Renewing My Mexican Visa

On April 30th of this year, the Instituto Nacional de Migracion, the government entity that provides immigration services to us expats living in Mexico, changed the process of applying for and renewing visas and put it all online. I went into the offices of INM on May 4th to ask about renewing my FM3 for this year and was handed a piece of paper. The paper told to me go to http://www.inami.gob.mx/, look under Tramites and register for renewal online…..Oo-o-okaaay!


At home, on my computer, printer at the ready, I followed the instructions. There was a video, in English, that described what each of the several levels of being a visitor in Mexico are named and how one is covered under each section. That was the extent of the English at this government website at the time. I wilted when faced with figuring out this new approach to FM3 renewal.

With the assistance of my neighbor, Eduardo I [we] accomplished the task. We printed off a page which told what requisitos were needed with the application for renewal, all of which I had obtained:

Solicitud de tramite [Letter requesting renewal]
Original de la forma migratoria (FM3) [my original FM3 passport]
Comprobante de pago de derechos [bills form wither electric or water companies]

In this new way of doing things, copies of your active bank account statement are not needed. You have to surrender your old FM3 booklet, as you will be issued a new laminated card that will be your new identification. You must show a comprabante de pago de derechos (the ever-useful CFE bill will do) and you just show it, copy not needed. In the past you needed numerous copies.


I took all these pieces back to INM early Thursday morning, sat with an agent while she checked everything and did some data entry. Then I was given a form to take to the bank and pay for this renewal service. Now that was a step I recognized from past years, at least!


As soon as I returned to the INM with the receipt from the bank, I was given another piece of paper which gave me the website address to track my visa and to let me know when I could return to the INM office to pick it up. It should be Friday of this next week. I am to return when directed, with five photos in the infantile size. All this was spelled out on a slip of paper which I was able to show to the photographer. Wal-Mart is one place with the facility to do these photos in Merida (and probably other places in Mexico) which made it easy for me. Stay tuned for the follow-up encounter.


I must admit that this is an easier process than last year. There was a little waiting around at INM. We have truly arrived in the 21st Century with INM.