Probably the most talked about and confusing issue within all Mexico’s new immigration laws is who is eligible for the coveted Resedente Permanente formerly called Inmigrado.

Note: the equally coveted ‘Greencard’ for Latino foreigners in the United States is also formally titled Resedente Permanente. And it is equally complicated and can be more costly to obtain.

We can give the United Sates extra credit for providing everything related in the Spanish language – not equally done within the Mexican equivalent information, instructions and forms. I was informed by a Mexican Federal Immigration officer that “People desiring permanent residence status in Mexico are expected to speak Spanish.” This when he was explaining that my bank statements had to be submitted in Spanish.

So who is eligible? The typical route is one has had an FM3 or FM2 for four years or more prior to filing for permanent residence in Mexico. But we have heard, currently in all the confusion many with far less ‘time served’ are receiving permanent residence cards.

In my own case – Anita had the requisite four years, and it was indicated on her current No Inmigrante visa card. If she could prove financial worthiness she was a shoo-in to obtain a Residente Permanente card. On the other hand I had but one year’s possession of the No Inmigrante card. Because the rumor mill had many ‘success’ stories of receiving eligibility with less time served I decided to try and piggyback on Anita’s qualifications and file even though I truly have but one year with the card.

In fairness I truly have partial-to full-time residence in Mexico of about eight years – but again I have only had a FM3 equivalent card for one year.

During the interview and review of my papers at the INM office, my card and Anita’s were scrutinized on this issue. There were a couple long pregnant pauses as the official examined our cards and papers and then he asked Anita if this was my second year filing for the No Inmigrante visa card. She answered in the affirmative. He eventually gathered and clipped all our papers and proceeded to completion of the acceptance of our papers and the issuance of a NUT number and password.

HOWEVER – we were called in to the INM office today. It was explained that I did not have a valid and legal length of time in Mexico with the proper visa (FM3/2). BUT – because we had substantial financials submitted  and Anita’s filing was totally within the law, they would submit my request and see where it goes. Apparently in our case all the papers go to Oaxaca City for review and final approval.

At least three versions were composed before our Federal Agent created a satisfactory letter of introduction – satisfactory to the head person in the INM office. Finally I had a letter to be seen in Oaxaca  that posed asking in a best manor for a Residente Permanente card – I signed.

This essentially meant we were done.  Now would wait for our cards – to be received within the next 20 days. We shall see.

But let’s look further here. Someone I know asked advice about the process a while back. We had several discussions. This person had only a tourists visa. They returned to the United States to go to a Mexican consulate office (several times) to obtain permission to apply for Residente Temporal back in Mexico, never imagining that permanent status would be obtainable.

When final papers were issued and a snazzy card inserted within a U.S. Passport, it was noted that permission was granted to get a RESIDENTIAL PERMANENTE card – wow!

We thought it was probably a mistake and would never fly down here in real Mexico. But, much like my shot at the gold they went ahead with the attempt to get the permanent card.

Shockingly the paper they received with a list of tasks (translated tile read:Expedited Change to Residente Permanente) contained far fewer requirements including no financial submissions. Back in the U.S. financial statements had been submitted only for the temporary status.

Further while Anita and I each paid a 1000 peso application fee up to his point, this person was sent to the bank to pay the full 3,815 filing fee pesos (see fees above) – even before completion and submission of any forms. Wow!

We are following along to see if this goes through and of course we will keep you posted on how things go for us personally. Stay Tuned!