The major points of interest for employers in Mexico are as follows:
1) New form (Forma Migratoria Múltiple, or "FMM"), which has the following purposes:
a. To document short stays (under 180 days) in Mexico, including tourist trips, business trips and also some short term work assignments.
The new Visa Manual states that, for non-restricted ("non-visa") nationals, some short term work assignments (under 180 days) may be carried out on the FMM without further need for FM3 work authorization. This new rule would obviously have dramatic implications for many employers in Mexico. However, please note that Pro-Link GLOBAL is still reviewing the finer details of the regulations as well as consulting with the Mexican authorities to determine exactly how this will be applied. In any event, if there is any possibility of the assignment lasting longer than 180 days, the FM3 should be applied for, as the FMM is strictly limited to 180 days only.
b. To document the arrival of visitors who intend to change status post arrival in Mexico to FM3 or FM2 holders. In these situations, a visa must be obtained at the consulate prior to arrival. Note that the final decision over whether to grant entry to the individual or not rests with the immigration officer at the port of entry. In these cases, the FMM must also be obtained pre-arrival and then submitted at the port of entry. Post arrival, the application for exchange of the FMM for FM3 or FM2 status must be filed within 30 days of arrival.
2) New visas and new FM3s/FM2s
a. The paper booklet visas previously granted by Mexican Embassies and Consulates will be replaced with seal or sticker type visas, which will be affixed to the visa holder's passport. Alternatively, electronic or "virtual" visas may be issued.
b. The new FM3 and FM2 documents will be plastic cards containing photographs, valid for one year only. Every year, a new card must be applied for. The Mexican immigration authorities (INM) are planning to introduce a biometric component, and until this is ready, annual renewals even of FM2s are a requirement.
c. Holders of current FM3 and FM2 paper booklets will have these replaced on a gradual basis, when current documents expire.
