Definition of visa terms

The changes currently under way in the immigration system make it a difficult to write precisely about the process.  Some definitions are needed.

Last updated January 7, 2012: Changes are anticipated but still not in effect, details here: Immigration Changes – FMM, FM2, FM3 – Summary

Although the FM2 and FM3 status will no longer exist after everyone has renewed this year we will continue to use these terms for at least a year.

FMM — was FMT.  Tourist permit.

FM3 — non immigrant resident visa.  This was a green booklet.  It will be called temporary resident in the future

FM2 — immigrant resident visa.   This was a grey booklet.   This will be called temporary resident in the future

Landed immigrant or permanent resident alien status will be called permanent resident.

INM – Instituto National de Migración — Immigration office

Maneja de Casas – duty free importation permit for household items / personal goods.

Rentista — This is the status which non working retirees have as their permitted activity on their visa.  It means you are living on your investment income.  It has nothing to do with renting unless that is the source of your income.  It does not allow you to rent rooms or your house in Mexico.

Lucrativa –  This is the status which working residents have as their permitted activity on their visa.  It means you are allowed to engage in the income generating activities specified in your application.  It does not grant permission to engage in all types of income generating activity.  You must also register with Hacienda and file a tax return or you cannot renew under this status. Proof of Hacienda filing is required to renew.

The new visas are plastic cards with your picture on them so there is no place to record entries and exits.  You must keep your exit document for reentry.

Note:  You may wonder why we reference various Mexico government web sites and then restate the same information or information which disagrees with the web sites.  The reason is quite simply that all web sites are not up to date.  If the information presented is different it is because we have encountered source we consider more reliable (usually  personal experiences) that have contradicted it.  For example when the May 2010 immigration changes took effect there was a period of  substantial confusion with some government sites directly contradicting other government information and personal experiences.