The Mexican immigration authorities recently published a new Immigration Procedures Manual (
Manual de Criterios y Trámites Migratorios) that is expected to take effect on May 1, 2010 (reported
here). The new Manual, which will supersede all previous immigration procedures manuals, is designed to simplify application processes for foreign nationals and reduce processing times and backlogs. Notably, all foreign nationals entering Mexico must obtain the new “Multiple Use Immigration Form” (FMM) for business visits and work assignments, in addition to other requirements.
FMM for Unrestricted Nationals Nationals of designated countries who are eligible for admission to Mexico without having to obtain a visa from a Mexican consular post abroad (“unrestricted nationals”) will be allowed to enter and remain in Mexico for up to 180 days by obtaining the FMM upon arrival. The FMM will replace the permits which are currently available to unrestricted nationals seeking admission upon arrival at a Mexican port of entry.
In addition, unrestricted nationals will be allowed to enter Mexico using a FMM obtained on arrival under a greater number of immigration categories than are available under the permits currently issued on arrival. These categories include business visitors; visiting professionals; professionals performing activities on a remunerative basis and technical workers. Previously, these nationals were not allowed to engage in work, technical or remunerative activities of any kind without securing the proper work authorization in advance. It is unclear at this time whether foreign nationals entering Mexico to perform these activities for up to 180 days will require authorization from the Mexican immigration authorities in addition to the FMM.
FMM for Restricted Nationals Foreign nationals who require a visa or permit from a Mexican consular post abroad prior to entry (“restricted nationals”) will still need to obtain prior authorization from the Mexican immigration authorities in order to enter Mexico (e.g., a FM-2 or FM-3 permit). In addition, upon approval of their application for a FM-2 or FM-3 permit, they will be required to appear in person at a Mexican consular post and attend a mandatory interview in order to obtain a FMM, which they will need to enter Mexico. These nationals will then have to register with Mexican immigration authorities within 30 days of arrival and retrieve their FM-2 or FM-3 permit. FM-2 and FM-3 permits will be issued in the form of machine-readable identification cards bearing the holder’s photo and a barcode designed to expedite the admission process. Currently, FM-2 and FM-3 permits are issued in paper booklet form. Mexican consular posts abroad will no longer issue FM-2 or FM-3 permits once the new Manual takes effect.
APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Effective May 1, 2010, nationals of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member countries who are holders of a valid APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) will be allowed to enter Mexico to conduct business activities for up to 59 days per visit without a visa or permit using their ABTC. The ABTC grants business travelers pre-cleared, facilitated short-term entry to participating member economies. Card holders benefit from faster immigration processing on arrival via access to fast-track entry and exit through special APEC lanes at major airports in participating countries.
New Application Forms On February 25, 2010, the Mexican immigration authorities issued a circular containing the new application forms to be used once the new Manual takes effect.
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