FM2/FM3 questions

Hi all,
I am wondering how long are the processing times to receive a FM2 or FM3 with permission to work from the GDL INM office?
Also I have heard from a few members on MexConnect that the GDL INM office kind of has a bad rap, why??

I am married to a Mexican citizen and have a job offer from HP in Guadalajara. I spoke with the consulate here in Seattle and they said that upon entering Mx and receiving my FMM I can go to the INM and submit paperwork proving my marriage to my mexican husband and the letter from HP and that everything should go pretty smooth.

I ultimately want to become a citizen of mexico so I realize that FM2 is the path for that but I also want to be able to get the visa and permission to work asap to start work with HP, then I can loop back around and switch to FM2.

Also, does anyone know if my husband will have to accompany me to the INM office?
I have our WA state marriage license and apostille as well as his passport/matricular info and planned to have him write a letter and have it notarized as well. Just curious as he may be staying here in seattle for a few months after I go to GDL. I won't need him as a translator as I speak, read, write spanish fluently.

Thanks!
-Maria

You can get a working FM2 and your employer will need to give you certain documents to turn in along with yours. You don't need to involve your spouse at this time and it may be easier not to, work permission can be done in 2 to 3 weeks if everything is complete. The GDL office has a bad rap for long lines, losing papers, not telling you that they need one more item, etc.

I mention the FM2 as the only reason you would want an FM3 is if you planned on traveling alot or bringing a foreign plated car.

My office handles these sorts of things and I can meet you in Chapala or Guadalajara.

I have a question for Intercasa. On May 2 I went to the Mexican Consulate in Washington, DC and obtained an FM-3. I had all my documents lined up appropriately and was able to get it processed the same day.
However, the woman who processed me said and it states on the FM 3 attached to my passport that it is good until November 2. I asked the woman that I thought the visa is good for one year and she said 6 months, but also then said I have to obtain a card at IMM when I cross the border. She also gave me some bad information on my car permit, saying that I will have to drive it back to the border every 6 months to renew. Fortunately, Julie provided me the correct information on a blog that my car permit is good as long as my visa remains current.

So, my question for you is : is my new FM-3 visa good for six months or one year, as I have read?
Thanks so much for clarifying for me.

You must get a Credencial (card) from INM after you arrive in Mexico. The credencial cannot be issued by the Consulate offices in the USA. The Credencial "No-inmigrante" is valid for one year.

Thanks David. That was my hope that the further process once I establish a residence and check in would expand the duration.
Thanks again!

She might mean you have a set time period within which you must enter Mexico, once here you must register your FM3 locally within 30 days or be fined. Your expiration date on your new FM3 card will usually be one year from the date you started at the consulate.

Slightly off topic Spenser but..... What are your office hours and do I need an appointment to get a set of the FM3 papers done up.

Spencer, I have heard that the Canadian birth certificates are not "apostilled" like they are in the US and that this is a requirement for an FM 2 or 3 visa. Is there something that we need to get done with them before we come down?

While Canada does not issue apostilles, there is an equivalent procedure for México. Take your certificates (birth, marriage, etc) to your area Mexican consulate, and they will guide you from there.

Thanks Rolly.