TalkBaja.com » Baja Mexico Forums » Visas for travel and living in Baja California, Mexico

We had some freinds over for dinner last night and in the conversation, they stated that they were told by the person that helps them renew their fm's that after 5 years they can apply for citizenship. And that 5 years of fm's can consist of 4 years with an fm3 and 1 year with an fm2. Has anyone else heard this? I've always heard that you needed 5 years of an fm2.
Larry

I always defer to "kate" when it come to visa questions. My latest understanding is that, in general, after 5 years on FM2 one can apply for citizenship or permanent residency. One need not have an FM3 for any period of time in order to obtain an FM2.
When I last renewed my FM2 I asked if the years I had FM-3 could be counted as part of the five and was told no. But, as with anything, the rules change and may have since I renewed six months ago.

As far as I know, Dusty's info is correct. Normally five years on FM2 are needed (can be two if one is married to a Mexican), and FM3 years don't count.

I am going to guess that they misunderstood what they were told or their helper misunderstood the question. Either that or something just changed. Quien sabe?
Larry

Originally Posted by rplarry

We had some freinds over for dinner last night and in the conversation, they stated that they were told by the person that helps them renew their fm's that after 5 years they can apply for citizenship. And that 5 years of fm's can consist of 4 years with an fm3 and 1 year with an fm2. Has anyone else heard this? I've always heard that you needed 5 years of an fm2.
Larry

You haven't stated absolutely, but my assumption is that they currently hold FM3's?

"And that 5 years of fm's can consist of 4 years with an fm3 and 1 year with an fm2." << No, not true!

I was on an FM3 for my first 11 years of permanent residency here & ZERO of that time is allowed to be applied towards the time required on my FM2.

As I remember the conversation, they just this year switched to fm2's, after this one year of fm2, they think (were told) they are eligible to take the test to become Mex citizens. I agree with you, that is probably not the case. I'll check back in a year and let you know.
Larry

We were going to renew our FM-3's for the fourth year, but switched to the FM-2......now 5 years to go for the FM-2.......I think the age of the holder has something to do with it