Leaving Mexico without getting fined

[maesonna]

Originally Posted by kdaca

Is there any reason why I couldn't get a Permiso?

Not as far as I know. In fact, I'm suggesting that it's the easy (and legal) way out of your dilemma. You will need to get the receipt for the FM3 process from the lawyer if s/he has it, and you'll need to check the exact amount of the fee so you can pay it at the bank. The lawyer ought to be able to help you with that, and tell you how to fill out the fee form, too.

[RVGRINGO]

Relax, get on the bus and, assuming you have your passport, go to the USA. This also assumes that you don't plan to return to Mexico. If you do plan to return to Mexico, get the letter of permission.
There is no excuse for not being able to go to an immigration office in the capitol of your Mexican state and getting an FM3 processed in a matter of days. I suspect that your lawyer has really dropped the ball in your case.

Fabulous news! I just got an appointment with immigration this week, where I'll meet one of the lawyers who'll accompany me to the visa appointment.

Mil gracias a uds. for your input. I really appreciate it.

Hello again, RV and Maesonna.

I'm all set and ready to leave Mexico (but not without almost missing my appointment because the lawyer never showed up at the immigration office...give thanks I speak Spanish or I would'nt have been able ask and find where I needed to go for my visa.). I've got the proper documents to leave, so I'm feeling stress-free. Now I can stress-out about packing all we've accumulated over the past year!

I wanted to thank the both of you again for your quick responses to my queries. You were a major help in keeping my head on straight.


Sincerely,
K.

[RVGRINGO]

Now that you have your FM3, remember that you must stop at Aduana on the way out of Mexico (even if it is hard to find or the bus makes it inconvenient) and have your FM3 stamped on the 'Salida' page. Then, when you return you will have it stamped again on the 'Entrada' page.
Have a good trip.

[jlms]

Originally Posted by kdaca

Hello again, RV and Maesonna.

I'm all set and ready to leave Mexico (but not without almost missing my appointment because the lawyer never showed up at the immigration office...give thanks I speak Spanish or I would'nt have been able ask and find where I needed to go for my visa.). I've got the proper documents to leave, so I'm feeling stress-free. Now I can stress-out about packing all we've accumulated over the past year!

I wanted to thank the both of you again for your quick responses to my queries. You were a major help in keeping my head on straight.


Sincerely,
K.

He is a completely incompetent nitwit ....

[bigmutt]

1. it's not Aduana but rather Migracion where you have to stop to get your FM3 stamped. (sometimes they're the same guy but not always)
2. If you DON'T get it stamped for some reason, don't worry: they'll just get annoyed with you when you re-enter but will correct it for you; this has happened to me numerous times.
3. you CAN in fact leave via air without a FMT or FM3: or rather, they'll write one up for you at airport migracion but charge you a fee, I seem to remember about $25. Again, they'll get annoyed with you but will accomodate you. After all, what can they do? physically hold you here for trying to leave? this is not China or Russia.

There's so much exaggerated and incorrect information about mexican procedures, regulations and customs, probably from lots of urban legends out there. Get the facts from people who've experienced it and gone through it.

[RVGRINGO]

Thanks for the correction; that should have been 'migracion' for the FM3 to be stamped.
The caution on having to have your document to leave by air is because you may miss your intended flight by the time you find INM and get their blessing.

Thanks, Bigmutt and RV Gringo.

I crossed the border a few days ago. When we got to the Tijuana bus terminal, I didn't have time to get my Mexican FM3 or US passport stamped, nor did I have time to turn in my son's FMT. I had so much (heavy) luggage to put through the security machine just to walk a few steps to purchase my tix and pull the luggage back outside, that the folks at Crucero were more than willing to get me on the bus that was leaving for the US just a few minutes after we arrived so I could just leave our stuff near the bus.

I'm not too concerned with the consequences upon returning. If we do return to Mexico, it'll be after the visa expires. I'm sure we can re-enter on FMTs without a problem seeing how I don't plan on working down there anymore.

And you're right jlms, the lawyers for this organization could've been a bit more professional (if any of you are teachers, I'd be more than happy to give you the scoop on these guys via PM). Needless to say, I was quite frantic when then didn't show up for the appointment at immigration. They knew perfectly well I why I had - not wanted to, had to - leave the country, and that I wouldn't have the money to pay a fine if I wasn't able to produce valid documentation should an official have asked for it (which they did on two of our seven mandatory anti-drug/"illegal alien" checks).

Anyhoo, it's over. I'm back home. All is as well.

[bigmutt]

yes, the consequences of not getting your FM3 stamped are nothing to worry about.
Glad you're back home; wish I was there also. REALLY WISH I WAS THERE!