the processes from here in Miami Florida before we make the move to Mexico. Look forward to hearing from you and we will keep on watching your channel. Thank you very much. Oh by the way you also mention that you can supplies us with a guide on how to apply for Permanent Residency in Mexico. By the way I am Mexican Citizen living in the states on a Permanent Resident card since 1962 and reason why we want to move to México is to retire in Mexico.
Here's the contact info for Ivonne Pavaan at Host Relocation: hostrelocation.com.mx/ (scroll to the bottom of the page for her WhatsApp or email)
You state that you are a Mexican Citizen.
Mexican Citizens require neither Visas nor Permanent Residency.
I have this conversation/discussion/argument every time I travel on my US Passport.
The Immigration Agent states that I am ‘American Citizen’,
To which I answer “Si, pero naci en Mexico, y soy Mexicano.” (“I was born in Mexico, making me a Mexican National”)
I point out the line in my passport which shows “Mexico” as ‘country of birth/nationality’.
That almost always ends the problem, and they wave me through.
BUT, I always have an up-to-date copy of my Mexican birth certificate which has always resolved any and all problems.
Great video😊😊😊😊😊😊
I'm glad it was helpful, Chris!
Hi Alex great clear video!!! Ivonne is so great, during our research stay last time she helped us so much, even finding us a factory and house in Queretaro at a sensible budget! I am British/Australian and my wife is Vietnamese, I got here 2 months ago and had no issues getting through for 180 days stay, we are the shareholders of World Contract Furniture here in Queretaro and will invest 100 million US dollars over the next 24 months. My wife will arrive from Hanoi a week before Christmas to begin the company restructure and we face the problem of obtaining temporary residency for 18 months to 2 years while restructuring the business. So my point is to everyone, it appears most immigration help is for Americans and not other parts of the world [such as Vietnam and Britain], Ivonne tried very hard but we still have to leave to get temporary residency such as interview in Canada or perhaps UK.
Thanks for sharing, Will!
So glad I am a dual citizen! Hello Alex!
Woohoo, that's awesome!
Nice info and nice vlog
Thanks for watching! I'm glad you found it helpful!
I’m really bummed out by this. Was planning to return to live for a year by hopping out once but now that won’t work. I’m on extended partial sabbatical by choice and don’t have $35+k in savings. This will force me to start working again almost full time to qualify (with monthly income, from what I understand) for temp residency or to just abandon the plan entirely. Bye bye summer off in Argentina 😕 Sucks because I can definitely afford to be here for years just working part time and using some savings. I could take a whole year off if I wanted 🤷🏼♀️
I'm sorry to hear that the change is affecting your plans & hope you will be able to work something out.
I spent the past 6month planning a 90 trip in Mexico to start my travels. They only granted me 30 days. So, now I have to try and extend, because my other travel plans can’t be pushed up. So, feeling kinda stuck.
Maybe apply for Mexican residency in a state where they don't have the 2019 requirement... Nayarit, Guerrero...
I'm glad I got my Mexican passport at the Registro Civil some years ago. So for that group of people of Mexican descent born outside of Mexico, they can opt to register their birth with a Mexican Consulate and gain Mexican citizenship through familial ties. Maybe it's easier said than done, but it's worth the trouble later on. Like in this case about INM changes.
What documents do you need to bring to the registro civil to get Mexican citizenship and passport?
@@paulc1014 years ago, you needed your birth certificate with apostille and your parent(s) Mexican birth certificate. The process could be started at a Mexican consulate but ultimately needed to be registered in Mexico, at a registro civil. That was then, I don’t know about now. Also, back then, I had to have my US birth certificate translated into Spanish. But only by a translator authorized by the registro civil.
@@paulc1014 Depends on the type of citizenship you are looking to get. If your parents have Mexican Citizenship, then you will need one of their B/Cs plus your B/C translated into Spanish if it is not already in Spanish as well as being apostilled. For those of us who have lived here a sufficient amount of time for our particular circumstance, we just need to be able to pass the test and converse with issuing authority in Spanish.
Also you can just marry a Mexican or give birth in Mexico to have papers lol
@@ayuanabradford3206 again, if you’re of Mexican descent born to Mexican citizens beyond Mexican borders, you have citizenship by default. You just have to register it, which is far, far easier than getting hitched.
Hey Alex- I'm applying for my temp residency in December (finally got an appointment)! I have watched your other videos on this about 70x . I'm hopeful this will help me get through it and hoping not much has changed since. Questions- 1- when you were answering questions about why you wanted to live in Mexico, can you elaborate on the best way (in your opinion) to state that without them getting the wrong idea? 2- Do you know if Host Location can help folks in CDMX with the INM part 2 part of the process or is this just a Queretero service? Lastly- i too have always felt wrong about living in MX on a tourist Visa. This was the push I needed to do the right thing. I'm legit so nervous tho ahhhhhhh
Congrats on taking steps toward getting your residency, Jennifer! I think you can't go wrong with saying you want to learn Spanish and travel. At my visa appointment, I said I had remote work capabilities which meant I would live anywhere & I had decided I wanted to live in Mexico. I definitely recommend reaching out to Ivonne. She has helped people in CDMX & if she can't, she will recommend a colleague of hers. Good luck & keep us posted!
Sounds like Mexico is tightening up its policies a bit. Great vid Alex, keep up the good work!!
Thanks for watching, Charlie!
Yes they are....thanks to the GREATEST Mexican President ever in the history of Mexico. He is a genius, icon, and a true humanist!!!!!✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼💯💯🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽
@@alex-wittman Thank you for the great information. Please share Ivanna's contact info if you don't mind. Thank you
@@Vasper79 here's her website: hostrelocation.com.mx/
@@espianmashias9565 How when immigrants are flooding in Mexico lol
This makes me nervous to go on my trip the end of January to Isla Mujeres. I might have to rethink this trip.
Hi, Jessica! Do you already have a return ticket for the trip? Because if so, there shouldn't be any issues!
@@alex-wittman Yes we do. And thank you for the great informational video.
Jessica Boser. You shouldn't be nervous. Moe than 65million people visit that country. You will not be the 1st one. it is in the top 6 or 8 most visited countries in the world. You're going to enjoy it and know.
Hi Alex 👋🏽,
I am in that same repeat FMM Boat and when reentering Mexico after seeking a COVID Booster Border INM told me flatly “You get 4 Days.” Flustered I explained I live and rent in Oaxaca and I don’t live in the USA (my Passport Country), I have no ties to that Country - I am 73 and live on my average SS income of $1560/month: which is less than adequate for the USA (or Canada). You can’t live on that. I thought I was being responsible not being on the Public Dole (or living in a Tent by the road ...) by choosing to help support Mexico’s economy with my monthly SS check. So NOW I am a deadbeat.
I was Regularized once during the COVID pandemic so I know I am in the INM computer already. So, I had to go the Border for a new Visa, I thought, then was told 4 Days and then go back to your Country! I have lived in Oaxaca on the FMM for over 5 years but with 1 long expired Residency card and an uncertain duration FMM Visa I am jeopardized.
Can you recommend an Immigration facilitator or Attorney in Oaxaca? My friends are all frightened and are discussing Ecuador as a Safer Haven.
Hi Chris, I'm sorry to hear you're in this situation. I don't have an immigration contact in Oaxaca. My suggestion is to check the expat Facebook groups, they almost always have recommendations. Wishing you all the best.
Great information. Will now look for another country. 😉
The mexitel website has no appointments available for the past 2 weeks the only answer given is to keep checking back on Wednesdays they don’t say anything more than that they don’t say how far the back log extends maybe it could be over a year wait?
We are in quite a situation ourselves. We planned to travel across Mexico for 6 months. Arrived here on the 15th of November from the UK with a return ticket on the 10th of May and a full itinerary. Immigration at Mexico city gave us 60 days and refused to look past half our hotel bookings. We cannot change our return ticket.
We have 2 choices: Try and get the FMM extended at INM immigration or leave for Central/ South America and come back before our flight in the 10th of May.
I understand that Mexico.wants to crack down on immigration but it is our first time here and their consulate website should make the crackdown official and stop saying that they give up to 180 days for visa free travel.
Definitely try another INM office, in each state of travelling. Hopefully, someone will be nicer.
I wonder if you buy your tourist visa online for a land crossing, if they have changed that also, as to what amount of time you can request? I used to do that and come back via TJ. Even if I asked for 90 days it would always give me 180. No one would say anything when crossing, just stamp it.
I would try to go to INM and have it extended. It's worth a shot.
@@alex-wittman thank you . We definitely will give it a try.
If you can't get your time extended at the local/state INM office in one of the states, you have to fly out of Central America on May 10th and transfer to your departure flight in the Mexico City airport. If you are caught in Mexico after the allotted 60 days, you could be deported. Maybe you can consult with an Immigration Attorney in Mexico.
Excelente!
Thanks for watching, José!
As a native Mexican i must say: if one police officer stops you and ask for anything (no one will but anyway) you only need to cough a little bit and the police will run away like there is no tomorrow without anymore questions
I think I will keep my residency card on me just in case!
🤣🤣🤣
That's funny, a covid cough?
LOL hilarious. Too many people in Mexico believe the covid.
Good advice for anyone, everywhere...coughing works like bear spray.
GREAT information!! Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Up until this point, I’ve left the apartment/hotel with just my FMM and Wisconsin DL in my wallet, carrying my passport only for us and plane trips elsewhere in the country. This clears things up
I double and triple-checked with Ivonne about the passport thing, Christopher, because I know lots of people are used to keeping them locked up. For the time being, I recommend having it on you since an INM official or police officer could potentially give you a hard time about the driver's license..."better safe than sorry" were Ivonne's exact words!
@@alex-wittman indeed, thanks for clearing this up
Thanks for informative video
I have a question about the citizenship in Mexico
I and my wore have now permanent resident and i have Mexican child . But we are leaving outside Mexico.
Can i apply to Mexican citizenship after two year or one year of having the permanent card if i enter mexico every 6 months and pass all the exams?
Good information. When I was a kid no one needed papers to go either way across the border. You would just say "American Citizen" when coming to the States, and when going to Mexico they would just wave you on in.
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 lucky!!!
Times are a changing!
Thanks for watching! Interesting to hear about the old days 🤓
That sounds so unpredictable, the days you could get to be in Mexico!? I am looking for a country to stay in for about 35 days, or so. I want to return to Colombia, but I can't go back until January 1st. Should I even consider Mexico?? I need to have a place I can stay put, until I can go to Colombia. Now I'm afraid to take a chance if they just decide not to let me stay. I'm not rich, I can't just travel around. What should I do? Thanks
If you don't have a history of traveling to Mexico frequently, you'll likely receive the days you ask for from the immigration official. They may ask for a return flight as well as proof of accommodation during your stay.
Great info as usual Alex. I'm wondering if spending six months a year in Mexico on a tourist visa will raise any alarm bells with Immigration, as opposed to using it to live there full time. Any thoughts? Thanks
Thanks for watching, Doug! I think if you plan to spend significant time in Mexico & you're eligible for residency, you should look into applying. Let me know if you have any questions!
@@alex-wittman Thanks Alex. My wife has dual citizenship ( U.S and Mexico) so maybe that would help my cause? My concern also is the seemingly convoluted pre-existing conditions that are attached to public and private health insurance in Mexico, which is another reason I'm considering just the tourist visa with travel insurance. Thanks for your time. I know you're quite busy.
sounds like the USA needs to take these precautions as well
What are you talking about?
Immigration law in Mexico were very lax and now with all the mass illegal immigration coming to the country obviously things had to change as any normal country. When I travel to Russia, I had to have at all times with me my passport and a paper with the registration of the hotel that I was staying. Although police never came up to me and asked to show my papers and my trip was all O.K. Now Ecuatorianas have to visa to enter the country because many Ecuatorians visitors enter the country as tourist and decided to stay or make the journey to the Mexico- U.S border and now it seems the Venezuelans will also be imposed the visa regime.
Exactly. Carrying your identification is no big thing.
Thanks, never been. Was thinking of going to cdmx or playa to see how it is. Should I just apply for a temporary resident visa? I would prefer a 6 mo tourist visa but if I don’t get 180 days I would rather not go.
if you have a saving account of not less than about $35K for the last 12 months you can get a year, if you got lots more you can get a permanent res. card
Need to get a resident Visa or permanent residence in your home country? Haven't been to my home country in 11 years don't want to fly there during covet. What is the amount needed for permanent resident.
See Christina Potter's comment above. FMM is not a tourist visa. Mexico has probably been overwhelmed with Covid "refugees" From USA and Canada.
Go ahead and try for the tourist permit. Most people are still getting 180 days.
Is the temp residency process easy for someone who doesn’t speak Spanish? I’m
Nervous about possibly messing up the forms.
Hi Alex great job you are doing. Kindly advice a person with permanent Residency how they can get their passport. Will such person have to live in the country for 2 years or just visit once in 6months to qualify. Please clarify this. Thank you
Going from permanent residency to citizenship is a major jump & not something most foreigners undertake as it is a long and arduous process. If that's something you're considering, I recommend getting in touch with an immigration lawyer to help you navigate the process: mexlaw.com/citizenship-naturalization-foreigners-choosing-live-mexico/
The thing is carrying a passport with you at all times is not safe. You can lose it or damage it or it can get wet, etc. Are we also to swim with it?
It's definitely not ideal, but not having identification on your person isn't a good option either in the current climate 😬
I’m planning to move there sometime around February. To Merida. My plan was to get a r/t ticket somewhere around 5 months after arriving. I want to rent an Airbnb for about 2 months while I search for a more permanent home. I’ve heard that you have to show proof of where you are staying & they might only grant you the visa for those amount of days… so 60 days would suck because I need time to find my more permanent residence.
I’m getting a buyout from my apt in Los Angeles (part of an increased gentrification going on) so will have the financial requirement in the bank when I move, but I thought you had to show proof of the amount in the bank for 1 year before you could apply for the temporary residency. If it doesn’t have to be a year, I would like to apply for the temp residency on my first trip back to the states. Any advice or know how in this?
Hi, Rochelle! I suggest checking the financial requirements at the specific consulate where you plan on applying. At the Detroit consulate where I applied, you had to have the required amount in your. account for at least 12 months. If you go the monthly income route, you have to show proof of making at least the minimum amount for at least six months.
Soooo it sounds like you can still *probably* get in if you want to check it out for a month or two, but from other videos I’ve seen, you can’t get a bank account without residency anyway, right? So I’d want to apply for residency once I check out life there anyways. 😁
You can definitely still get in if you're wanting to come to Mexico as a tourist and check things out! It's just the people who repeatedly get tourist visas that run the risk of potentially getting denied entry. You're correct, Abby: you need residency to open a bank account.
These videos are great. Do you have any advice for someone who wants to apply for residency but can only come to Mexico for a couple of days and not really multiple weeks/months?
I recommend applying at INM in Mexico City. They have a very fast turnaround time, sometimes just a day if everything is in order.
Hi Alex. One more question about Temporary Residency... Since much of the approval/disapproval for Temporary Residency is based on the decision of the Consulate Agent that interviews you, if I am not approved for residency, can I apply at another Consulate? If so, how much time between the 2 applications? Thanks for your help.
At the Detroit Consulate where I applied, they were looking over all the paper work BEFORE officially processing your application to make sure you met the requirements. If an applicant didn't have what they needed, they could set another appointment to come back.
@@alex-wittman Thank you, Alex. This reminds me of, "If at first you don't succeed, try and try again."
Good job breaking down the changes but there is still a question that I’m sure everyone is wondering that is the elephant in the room and no one seems to be addressing it: We are now supposed to carry our passport and FMM with us on the street, to the beach, to the nightclub, thus becoming prime targets for theft of an extremely valuable item. Once thieves catch on to this anyone who looks like an American or Canadian foreigner now is more at risk. And then what do we do when we are at the beach, our passport is stolen while we are in the water, and a random check occurs? We have to get detained and spend a few nights or more in a Mexican jail while they sort it out? How is this POSSIBLY functional. I can see more checks at airports or on intercity transit but random checks within the city that can result in immediate detention in a Mexican jail (think worms in the food, yes it’s true my friend went to one) is absurd and is either not true or going to be a PR nightmare. Can we find out if people are really going to be jailed for not having their passport on their body when coming home from a restaurant? If this is the case count me out!!
Count me out of going to Mexico. Not worth it now. Had it on my list of places for spending a few months per year. Probably will never go there now. No thanks
For those of us who have had to carry our passports and various travel and vaccine documents for large portions of our life, this is such a small request. As for getting in the water, consider getting a waterproof pouch for your docs. Pretty simple.
@@johnbook5486 Probably better that way.
We are taught throughout our lives that we in the USA are American. We don't know any better.
Yes! People are detained and deported when they don't have original documents at a checkpoint or random stop. If you have roommates or friends in town bring the documents to the jail, then you may be released before they deport (assuming you haven't overstayed).
I've lived full time in México and have permenant residency status.... And before the start of temporary or permenant.... I had since 2001 my fm 3....id like to apply for citizenship.... the offices of relaciones estertores have been mostly closed since the pandemic.... Could you help inform us with s video explaining the process?
do these changes apply to Baja California Mexico ?
should I go to an attorney in Mexico while on tourist Visa and get help to do it?
I want to move and I’d be teaching part time online and working remotely. I want to eventually get the temporary but will take me some time to get the financial requirement. Should I even bother coming? I I could get the book after 180 days? So confused because I wanted to move Winter/Spring ‘23.
If your move isn't until 2023, I recommend monitoring the situation to see if things calm down and return to how they were before. Some people are predicting that this is a big push for the moment, but that things could return to "normal."
Faaaaaack! Thanks from Vallarta. 😊
Thanks for watching & take care!
Hi 👋 I have questions about maintaining my dual citizenship, Do you think it is more difficult now to go through the process? Should I wait until next year?
I recommend reaching out to Ivonne Pavaan at Host Relocation: hostrelocation.com.mx/
Thank you
What if you buy residential real estate in mexico for yourself to live in ? Any priviledges go along with that ?
How do I know how many days I've been given? The agent didn't tell me anything when I arrived. He just asked where I was going and how long I was going to be here. I'm an airline employee and fly stand by and am never 100% certain of my departure date. I've never stayed more than a month, though. I'm here now. Arrived on November 3. Planning to leave Friday but may stay the weekend. Definitely not more as I have to be home to work next week. This never concerned me until all the coverage I've seen about these changes lately.
Hi, David! Check your FMM. In the bottom righthand corner, it should say the number of days. The agent will have written it in pen.
@@alex-wittman Hi, there! Thanks for your reply. Yep, there it is in the "Temporalidad" box: "15." Wow. I tell you, my first trip to Mexico was January 1996. Since then I've come countless times (9 trips in just the past 12 months!) and I never ever bothered to look at that box. My assumption is that it always said 180 but I have no idea I never looked. We landed around 11:45pm on the 3rd. The immigration line in Mexico City was about 45 minutes long so by the time we got to the agent it was after midnight, i.e. November 4. I watched him change his stamp from the 3rd to the 4th. We filled in the name of our hotel in Mexico City and he asked if we'd be going anywhere else. (Never been asked that before.) We told him and then he asked when we were leaving and we said the 19th (never been asked that either). That must by why he put 15. What a conundrum as we were toying with the idea of staying through the weekend since we don't have to be back at work till Monday. We'll leave tomorrow (or attempt to leave, what with the flying stand by) but my next trip will be early December and I'm trying to figure out how to approach that one...We don't buy tickets so we don't ever have fixed plans. But we never stay more than a few weeks anyway. I'm all about being honest. But I don't want to say that I plan to stay 3 weeks and then be told I have to leave in 15 days or whatever. Not sure why they'd do that. I get it if some expat really lives here and is doing border runs. But for those of us who are legitimately here for short-term tourism, what could be their intent to limit that?
Can you extend your visa to 180 days? They gave us 90 days on arrival
just came in on 17 nov.,to guadalajara., it went fast and smooth. i had a letter in spanish explaining being in medical treatment in gdl till march. i also had a return ticket to how for march. he brushed all that away , gave me back these papers quickly ,i was in the wheelchair , i had gotten 180 days and was thrilled to get it as before. i notice no foreign tourism in gdl., maybe this visa crackdown has indeed scared people away? R
I am so glad to hear you were able to get the time you needed, Roberto! Wishing you the best with your medical treatment!
Hi, I came across your video and have a question or more so a request. Would you be able to provide information pertaining to Mexican citizens crossing into the U.S. and an overview of the status of Mexican citizens ability to cross the U.S. boarder. I get mixed answers from visas are not being issued to Mexican citizens are able to cross with just an Mexican passport. I would appreciate any insight or if you could ask your immigration experts or associates on any status they could currently provide. Thank you in advance, and I enjoyed your video.
That's not my area of expertise. Wishing you the best!
Hello from the border.
Nobody can enter the US from Mexico without a visa or proof of American residency/citizenship. Period.
God bless
Thanks for watching!
I've heard that the requirements for residency are kind of high. Financially, I meet them, but they're kind of high and I'm wondering why so high. It seems as though Mexico wants less expats in the country? Not sure, I'm sure there's a reason.
I applied for residency at the Mexican consulate in Detroit & you can take a look at the financial requirements here if you're interested: consulmex.sre.gob.mx/detroit/index.php/servicios-para-extranjeros/visas-en-ingles
I once had 30 written on mine but didn't notice until I went to leave almost 180 days later- no one said anything when I left tho!
Very sneaky😅
Wow, I bet you were surprised! I'm glad you didn't have to pay a fine, Audrey 🤓
I didn’t either lol
@@mayanaztec6440 not intentionally tho!
@@AudreyLaneYoga All good. I believe you.
Maddie and Jordan breaking up broke the internet.
I tried applying for residency while in Mexico after watching this video. I arrived in Oct 2019 and haven''t left due to COVID and have been paying to renew my tourist visa for the last 2 years. However, they told me that the Programa de Regularización is only for people who have been leaving and re-entering Mexico from 2015 onwards and as I hadn't left I could only apply to residency outside of Mexico, which doesn't make much sense as I am living here now, I have a Mexican boyfriend and applying in my home country isn't an option due to corona virus. I am in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca- I'm wondering if the rules are different in different towns/states in Mexico or if it's just this INM office that has this rule. Has anyone in my situation was able to apply for residency in Mexico under this program? Cheers!
I've been hearing a lot of different things about the regularization program, Danielle. It seems that it's differing from state to state and some states don't even offer it as an option.
Call the INM offices in different states and you'll probably find a way. It sounds like you would meet the criteria even in some of the stricter states
I arrive next weekend for 22 days. I filed the papers on line which includes a return flight. Do I need to watch for anything specific as usually they don't ever ask me anything? I will have proof of my return flight and condo reservation on me just in case.
Sounds like you should be good to go! Safe travels!
Hi Alex thanks for the timely post. Im a digital nomad based in Asia. Ive watched a lot of your videos. I recall you saying not to list digital nomad on yur application for temp residency. This still true?
Good question... I was wondering about that as well!
Hi, Jay! If you're proving your economic solvency with monthly income (not overall savings), then you will note what you do for work on your application. "Digital nomad" won't suffice though. You will need a letter from your employer as well as six month of bank statements that show you meet the minimum income requirements. My apologies if that hasn't been clear in the past!
@@alex-wittman Hi Alex thanks for the update. Stay safe n healthy.
Thank you for sharing this really important info!!! However sad it makes me. What does it take to qualify? The your question “why not get residency?, I would like to travel in Mex first to be sure it’s my place. If you get residency do you still maintain your residency in your previous country?
Thanks for watching, Ellen! There are multiple ways to qualify for residency in Mexico--the most popular of which is proving economic solvency. I have several videos on my channel detailing the process: ua-cam.com/video/CWO5BXe_D-k/v-deo.html In nearly all cases, getting residency in Mexico doesn't require you to give up residency in another country. For example, I have my residency in Mexico & am still a US citize,
@@alex-wittman thank you so much for your answers, I will check out those other videos you recommend.
Alex, great video and you explain everything so very well. I flew in to Mexico city 2 weeks ago asked for that 180 day but I was going to stay only 150 day but I got only 90 day and it's ok. I'm trying to live here i Mexico just visit and enjoy but this really was talking away my charm wanting to try to enjoy being here. Last I was here was in 2019 in January for my B day being only 5 day here so I don't know maybe I will never visit Mexico again, I'm going back to visit Hwaii and maybe the Philippines or Thailand next winter. If Mexico don't want me to be here spending my money I don't need Mexico. There is many other places out there in the world that is at least the same charm as Mexico is so ok, this is my story.
No need to take it personal lol
I hope you enjoy the time that you do have in Mexico & if you need info about residency options, I have several videos on my channel!
visa on arrival in Thailand is only 30days, you can get a visa from a Thai consulate or embassy for 60 days and can go on border run and get another 60 days, then you can extend at immigration office for 30 days more, so 5 months total. ... Mexico is easier... Thailand is more fun.
You may find that it's easier to get 90 days in Mexico than it is to get 30 days in Thailand or the Philippines. Mexico is simply enforcing their own laws. Computerized system is making it easier to do so. With Covid, the whole world is"cracking down" on immigration.
@@alex-wittman I'm not trying to move or to live in Mexico just visiting. I live in a beautiful country in Scandinavia where the air and water is clean and life is very relaxing and everything else. Ok, the winters I can stay away from eventhoug it has it's own charm. Ok, I'm all good I have good life and yes, I don't need to move to Mexico to have a good life so I'm blessed there thank Lord or God for that. Ok, life goes on. Thank you for your support and good luck with your own life.
Just FYI: there is no such thing as a tourist VISA. This has always been the case. The FMM you mention is a permit to be in the country as a tourist, but IT'S NOT A VISA. The Immigration official has always had the discretion to give you a tourist permit for as little as a week or as MUCH as 180 days. The discretion has been made much more strict in recent weeks.
You're right, Cristina. "Tourist visa" has become a a synonym for the 180-stay on your FMM. As you said, it's always been up to the individual immigration officer.
Their country, their rules. Things have changed and people must respect their laws. We expect nothing less when people come to our country.
Yep, just gotta go with the flow!