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APOSTILLES OF DOCUMENTS

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Sydney841
  8/5/2019 00:33 EST

Hi!

I already know I will HAVE to stick with a tourist Visa for at least 6 months until a 2nd government income (related to being a veteran) gets figured out. Since I'm still in Virginia, is there anything related to getting residency in the future that it would be smart for me to do while I'm still here (e.g. getting any documents apostilled)? I'm still reading conflicting information about whether residency MUST start in the states vs. whether the process can start in Mexico. I would hate to have to make a special trip back to Virginia to do something that I could do before I move. Or, can it all be started in Mexico? Thanks!

Cindy

IAM
  8/5/2019 01:28 EST

Hi Cindy,
It starts in the US. After you digest the information for the requirements you will be able to make your appointment online.
I lived in VA, too, but now in PV. I’m sure others on this forum will share insight, as well:
https://www.gob.mx/inm/acciones-y-programas/tramites-migratorios

https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/montreal/index.php/en/foreigners/visa

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IAM
  8/5/2019 01:42 EST

Cindy,
Apologies, please disregard the Montreal link. Here you are:
https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/

https://www.gob.mx/inm/acciones-y-programas/tramites-migratorios

Sydney841
  8/5/2019 08:17 EST

Thanks, IAM!

RVGRINGO
  8/5/2019 15:17 EST

Documents will require rather fresh apostilles, so I suggest that you wait. As soon as you are ready to visit a Mexican Consulate, in the USA, you could also send to the appropriate Secretaries of State, for apostilles of birth & marriage documents. Once your application for a residence visa is approved, you will still have 180 days to enter Mexico, so there is no rush. Once you cross the border, you will have 30 days to report to INM with proof of your Mexican residence (even temporary), to begin the process (tramite) of the change (canje) from your 30 day approval entry to the actual residence visa. The process may take a couple of months, but you can travel within Mexico with the tramite letter in lieu of an INM document. Patience is required.

hrlee7804
  8/5/2019 21:56 EST

8 months ago I did not have to do anything with birth certificates or marriage licenses. I thought they would ask for police report and medical info but no. My passport was all I needed along with the bank account balance for 12 months or it can be done with a financial account balance. We used our Oppenheimer fund balance for my wife and my bank monthly statement for me. We also did a inventory of the things we brought down in a cargo trailer and had that paperwork stamped by the US consulate. Your individual consulate will give you particulars they want and could be different than what we experienced.

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William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Sydney841
  8/5/2019 22:21 EST

Thanks, RV! I appreciate how you explained this so clearly. Now that I understand the order that things have to happen as well as needing the apostilles to be 'fresh,' then I agree that it would make more sense to wait until I am in a position to apply. Thank you so much!

Sydney841
  8/5/2019 22:30 EST

Interesting...I didn't realize that different consulates have different requirements. My first thought was "what if they HAD asked for these documents?" But, you knew in advance that they wouldn't. Is that right? Thanks, HR!

mannem
  8/6/2019 00:44 EST

Each consulate seems to interpret the law differently, but it is fine to shop around. I emailed the consulate in Chicago to ask what documents they require for a residency application, and they responded with clear, detailed instructions.. If their response did not inspire confidence, I would have contacted other Midwestern consulates with the same question.

hrlee7804
  8/6/2019 08:35 EST

The Consulate for us was 200 miles away from my home. We made one visit and they told us what they would need. We went back armed with all they had asked for. Lucky for us there was only one person that did the interviews. If more it may have changed as it would here in Mexico. We were actually able to call them by phone and had them return a call to get the ball rolling. Here in Mexico that would NEVER happen. Be prepared for at least three visits assuming you do exactly what they ask for. Folks in the waiting room, also doing their residency were of great help as they were further along in the process. Keep in mind here on this site you could be getting old information or not completely accurate for your consulate. It is not difficult. I hate paperwork and I got thru it. Toughest part was getting across the border with my trailer. I had to pay a $1000 bribe to get my papers stamped. All part of the experience.

IAM
  8/6/2019 12:02 EST

Not sure how close you are to the Washington, DC location, which I used. Another would be in Richmond.
In my earlier response, I provided for you the link for the information below. At the bottom of the page
https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/washington/index.php/visas?id=182 just click on the red PDF adjacent to your needs
and you will have info, location for the Washington DC Consular with options below….
You will need to read and digest this info, as suggested.
I didn’t need any Apostilles of Documents (Only financial confirmation/passport with copies and pics) and I was in and out within 25-30 mins with my Visa. In addition, you will receive both an email confirmation and reminder just in case you decide to cancel your appointment.
Temp: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/washington/images/2019/visas/eng/TEMPORARY-RESIDENT--enero-2019.pdf
Perm: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/washington/images/2019/visas/eng/PERMANENT-RESIDENT-VISA-RETIREE-enero-2019.pdf

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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RVGRINGO
  8/6/2019 14:42 EST

You may not need apostilles, except maybe for the purchase of real estate by a married couple.
Once you have your actual residence visa, you will need to get other Mexican documents, such as your CURP (sort of like a SS#) and an RFC tax number from the local taxing ofice (SAT, Recordadora), but those will fall into place as you "learn the ropes".

RVGRINGO
  8/6/2019 14:50 EST

Another Detail:
Before moving to Mexico, be absolutely certain that all of your documents are in exactly the same name. For example: John Paul Jones may not have any documents that show J. P. Jones, or John P. Jones, or other variations.
Married women often experience problems because their birth certificate and their current name do not match. A married woman does not change her name in Mexico, and all names have a definite pattern: First name(s), father's last name, and mother's last name. So, our system often confuses them....or us. Sometimes, an official, notarized AKA solves the problem. However, the apostilled marriage certificate and birth certificate may do the trick.
Keep smiling!

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