When I arrived in Mexico in1992 I worked for Time share companies and the work visa, FM3, was handled and paid for by my employers. It was seldom a problem and I took it for granted. I did leave the country a few times and learned that you are seriously fined or detained if you do not have a valid visa of some type when you arrive at the airport. Now, I'm not saying that I always had a work visa when I worked, but my employers always protected me somehow. When I left Time Share to begin teaching I learned the true dificulties. I was offered a great University position teaching English, Italian, and coaching Basketball. I researched the FM3 requirements befor taking my 2 hour trip to Leon, Gto.
Here is the part of the story that you need to heed. First, there is a 50USD processing fee to get started. Then realize that no matter what the internet site says there are 3 times more documents required. When you ask the officer what else they are reluctant to provide info and then only incomplete parts. The object is that you either make a minimum of 5 visits or pay a company across the street about 800USD to handle the processing of which part goes back to the immigration officers (get the picture?). Still I have learned to smile and go with the flow so I continued on my own. There are several requirements that your new employer must provide and here came the killer. Tax Records from employers is a must and this university refused to provide these. That was the end of everything. So, I have been working for the last several years on a tourist visa and that is fine with me, but it still stresses me out at times. So, if you plan on working in Mexico do not think that you can gat a work visa, FM3, on your own. It won't happen.
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