Immigration Changes?

[PlayadelSoul]

I just called Immigration to talk to my contact and was told she no longer works there. Nor does the delegado, from what the secretary told me. It has been awhile since they changed management (more than 6 months, anyway). So, if you have documents in, might be time to check on what they will need from you.

Luckily, I got my last refrenda on my FM2, a couple of weeks ago.

[Tony&Cheri]

Originally Posted by PlayadelSoul

I just called Immigration to talk to my contact and was told she no longer works there. Nor does the delegado, from what the secretary told me. It has been awhile since they changed management (more than 6 months, anyway). So, if you have documents in, might be time to check on what they will need from you.

Luckily, I got my last refrenda on my FM2, a couple of weeks ago.

Our accountant who handles our FM3s no longer process through PDC. He says the office is understaffed and in flux. He drives to Cancun to deal with immigration for us and his other clients.

[PlayadelSoul]

Normally, when they change here, it is because they changed in Cancun. There is always the chance it could be better. I have seen that happen 4 or 5 out of the 20 times they have changed, since I've been here.

[Libby]

We finally got our FM-3s renewed a couple of weeks ago (after waiting 5 months). Our lawyer is quite fond of the new guy in charge. According to her, when the new guy came in, he wanted to review EVERYTHING that was in process, and so things got backlogged. Apparently, he is totally by the book and doesn't do anything under the table -- a characteristic that will make some people very happy and others very sad.

The lawyer also says that now that they've gotten through the backlog, things are moving along very quickly. She hopes that this guy sticks around a while. We can only hope.

[PlayadelSoul]

I met with the new delegado, on Tuesday. He is, by far, the nicest of the 20 or so delegados I have met. I explained to him that I had already worked out a problem with one of my teachers, he heard me out and said "OK." Signed the documents, right there. Plus, he was walking around the waiting room asking people if they were OK. Things may be looking up (for a few months, anyway).

[jamnkats]

Originally Posted by Libby

We finally got our FM-3s renewed a couple of weeks ago (after waiting 5 months). Our lawyer is quite fond of the new guy in charge. According to her, when the new guy came in, he wanted to review EVERYTHING that was in process, and so things got backlogged. Apparently, he is totally by the book and doesn't do anything under the table -- a characteristic that will make some people very happy and others very sad.

The lawyer also says that now that they've gotten through the backlog, things are moving along very quickly. She hopes that this guy sticks around a while. We can only hope.

Still a backlog - they are currently working on March (mine was introduced in April). They are hopeful reviews of early April documents to begin soon.

Good thing I didn't try to see if the dog would dance. (you know the saying...)

[mayaplayagrandma]

I was just told that everyone working immigration was fired and that there all new people and that yesterday was their first day. And because of that, everyone needing renewals etc., have been told to go to cancun.

True of false? I am thinking false. I am getting ready to renew mine next week.

[Libby]

John heard a rumor that the Playa immigration office is being closed down because it is apparently so messed up, and everything will have to go through the Cancun office. I hope that isn't true! What a pain in the butt that would be!

[Michele]

Originally Posted by mayaplayagrandma

I was just told that everyone working immigration was fired and that there all new people and that yesterday was their first day. And because of that, everyone needing renewals etc., have been told to go to cancun.

True of false? I am thinking false. I am getting ready to renew mine next week.

I heard a similar report today. All new applicationas and renewals are now being handled by the Cancun office.

[jamnkats]

Originally Posted by mayaplayagrandma

I was just told that everyone working immigration was fired and that there all new people and that yesterday was their first day. And because of that, everyone needing renewals etc., have been told to go to cancun.

True of false? I am thinking false. I am getting ready to renew mine next week.

I can't say for certain, but I was there in mid-april, beginning May and two days ago, and I saw the same faces as the times before. The guys working the last two times said that they did have an enormous backlog and I think that for a while they were sending NEW applications to Cancun so they could catch up. I believe I saw the new head of office (who would have come in with the new government) and he was very busy - he was talking to folks who seemed to know him (and never waited long) and some lawyers never took a number but walked up to an agent and immediately were helped. I noticed that wasn't happening when he was around though. I also noticed this guy calling numbers and helping out so he seems to be very hands-on, which goes along with the rumours.

I was shocked to find that after the reviewed my file they found NO problems and I should have mine in a week (of course, I started the process around 11 April, IIRC). I've gone down a couple times to check status and told to come back - I very much expected a request for this or that but it has been quite seamless (though slow).

I was supposed to go back yesterday for fingerprints and photos but from your post, it would seem your rumour indicated everyone had been fired the day I was there and I know for certain that some were not (though I can't speak to everyone there). I'll be back Monday and see if they're taking new applications when I do my last little tramite.

[Tony&Cheri]

Originally Posted by Libby

John heard a rumor that the Playa immigration office is being closed down because it is apparently so messed up, and everything will have to go through the Cancun office. I hope that isn't true! What a pain in the butt that would be!

Our accountant who handles our FM3 renewal told us several weeks ago that there were "problems" with immigration in PDC and he was processing all applications for his clients (including us) in Cancun.

[jamnkats]

There is a new delegado (I don't think that was in question before but I verified it today) and from what I ascertain, he is a good thing for the office.

They are taking new applications but I didn't ask if they had stopped for a while. I'm going back again tomorrow so I can ask if anyone has other questions.

It seems like business as usual though. Oh, and if they give you an appointment for a certain date, it is a real appointment. Not just show up when you want to. I figured appointments there are somewhat flexible, but they are not.

[boone]

I've been thinking it's time to get my first FM3 this time around when I come down in two weeks. Knowing that I need to leave on Juy 27 makes me a bit nervous about doing this as I may not have it returned in time. I was going to get the initial here in the States before coming down and then do the registration process when I arrive. Any comments on whether this may be feasible in that time period are welcome. I have a condo in Playa and spend about 3-4 months total in MX now with more time in the future. Right now I'm working on my certificate to teach English as a foreign language which I hope will help me in the future with employment. That's after I get to retire here in a couple of years. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Sue

[Libby]

Originally Posted by boone

I've been thinking it's time to get my first FM3 this time around when I come down in two weeks. Knowing that I need to leave on Juy 27 makes me a bit nervous about doing this as I may not have it returned in time. I was going to get the initial here in the States before coming down and then do the registration process when I arrive. Any comments on whether this may be feasible in that time period are welcome. I have a condo in Playa and spend about 3-4 months total in MX now with more time in the future. Right now I'm working on my certificate to teach English as a foreign language which I hope will help me in the future with employment. That's after I get to retire here in a couple of years. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Sue

I assume you'll be applying for a rentista (retirement) FM-3? These seem to go quicker than working visas. But still there's a good chance your FM-3 wouldn't be ready by the time you leave. If this does happen, you would have to get a permiso (permit) to leave the country, and then you'd have to fly back when the FM-3 is ready to sign it.

There's the same unpredictability issue with getting the FM-3 in your local consulate office in the States. Some consulate offices seem to be helpful and efficient. Others not so much.

So basically I have no idea when you might get your FM-3. Maybe manana. Welcome to Mexico.

[mayaplayagrandma]

Originally Posted by Libby

I assume you'll be applying for a rentista (retirement) FM-3? These seem to go quicker than working visas. But still there's a good chance your FM-3 wouldn't be ready by the time you leave. If this does happen, you would have to get a permiso (permit) to leave the country, and then you'd have to fly back when the FM-3 is ready to sign it.

There's the same unpredictability issue with getting the FM-3 in your local consulate office in the States. Some consulate offices seem to be helpful and efficient. Others not so much.

So basically I have no idea when you might get your FM-3. Maybe manana. Welcome to Mexico.

Libby my understanding of this process is, once you get your pemiso to leave, you will be allowed 30 days out of the country. The fm3 process is put on hold until you return. Then its another wait.

I am talking to my lawyer today about this very issue. Mine is up for renewal-it expires June 25th. I am returning to the states on Aug. 14th for 28 days. I may have some issues with my elderly parents and may have to return later than required on my permiso. Curious what will happen if I just cannot return. I will let you know what he says.

[Libby]

Originally Posted by mayaplayagrandma

Libby my understanding of this process is, once you get your pemiso to leave, you will be allowed 30 days out of the country. The fm3 process is put on hold until you return. Then its another wait.

That could very well be. My lawyer never tells me anything ... until I have to pay a fine for something she forgot to tell me I need to do.

[boone]

Thanks Libby. It would be a retirement visa. I go back and forth often but the summer is the longest I can spend in Playa right now. THen it's back and forth every 8 weeks or so.