Throw Out the Old, Embrace the New
By Tricia Lyman
Are you frustrated with not knowing the new rules for applying and receiving your Residencia Permanente or Temporal? My husband, Mike and I, have just been through the process for our permanent and it has gone seamlessly with only one very small nervous moment that we worked through because we had done our homework. If you come away from this article with only one good piece of advice, it’s DO YOUR HOMEWORK !!
Please, for your own sake, understand the rules so even if you use a facilitator or lawyer you can follow along with a much greater educated understanding and have the ability to question. I started by buying the ebook version of the latest and most up to date version of the Mexico Immigration Guide 2014 through www.mexperience.com In fact, this website, which works closely with the Mexican Immigration Department, has been my lifeline for precise information and knowledge. I have found it to be spot on!
In this guide, you can clearly and concisely see how the process works, you can make a decision as to which type of visa you want to apply for, which visas you qualify for, and what documentsyou will need for each. However, you must also keep in mind that EACH Mexican Consulate may have different minor rules and different interpretations of them. This is why it’s so important to know the rules. My knowing these rules inside and out is what made a difference when meeting with the Mexican Consulate in New York City.
I’m not going to walk you through how our process went except to say we were very successfulvery quickly and efficiently. You can read about our adventure by going to my blog www.TriciaLyman.com and reading the posts dated July 2, 2014 and August 16, 2014.
The other website that I used to make our Consulate appointments and to figure out what additional documents we would need is www.embassy-finder.com/mexico_in_usa. If your home address is in a different country, just make the adjustment. This is where you register, decide where to make your appointment, and see what documents you will need. You do NOT need to go to the Consulate where your home address is. It must only be within the country you have your current permanent residence. I just had friends who were US citizens but had their permanent residency in Ecuador apply and receive theirs in Ecuador.
We’ve been through the full process in the US, come through immigration successfully at the airport, and have completed the “canje” process here in PV. Within another week we will receive our final notice by email to come pick up our cards at INM. Then it’s on to get our INAPAM (Senior Discount cards).
Just know that it doesn’t have to be extremely stressful or confusing, if you do your homework! For any questions, I’m always available at Tricia@TriciaLyman.com
Good job Tricia,
I have read the articles in the two English speaking free newspapers in Puerto Vallarta, and am not convinced that I would be eligible for permanent residency.
On the other hand, if I was a Mexican National, I am confident that if I wished permanent residency and citizenship in the U.S. , all I would have to do is go to the U.S. Border Guard and ask for U.S. citizenship and that I would be given legal assistance, healthcare, food and housing, financial assistance and a membership card into the Democratic National Party.
I am amazed on the number of U.S. Citizens who are leaving America for good, and also the U.S. headquartered companies that are purchasing overseas companies and setting up their headquarters in that country. It would really indicate the importance of defining and protecting the boarders for a stable and safe country.
Mexico doesn’t want just anybody in for good.