Question: I am going to see the Mexican Consulate next week to get more information and see about obtaining the FM3 here rather than waiting until I get to MX. Any thoughts on this? Also, what's with the RCMP clearance certificate and a Health Certificate business? Do I need this prior to leaving Canada? Neither should be a problem but would want to be prepared. I assume the Health certificate would be for the cats? Already have that covered but if it’s for me, well I don't even have a doctor any longer. So could be an issue. S. Cunningham, Canada
Answer: Re getting your FM3 before you come, one thing to remember is if you plan on bringing any furniture down, you must do it within the first six months of getting your FM3. And also if you get north of the border, don't be surprised if they want you to get an RCMP clearance certificate and a Health Certificate; which probably isn't an issue for you except the nuisance factor. Also don't be alarmed if they tell you will be deported if you try to work here and also that you must be 55 yrs of age to move to Mexico. Neither of these is true of course. The 55 years old is regarding getting your FM2, not your FM3. The Consultants have the discretion to make their own rules and it always seems to be more complicated than getting here.
Once you get it from that end, you still need to get your pictures taken here and go into Immigration in Guadalajara to get registered and your finger prints in the book - within 30 days of coming into Mexico. So unless there is a reason you want to do it from that end, you might find it easier to just do when you get here.
One more thing, don't cancel your Canadian insurance or notify them that you are moving until after you have your IMSS (or other health insurance in place) on this end.
The RCMP clearance certificate and the Health Certificate are common requirements asked for by the Mexican consulate if you apply for your FM3 or FM2 north of the border; if you apply here, neither of these are needed.
And, you don't need your FM3 to bring your vehicle in. You just drive in as a tourist. Then you can use your Tourist Visa to apply for your FM3. You can be here for up to 180 days on a Tourist Visa which gives you lots of time to apply for your FM3. The only thing you can't do during the time you are on a Tourist visa is fly out of the country and leave your car behind, unless it is an emergency. Once you have your FM3, you can come and go leaving you car here. So it makes sense to apply for your FM3 as soon as you arrive. You will also need your FM3 to apply for IMSS health coverage so another good reason to apply sooner than later.
Now for the cats, you will need a letter from the Vet saying they have had their shots. But it has to be a recent letter for when you are bringing them; within 14 days of when you plan on bringing them through the border. We have never been asked for this letter in all the times we have crossed the Canadian, U.S. and Mexican borders, but it is best to have it on hand, just in case.
All for now,
Marie Dwyer-Bullock
Focus On Mexico offers 8-Day Educational Programs to Ajijic
and Lake Chapala, Mexico (2nd Best Climate in the World). Join us
on a Focus program and learn why thousands of Americans and Canadians chose
to retire in Lake Chapala.
Our programs offer
the perfect balance; a wonderful vacation and an insightful, educational experience. Our
expert speakers cover all topics: Health Care, Real Estate, Legal System, Immigration,
Bringing Pets, Cost of Living, US Taxes for Americans, Non-Residency for Canadians,
Living on the Lakeside, Investing in Mexico, Mexican Economy and much more...
You’ll get everything
you need to help you decide if Lake Chapala, Mexico is the place for you, plus have a lot of fun doing
it. Retiring in Mexico couldn't be better.