So happy someone finally made a video like this. Just last week 2 Americans were deported from here in Merida and sent to Houston for overstaying their visas. They really are clamping down on these visa runs. Thanks so much for the warnings.
Thanks for the compliment. Actually the original mandate came when the current President was elected. The upgrades to the systems and changes in personnel have been happening for the past 2 years. Actually, I was just stopped at an immigration check and they scanned my residency card with a phone app to verify it’s validity. So they have come a long way and it will still take some time for the systems to catch up to the abusers but it will sooner than later. As I stated in this video I did this because the idea of this being legal has been perpetuated by expats as legal and legit because of the lack of enforcement. Truth has always been that it is Illegal and not legit but the lack of enforcement came from the lack of resources and infrastructure for enforcement not because it is legal.
Actually that program has ended. Also, there was a special permit issued during COVID. Even then you would have had to get a Visa extension. Now that most cities are at least on yellow status the COVID excuse is no longer valid. Also, as I pointed out in my other immigration crackdown video, for some who have overstayed since COVID, some states are offering asylum programs to give residency with no income requirements. That may be an option for some.
I must clarify something in this video which has been brought to my attention. I mentioned requesting a 6 month tourist visa and many have corrected me in Facebook groups that there is no such thing as a 6 month FMM. It is issued for 180 days which is correct but for the sake of simplifying this video I said 6 months which is approximately or exactly 180 days. The FMM people are requesting is for 180 days and not 6 months. Regardless, that is not the point of the video and 6 months was an attempt to keep it simple. I apologize to those who may have been offended that I said 6 months instead of 180 days.
Great and informative video with a fine presentation from you. With videos like this you will make a substantive change in people's actions and thus lives. Thanks!
@CallmeBe Thanks, we aim to educate so that people can adjust to changing times and for those moving here, be better prepared. We strive to meet this goal. Thank you for your kind words and support!😀
Interesting on the watch for a video on rules and how much it would cost to become a resident of Mexico. I’ve love the Mexican culture since a child. I am not Mexican but have loved the culture, the music it’s food and definitely the people I’ve meet here in the US. I and I love the novelas lol. I hope I get to coverage to visit. It is in my bucket list.
US people don't need a Visa, and many other nationalities don't need a Visa to apply for entry. Wether you need a Visa or not, entry is never granted and is always left to the discretion of the officers at the port of entry. If you are allowed you will be given a FMM which proves you are legally in the country for the stated length in the FMM. Chances are you can be given an FMM for 180 days two times every year for many years and it actually happens more often than not for certain nationalities.
Yes, you are correct. I do mention that an FMM is the Mexican equivalent of a tourist Visa. I am fully aware that an FMM is not a Visa and actually plan to do a separate video explaining an FMM vs a Visa and why I use the term tourist visa. I actually did it on purpose to keep it simple. The FMM is what we call an I94 in the US. Unfortunately most of the public uses the general term tourist Visa when referring to visiting a country and permission to enter. Actually, I was attached to the State Department as a diplomat for 3 years and Mexico is what is known as what is called a Visa waiver Country, but we would still used the general term tourist visa when referring to visa waiver Countries and permits. Also, according to TH-cam analytics most people searching for this subject will use the term Visa and not FMM. I do apologize for not being more clear or explaining more in detail. Looking back, I should have been more detailed in explaining the FMM but was more concentrated on the main idea of the video and not technical terms which I see room for improvement. I am just starting out and am striving to get better. As far as discretion of the immigration officer that is also correct but up until now there was no way of tracking entries and exits. This discretion argument is why somehow people believe it’s legal. It is ILLEGAL to reside here permanently on a tourist FMM even if it was legally issued and I explain why in my video. The officer has discretion but once he suspects illegal activity he no longer has discretion and must act in enforcing the law. This is how it works in almost all countries, not just Mexico. This one of the myths I point out. Now that systems are in place, the officer can see the entries and exits and will eventually be required to make the determination to deny entry or more serious penalties depending on the seriousness of the offense. It is already happening and have seen several post already of people not getting their 180 days but 7-14 days instead to get their affairs in order and leave. Also, this is mandate that is coming down to INM officer from the top according to my contacts. There has also been mandates to increase immigration enforcement at this time. INM just checked me at the Cancun airport and even scanned my card with a phone app to make sure it was valid. Now that the technology is there, the days of an INM officer having full discretion regardless are gone and some are even being investigated or have been fired for not taking proper enforcement action or for corruption and actually and I know this for a fact. Unfortunately, this behavior is being perpetuated in Facebook groups and popular TH-cam channels and although people don’t want to accept the truth, it’s coming. Now how soon is anyones guess because the systems are new and it will still take a while for INM to catch up to this behavior. Thank you for the clarification and feedback!
Good video bien dicho! I live here close to MTY also in Villa Juarez en una quinta. Hay muchos lugareños que están envejeciendo y quieren vender sus lugares. Sería bueno juntar los dos grupos para beneficiar a ambos.
Thanks for stopping by! I am glad you enjoyed it and hope to keep bringing useful information to the community. We moved here and love it here and don’t regret our decision. This is my way to give back to the expat community.
Great video ! I’m over two months over. I need to get back to US. I heard it safer to fly to Tijuana then go over by bus. If I was to fly straight to San Diego then that means im flying internationally and I would get in trouble but if I fly domestically then they don’t look so deep. Can you give your brilliant opinion please
@nicholaskruger9460 Actually, bus is not a good idea due to checkpoints and flying in to San Diego , they won’t let you board the plane or they will see it’s expired. The best bet is flying into Tijuana as you said and go over by bus or taxi. Coming back in you may have issues because you didn’t turn in your FMM. You could get a fine or have issues re-entering. Another option is if your 2 months over and meet the requirements for Regularization, it may be best to get your residency and best part is that you can apply in Mexico and don’t have to worry about overstaying. Also, even if you plan to go back. There is no minimum requirement that you live in Mexico full time like in the US. I would look in to regularization if you plan on coming back or don’t want to go back to the States and stay In Mexico. There are requirements depending on the INM office you apply but you already have the first part covered that your FMM is expired. If you qualify take advantage of the program while you can!
Red flagged for leaving Mexico after your visit on a tourist visa? If I only get 10 days and want to visit longer are you saying it's illegal to go back to the border and apply for another tourist visa or that I will be denied?
@Standing Mannequin Actually given the scenario that you are giving. No, it is not illegal. What is illegal is to live full time in Mexico on a visitor’s permit. Many people get a permit for 180 days and perpetually renew it and live here in Mexico. Now you can come back but also take in to consideration that the immigration officer does have full discretion whether to issue you another FMM and they can see your previously issued FMM. It will be up to the immigration officer whether he will issue you another FMM.
I started with Temporary Residency which is a long story and I kind of explain why in one of my other videos. I just changed to permanent residency this year.
@Retired Life in Mexico NO BULL Hi This Hussain From India 🇮🇳 Just I want to know ... How I can got Temporary residency visa in Mexico ..... I have friend from Mexico ......
Actually, at the time I was making this video, the programs were limited. Right now in some states the programs are being expanded. Basically these programs are known as Regularization programs. These programs are for people living in Mexico on an expired FMM. These programs are being offered in certain States in Mexico and have no financial requirement. I believe each INM office has different requirements. The one in Queretaro required that you be a resident of the state and was shut down due to fraud. I am not sure if they brought it back. I am not personally familiar with which states are offering the programs and the exact requirements. All I know is that when it first started it was only a handful of offices but was being expanded to include more offices. My advice is to contact an Immigration facilitator in your area and see if the Regularization program is offered where you live and if you meet the requirements. Hope this helps!
@Ed Welthrope I am very aware it is Puerto Morelos. I have to apologize, but you will probably notice that even pronounce some English words wrong. If you watch the video on how Mexico saved my life, you will notice that I am a head and neck cancer survivor. I lost about 60% of my saliva capacity which results in errors like this…😢 My wife is usually able to pick those errors up so we can do a retake but sometimes we miss it and by the time I am editing in post we realize it. It wasn’t intentional. Also, that is why most of my videos are not constant talking. I have to divide it up say a few sentences at a time and then drink water. Also, because part of my brain was radiated, I lost some of my short term memory so sometimes things come out in reverse or my speech isn’t as articulate as I would like or I have to do 10 takes to get it right. I promise I am trying as hard as I can…Thanks for the feedback though…I am trying to improve and it is getting better little by little…🥲
Is it illegal to work remotely for a US company on a tourist visa? I do not intend to stay in Mexico over the 180 days. I would like to use the tourist visa to explore the area and decide if this is where I’d like to live while keeping my employment in the US.
Actually, that is totally legal as long as your income is not derived in Mexico. If your income is derived in Mexico, you must be a temporary resident with a work permit or permanent resident. Since you are working for a US company, technically your income is derived from the US. If you decide to move here permanently you will have to obtain residency and you can actually use your US income to apply for temporary residency when you apply for residency as long as it meets the financial requirements and you will not need a work permit since your income is derived from a US source. Visiting Mexico on a tourist FMM to explore México to see if you want to live here is totally legal.
@Moody Darwich Actually it’s legal in most Countries that I am aware of. If a person comes to Mexico and a child is born here the child is a Citizen of Mexico.
Actually, this is a good question. When you turn in your FMM, immigration will document that you left the country. If you don’t turn it in it is like you never left and could cause problems if you choose to return. In most cases you will be required pay a fine when you come back and attempt to apply for a new FMM.
what are the reasons that it is illegal? and can you stay 180 days, leave for several months and come back? I would like to stay in a country for awhile, move on to the next one, and eventually stay put, but the income requirements are too high.
@CheapoBunny First, as far as legality. The Mexican Law clearly states that in order to live in Mexico on a full tie basis, you must obtain residence. The FMM permit law explicitly states that a person can come in for a maximum of 180 day to visit, not to reside full time. So basically running to the border every six months is not legal because weather you state it or not, you are representing to the immigration official that you are here to visit not live full time. Even if they ask and you state that you are here to visit, you are making a false representation to the immigration officer. Either way, this technically invalidates your FMM even if it was issued to you. This is what we call Visa Fraud in the US. Now Mexican Immigration has computer systems to track this. Before they did not, that is why it was rarely if ever enforced in the past. Now as far as leaving for a few months and coming back it all depends on what you call a few months. There are actually people who live in for 3 to 6 months out of the year and then repeat that the following year. Mexico consideres these people tourist since they are not here full time. There has been no consitency as of yet on enforcement since computers are still catching up but they should be caught up by December. Unfortunately, as unfair as it sounds at this point if you don’t meet the financial requirements you are out of luck. The good news is that it INM just went to a new formula which the financial requirements are much lower. At this time the obstacle is the Mexican consulates who are refusing to adopt the new requirements. Some have lowered their requirements so you may want to do some research on which consulates have lowered their requirements and you may qualify. Also, financial requirements are not just monthly income. It can be savings or a combination of both. I always encourage people to try.
@@RetiredLifeinMexicoNOBULL thank you for your thorough explanation. I asked another vlogger this question and was vehemently told not to bother trying to come to mexico! I have no idea where I want to live forever, if anywhere. So if I come to mexico and stay 3 to 6 months, go to several other countries and do the same, it should be okay to repeat the following year or maybe even 2 years down the road? I had heard that some countries do not want you to return for 2 years.
@CeapoBunny You should be fine if that’s your plan. Usually, the not returning for 2 years is when you are caught in violation and they deny you entry. Sometimes if they deny you entry it will be for a period of time. What is illegal when you show a pattern of living here full time. People come as tourist every year with no problems. Coming to scope out Mexico is tourism, not living here full time. Now if you run to the border after your 180 days and come back a month later then that shows a pattern vs you coming a year or 2 later. Also, I would keep track of the residency requirements over time, the consulates may eventually adopt the new formula and it may be easier to qualify but there is no telling what will happen.
At about 7:10 into the video -- you say that a person can apply and walk out with a Residency card the same day. Nice!! Can anyone confirm this? Has anyone experienced anything even reasonably close to this?
Actually, I have personally experienced this in Querétaro when I took a friend to INM in Querétaro. He submitted his application and he walked out of the office with his permanent residency card before noon. I recently obtained my permanent residency card in Monterrey last month and it took 3 weeks due to backlog but when I did go to sign they printed my card within 10 minutes of signing and taking my photo. Previously, when I renewed my temporary residency I would sign and have to come back a week later to pick up my card because all cards were previously printed in Mexico City. I electronically signed, electronically took my fingerprints and photo.
Hi, i watched your video and would like to know what you are base is regarding the tourist visas and it's rules. It makes total sense but it is a grey area. Can you state the law of your comments regarding rules of tourist visas of 180 days. And I wish it was true you can walk in or out of office with your new card.
My basis for this information is from personal experience, Mexican government contacts that I still maintain from my job before retirement and Mexican Attorneys. I also have a Customs and Immigration background from my former Job previous to retirement. I was also attached to the State Department for 3 years in my former job and have worked with several foreign governments to include Mexico on Customs and Immigration issues. Not all offices have the service of walking in and getting your card the same day. It depends on where you live. For example, this service is available where I live in San Miguel de Allende as well as the neighboring state of Querétaro. Some offices do not offer this yet as computer systems are still being upgraded and some offices are experiencing backlogs. For example in Monterrey it takes a month to get approved even though the have the upgrade, but when you do go in to sign they print your card on the spot. Before all the cards were printed out of Mexico City and sometimes you would have to wait an additional week to get the actual card.
Thanks for stopping by and appreciate the feedback. Maybe I should have gone more in to detail on exactly what an FMM is. Technically it is the Mexican equivalent of what most countries call a tourist Visa and I also also mentioned this in my video but may have not elaborated this enough. Also, the other reason I use the word Visa in the description of the video as well as the term in my video is because according to search analytics people searching for this type of information are going to search the word visa and not FMM. It helps get the word out easier and also simplifies it for the person who does not know. I am striving to improve this channel and truly appreciate your feedback! You gave me a great idea for a future video on what exactly an FMM is. Thanks!!!!!
@@RetiredLifeinMexicoNOBULL FMM is not a Visa, Argentineans, Bolivians, Uruguayans, US citizens, Canadians and other nationalities Don't need a Visa to apply for entry at the border or airport. Other nationalities DO need a Visa to apply for entry, and ALL that are granted entry are given a FMM at the port of entry which is the actual document that proves you are legally in Mexico, whithin the time limit stated on your FMM, as a tourist.
Yes, you are correct. I do mention that an FMM is the Mexican equivalent of a tourist Visa. I am fully aware that an FMM is not a Visa and actually plan to do a separate video explaining an FMM vs a Visa and why I use the term tourist visa. I actually did it on purpose to keep it simple. The FMM is what we call an I94 in the US. Unfortunately most of the public uses the general term tourist Visa when referring to visiting a country and permission to enter. Actually, I was attached to the State Department as a diplomat for 3 years and Mexico is what is known as what is called a Visa waiver Country, but we would still used the general term tourist visa when referring to visa waiver Countries and permits. Also, according to TH-cam analytics most people searching for this subject will use the term Visa and not FMM. I do apologize for not being more clear or explaining more in detail. Looking back, I should have been more detailed in explaining the FMM but was more concentrated on the main idea of the video and not technical terms which I see room for improvement. I am just starting out and am striving to get better. As far as discretion of the immigration officer that is also correct but up until now there was no way of tracking entries and exits. This discretion argument is why somehow people believe it’s legal. It is ILLEGAL to reside here permanently on a tourist FMM even if it was legally issued and I explain why in my video. The officer has discretion but once he suspects illegal activity he no longer has discretion and must act in enforcing the law. This is how it works in almost all countries, not just Mexico. This one of the myths I point out. Now that systems are in place, the officer can see the entries and exits and will eventually be required to make the determination to deny entry or more serious penalties depending on the seriousness of the offense. It is already happening and have seen several post already of people not getting their 180 days but 7-14 days instead to get their affairs in order and leave. Also, this is mandate that is coming down to INM officer from the top according to my contacts. There has also been mandates to increase immigration enforcement at this time. INM just checked me at the Cancun airport and even scanned my card with a phone app to make sure it was valid. Now that the technology is there, the days of an INM officer having full discretion regardless are gone and some are even being investigated or have been fired for not taking proper enforcement action or for corruption and actually and I know this for a fact. Unfortunately, this behavior is being perpetuated in Facebook groups and popular TH-cam channels and although people don’t want to accept the truth, it’s coming. Now how soon is anyones guess because the systems are new and it will still take a while for INM to catch up to this behavior. Thank you for the clarification and feedback!
So happy someone finally made a video like this. Just last week 2 Americans were deported from here in Merida and sent to Houston for overstaying their visas. They really are clamping down on these visa runs. Thanks so much for the warnings.
Thanks for the compliment. Actually the original mandate came when the current President was elected. The upgrades to the systems and changes in personnel have been happening for the past 2 years. Actually, I was just stopped at an immigration check and they scanned my residency card with a phone app to verify it’s validity. So they have come a long way and it will still take some time for the systems to catch up to the abusers but it will sooner than later. As I stated in this video I did this because the idea of this being legal has been perpetuated by expats as legal and legit because of the lack of enforcement. Truth has always been that it is Illegal and not legit but the lack of enforcement came from the lack of resources and infrastructure for enforcement not because it is legal.
Actually that program has ended. Also, there was a special permit issued during COVID. Even then you would have had to get a Visa extension. Now that most cities are at least on yellow status the COVID excuse is no longer valid. Also, as I pointed out in my other immigration crackdown video, for some who have overstayed since COVID, some states are offering asylum programs to give residency with no income requirements. That may be an option for some.
I must clarify something in this video which has been brought to my attention. I mentioned requesting a 6 month tourist visa and many have corrected me in Facebook groups that there is no such thing as a 6 month FMM. It is issued for 180 days which is correct but for the sake of simplifying this video I said 6 months which is approximately or exactly 180 days. The FMM people are requesting is for 180 days and not 6 months. Regardless, that is not the point of the video and 6 months was an attempt to keep it simple. I apologize to those who may have been offended that I said 6 months instead of 180 days.
Great info ! Love the beautiful backdrop of Puerto Morelos 😍
@ RickRack Travels Thanks, we love Puerto Morelos!
Approved for my temporary residency visa. Moving to Merida in October...no border runs for name.
***Tourist visas are 180 days!!
Enjoyed your video.😎
Thanks for stopping by and you’re going to love Merida. It’s a beautiful town!
Great and informative video with a fine presentation from you. With videos like this you will make a substantive change in people's actions and thus lives. Thanks!
@CallmeBe Thanks, we aim to educate so that people can adjust to changing times and for those moving here, be better prepared. We strive to meet this goal. Thank you for your kind words and support!😀
Amazing input! The channel lives up to its name NO BULL!! Very interesting!!
Interesting on the watch for a video on rules and how much it would cost to become a resident of Mexico. I’ve love the Mexican culture since a child. I am not Mexican but have loved the culture, the music it’s food and definitely the people I’ve meet here in the US. I and I love the novelas lol. I hope I get to coverage to visit. It is in my bucket list.
Mexico is a beautiful country. Even if you don’t choose to live here, it is a must visit!
Wait until the Mexican government notices a drop in expat-related revenue. I have a feeling they'll "relax" their visa rules (at least for US people).
Thanks for stopping by and truth is that we will have to see. Like I mention in the video, it is not clear on what they will do.
US people don't need a Visa, and many other nationalities don't need a Visa to apply for entry. Wether you need a Visa or not, entry is never granted and is always left to the discretion of the officers at the port of entry. If you are allowed you will be given a FMM which proves you are legally in the country for the stated length in the FMM. Chances are you can be given an FMM for 180 days two times every year for many years and it actually happens more often than not for certain nationalities.
Yes, you are correct. I do mention that an FMM is the Mexican equivalent of a tourist Visa. I am fully aware that an FMM is not a Visa and actually plan to do a separate video explaining an FMM vs a Visa and why I use the term tourist visa. I actually did it on purpose to keep it simple. The FMM is what we call an I94 in the US. Unfortunately most of the public uses the general term tourist Visa when referring to visiting a country and permission to enter. Actually, I was attached to the State Department as a diplomat for 3 years and Mexico is what is known as what is called a Visa waiver Country, but we would still used the general term tourist visa when referring to visa waiver Countries and permits. Also, according to TH-cam analytics most people searching for this subject will use the term Visa and not FMM. I do apologize for not being more clear or explaining more in detail. Looking back, I should have been more detailed in explaining the FMM but was more concentrated on the main idea of the video and not technical terms which I see room for improvement. I am just starting out and am striving to get better. As far as discretion of the immigration officer that is also correct but up until now there was no way of tracking entries and exits. This discretion argument is why somehow people believe it’s legal. It is ILLEGAL to reside here permanently on a tourist FMM even if it was legally issued and I explain why in my video. The officer has discretion but once he suspects illegal activity he no longer has discretion and must act in enforcing the law. This is how it works in almost all countries, not just Mexico. This one of the myths I point out. Now that systems are in place, the officer can see the entries and exits and will eventually be required to make the determination to deny entry or more serious penalties depending on the seriousness of the offense. It is already happening and have seen several post already of people not getting their 180 days but 7-14 days instead to get their affairs in order and leave. Also, this is mandate that is coming down to INM officer from the top according to my contacts. There has also been mandates to increase immigration enforcement at this time. INM just checked me at the Cancun airport and even scanned my card with a phone app to make sure it was valid. Now that the technology is there, the days of an INM officer having full discretion regardless are gone and some are even being investigated or have been fired for not taking proper enforcement action or for corruption and actually and I know this for a fact. Unfortunately, this behavior is being perpetuated in Facebook groups and popular TH-cam channels and although people don’t want to accept the truth, it’s coming. Now how soon is anyones guess because the systems are new and it will still take a while for INM to catch up to this behavior. Thank you for the clarification and feedback!
Good video bien dicho! I live here close to MTY also in Villa Juarez en una quinta. Hay muchos lugareños que están envejeciendo y quieren vender sus lugares. Sería bueno juntar los dos grupos para beneficiar a ambos.
Informative video though
Thanks
great info! thank you for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by! I am glad you enjoyed it and hope to keep bringing useful information to the community. We moved here and love it here and don’t regret our decision. This is my way to give back to the expat community.
Great video !
I’m over two months over.
I need to get back to US.
I heard it safer to fly to Tijuana then go over by bus.
If I was to fly straight to San Diego then that means im flying internationally and I would get in trouble but if I fly domestically then they don’t look so deep. Can you give your brilliant opinion please
@nicholaskruger9460 Actually, bus is not a good idea due to checkpoints and flying in to San Diego , they won’t let you board the plane or they will see it’s expired. The best bet is flying into Tijuana as you said and go over by bus or taxi. Coming back in you may have issues because you didn’t turn in your FMM. You could get a fine or have issues re-entering. Another option is if your 2 months over and meet the requirements for Regularization, it may be best to get your residency and best part is that you can apply in Mexico and don’t have to worry about overstaying. Also, even if you plan to go back. There is no minimum requirement that you live in Mexico full time like in the US. I would look in to regularization if you plan on coming back or don’t want to go back to the States and stay In Mexico. There are requirements depending on the INM office you apply but you already have the first part covered that your FMM is expired. If you qualify take advantage of the program while you can!
Red flagged for leaving Mexico after your visit on a tourist visa? If I only get 10 days and want to visit longer are you saying it's illegal to go back to the border and apply for another tourist visa or that I will be denied?
@Standing Mannequin Actually given the scenario that you are giving. No, it is not illegal. What is illegal is to live full time in Mexico on a visitor’s permit. Many people get a permit for 180 days and perpetually renew it and live here in Mexico. Now you can come back but also take in to consideration that the immigration officer does have full discretion whether to issue you another FMM and they can see your previously issued FMM. It will be up to the immigration officer whether he will issue you another FMM.
Thanks for the clarification. What is your status in Mexico?
I started with Temporary Residency which is a long story and I kind of explain why in one of my other videos. I just changed to permanent residency this year.
@Retired Life in Mexico NO BULL Hi
This Hussain From India 🇮🇳
Just I want to know ...
How I can got Temporary residency visa in Mexico .....
I have friend from Mexico ......
Thank you for this information!!
Thanks for stopping by! More to come!
some states are offering asylum programs to give residency with no income requirements. That may be an option for some.
?? can you clarify this?
Actually, at the time I was making this video, the programs were limited. Right now in some states the programs are being expanded. Basically these programs are known as Regularization programs. These programs are for people living in Mexico on an expired FMM. These programs are being offered in certain States in Mexico and have no financial requirement. I believe each INM office has different requirements. The one in Queretaro required that you be a resident of the state and was shut down due to fraud. I am not sure if they brought it back. I am not personally familiar with which states are offering the programs and the exact requirements. All I know is that when it first started it was only a handful of offices but was being expanded to include more offices. My advice is to contact an Immigration facilitator in your area and see if the Regularization program is offered where you live and if you meet the requirements.
Hope this helps!
Why do you pronounce it “Porto morelo”
@Ed Welthrope I am very aware it is Puerto Morelos. I have to apologize, but you will probably notice that even pronounce some English words wrong. If you watch the video on how Mexico saved my life, you will notice that I am a head and neck cancer survivor. I lost about 60% of my saliva capacity which results in errors like this…😢 My wife is usually able to pick those errors up so we can do a retake but sometimes we miss it and by the time I am editing in post we realize it. It wasn’t intentional. Also, that is why most of my videos are not constant talking. I have to divide it up say a few sentences at a time and then drink water. Also, because part of my brain was radiated, I lost some of my short term memory so sometimes things come out in reverse or my speech isn’t as articulate as I would like or I have to do 10 takes to get it right. I promise I am trying as hard as I can…Thanks for the feedback though…I am trying to improve and it is getting better little by little…🥲
Is it illegal to work remotely for a US company on a tourist visa? I do not intend to stay in Mexico over the 180 days. I would like to use the tourist visa to explore the area and decide if this is where I’d like to live while keeping my employment in the US.
Actually, that is totally legal as long as your income is not derived in Mexico. If your income is derived in Mexico, you must be a temporary resident with a work permit or permanent resident. Since you are working for a US company, technically your income is derived from the US. If you decide to move here permanently you will have to obtain residency and you can actually use your US income to apply for temporary residency when you apply for residency as long as it meets the financial requirements and you will not need a work permit since your income is derived from a US source. Visiting Mexico on a tourist FMM to explore México to see if you want to live here is totally legal.
@@RetiredLifeinMexicoNOBULL thank you, this eases my worries. I’ve received many different opinions on the matter causing a lot of confusion!
Is it legal to go a Mexico with a tourism visa and to give birth inside Mexico in order to get the citizenship for the child???
@Moody Darwich Actually it’s legal in most Countries that I am aware of. If a person comes to Mexico and a child is born here the child is a Citizen of Mexico.
What is your opinion of what happens if an American exits Mexico before the FMM expires without turning in their FMM to Mexican immigration?
Actually, this is a good question. When you turn in your FMM, immigration will document that you left the country. If you don’t turn it in it is like you never left and could cause problems if you choose to return. In most cases you will be required pay a fine when you come back and attempt to apply for a new FMM.
what are the reasons that it is illegal? and can you stay 180 days, leave for several months and come back? I would like to stay in a country for awhile, move on to the next one, and eventually stay put, but the income requirements are too high.
@CheapoBunny First, as far as legality. The Mexican Law clearly states that in order to live in Mexico on a full tie basis, you must obtain residence. The FMM permit law explicitly states that a person can come in for a maximum of 180 day to visit, not to reside full time. So basically running to the border every six months is not legal because weather you state it or not, you are representing to the immigration official that you are here to visit not live full time. Even if they ask and you state that you are here to visit, you are making a false representation to the immigration officer. Either way, this technically invalidates your FMM even if it was issued to you. This is what we call Visa Fraud in the US. Now Mexican Immigration has computer systems to track this. Before they did not, that is why it was rarely if ever enforced in the past.
Now as far as leaving for a few months and coming back it all depends on what you call a few months. There are actually people who live in for 3 to 6 months out of the year and then repeat that the following year. Mexico consideres these people tourist since they are not here full time. There has been no consitency as of yet on enforcement since computers are still catching up but they should be caught up by December.
Unfortunately, as unfair as it sounds at this point if you don’t meet the financial requirements you are out of luck. The good news is that it INM just went to a new formula which the financial requirements are much lower. At this time the obstacle is the Mexican consulates who are refusing to adopt the new requirements. Some have lowered their requirements so you may want to do some research on which consulates have lowered their requirements and you may qualify. Also, financial requirements are not just monthly income. It can be savings or a combination of both. I always encourage people to try.
@@RetiredLifeinMexicoNOBULL thank you for your thorough explanation. I asked another vlogger this question and was vehemently told not to bother trying to come to mexico! I have no idea where I want to live forever, if anywhere. So if I come to mexico and stay 3 to 6 months, go to several other countries and do the same, it should be okay to repeat the following year or maybe even 2 years down the road? I had heard that some countries do not want you to return for 2 years.
@CeapoBunny You should be fine if that’s your plan. Usually, the not returning for 2 years is when you are caught in violation and they deny you entry. Sometimes if they deny you entry it will be for a period of time. What is illegal when you show a pattern of living here full time. People come as tourist every year with no problems. Coming to scope out Mexico is tourism, not living here full time. Now if you run to the border after your 180 days and come back a month later then that shows a pattern vs you coming a year or 2 later. Also, I would keep track of the residency requirements over time, the consulates may eventually adopt the new formula and it may be easier to qualify but there is no telling what will happen.
“Porto morelo” ? It’s Puerto
@ Ed Welthrope yes I am aware of that and speak Spanish. I left a more detailed answer in a reply to your other comment.
any talk of the vax passport/card?
That I know of there has been no talk of a bad passport card yet here in Mexico.
At about 7:10 into the video -- you say that a person can apply and walk out with a Residency card the same day. Nice!! Can anyone confirm this? Has anyone experienced anything even reasonably close to this?
Actually, I have personally experienced this in Querétaro when I took a friend to INM in Querétaro. He submitted his application and he walked out of the office with his permanent residency card before noon. I recently obtained my permanent residency card in Monterrey last month and it took 3 weeks due to backlog but when I did go to sign they printed my card within 10 minutes of signing and taking my photo. Previously, when I renewed my temporary residency I would sign and have to come back a week later to pick up my card because all cards were previously printed in Mexico City. I electronically signed, electronically took my fingerprints and photo.
They told me I'd have to marry a Mexican. Lol
Hi, i watched your video and would like to know what you are base is regarding the tourist visas and it's rules. It makes total sense but it is a grey area. Can you state the law of your comments regarding rules of tourist visas of 180 days. And I wish it was true you can walk in or out of office with your new card.
My basis for this information is from personal experience, Mexican government contacts that I still maintain from my job before retirement and Mexican Attorneys. I also have a Customs and Immigration background from my former Job previous to retirement. I was also attached to the State Department for 3 years in my former job and have worked with several foreign governments to include Mexico on Customs and Immigration issues. Not all offices have the service of walking in and getting your card the same day. It depends on where you live. For example, this service is available where I live in San Miguel de Allende as well as the neighboring state of Querétaro. Some offices do not offer this yet as computer systems are still being upgraded and some offices are experiencing backlogs. For example in Monterrey it takes a month to get approved even though the have the upgrade, but when you do go in to sign they print your card on the spot. Before all the cards were printed out of Mexico City and sometimes you would have to wait an additional week to get the actual card.
I wish you had busted the biggest myth instead of perpetuating it: an FMM is NOT a visa!
Thanks for stopping by and appreciate the feedback. Maybe I should have gone more in to detail on exactly what an FMM is. Technically it is the Mexican equivalent of what most countries call a tourist Visa and I also also mentioned this in my video but may have not elaborated this enough. Also, the other reason I use the word Visa in the description of the video as well as the term in my video is because according to search analytics people searching for this type of information are going to search the word visa and not FMM. It helps get the word out easier and also simplifies it for the person who does not know. I am striving to improve this channel and truly appreciate your feedback! You gave me a great idea for a future video on what exactly an FMM is. Thanks!!!!!
@@RetiredLifeinMexicoNOBULL FMM is not a Visa, Argentineans, Bolivians, Uruguayans, US citizens, Canadians and other nationalities Don't need a Visa to apply for entry at the border or airport. Other nationalities DO need a Visa to apply for entry, and ALL that are granted entry are given a FMM at the port of entry which is the actual document that proves you are legally in Mexico, whithin the time limit stated on your FMM, as a tourist.
Yes, you are correct. I do mention that an FMM is the Mexican equivalent of a tourist Visa. I am fully aware that an FMM is not a Visa and actually plan to do a separate video explaining an FMM vs a Visa and why I use the term tourist visa. I actually did it on purpose to keep it simple. The FMM is what we call an I94 in the US. Unfortunately most of the public uses the general term tourist Visa when referring to visiting a country and permission to enter. Actually, I was attached to the State Department as a diplomat for 3 years and Mexico is what is known as what is called a Visa waiver Country, but we would still used the general term tourist visa when referring to visa waiver Countries and permits. Also, according to TH-cam analytics most people searching for this subject will use the term Visa and not FMM. I do apologize for not being more clear or explaining more in detail. Looking back, I should have been more detailed in explaining the FMM but was more concentrated on the main idea of the video and not technical terms which I see room for improvement. I am just starting out and am striving to get better. As far as discretion of the immigration officer that is also correct but up until now there was no way of tracking entries and exits. This discretion argument is why somehow people believe it’s legal. It is ILLEGAL to reside here permanently on a tourist FMM even if it was legally issued and I explain why in my video. The officer has discretion but once he suspects illegal activity he no longer has discretion and must act in enforcing the law. This is how it works in almost all countries, not just Mexico. This one of the myths I point out. Now that systems are in place, the officer can see the entries and exits and will eventually be required to make the determination to deny entry or more serious penalties depending on the seriousness of the offense. It is already happening and have seen several post already of people not getting their 180 days but 7-14 days instead to get their affairs in order and leave. Also, this is mandate that is coming down to INM officer from the top according to my contacts. There has also been mandates to increase immigration enforcement at this time. INM just checked me at the Cancun airport and even scanned my card with a phone app to make sure it was valid. Now that the technology is there, the days of an INM officer having full discretion regardless are gone and some are even being investigated or have been fired for not taking proper enforcement action or for corruption and actually and I know this for a fact. Unfortunately, this behavior is being perpetuated in Facebook groups and popular TH-cam channels and although people don’t want to accept the truth, it’s coming. Now how soon is anyones guess because the systems are new and it will still take a while for INM to catch up to this behavior. Thank you for the clarification and feedback!