During covid, a new Regularization program was created to help tourists who were stuck in Mexico due to covid restrictions from their/other countries to fast-track residency.
Guidelines for this program have changed and changed again and then changed again over the past year that I’ve been following it. So it’s best to check with your local immigration specialist or lawyer on current guidelines.
Pros and Cons of the Regularization Program
Pros: You don’t need to prove financials (no income or bank statements). You don’t need to leave Mexico to apply. You get 4 years of temporary residency immediately (no renewal needed)
Cons: You have to stay in Mexico during the entire duration of your FMM. You have to stay in Mexico on an expired FMM – which is a possible risk of being detained and deported. Guidelines change frequently. The program can end at ANY time.
Requirements
For me, it required two things:
1) 1+ visits to Mexico between 2015(?) and 2020. I had two stamps on my passport in 2017 and 2019.
2) An expired 180-day FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple)
Choosing a Lawyer
My FMM expired March 18. At the beginning of February, I began reaching out to immigration specialists and lawyers in my area – Playa del Carmen, as INM appointments were out 1.5-2 months at that point.
It’s entirely possible to complete this process without a lawyer. For ease of process, I decided paying a lawyer to handle everything on my behalf was well worth the money.
You can search and ask in expat or digital nomad Facebook groups for immigration specials and lawyer recommendations in your area.
I decided to work with Teresa Rubí Mendiola, a well-known immigration lawyer in Playa del Carmen. I sent her a copy of my passport, two previous visits stamps, FMM, and a water bill.
She was a bit under the weather that week, so it took us a little time to get my appointment scheduled. When I inquired, appts were around the last week in March. One week later, the first appt was available April 18.
I took it – knowing I would need to be illegal in the country for a full month. It was rumored that if you were stopped by INM and showed a screenshot of your appt, you would be okay – but I don’t trust that personally.
(As of April 29, 2022 – the INM appointment system is still shut down.)
I laid low the month that I was on my expired FMM. I stayed in town and limited activities. I avoided collectivos and ADO bus.
Appointment Day
On April 18, I arrived to my lawyer’s office in the morning. Filled out some paperwork and was sent over to CIBanco with 3 sheets to direct deposit cash to pay fees to the government for residency (just shy of $15,000 pesos). Returned with receipts to the lawyer’s office and filled out more paperwork. Paid my lawyer fee in cash ($5,000 pesos).
Headed to the INM office for my 12pm appointment. It was VERY busy – since the computer system has been down, people have to go to the office to set up appointments.
Photo: immigrationtomexico.com
(The Playa del Carmen Immigration Office – What You Need to Know)
A group of 5 of us had appointments at 12pm and 12:30pm. They checked us in and let us sit inside. Not long after 12, the first group was called up to the desk. Our lawyer navigated the entire process for us, bouncing around to each agent and checking on the process.
Three of us were interviewed about why we were applying for residency. Two of us were not asked any questions (I was one of them). Just a few signatures and my paperwork was done.
We then waited for fingerprints and pictures. The fingerprint and photo process took about 10 minutes, my card was printed out and handed to me.
Freedom to walk around without worry, was so worth it!
