Protecting Your Visa Status as a Long-Term Resident
Wed. Sep/4th/2017.
One of the most unique things about Puerto Vallarta among Mexico's most popularly visited cities is the dynamic blend of full and part time international visitors with Mexican nationals who call the country their birthplace, creating one of the most colorful populations of any city in the nation. As a result, thousands of vacationers fall in love with Puerto Vallarta and other stunning locales in Mexico to such an extent, their number of long term residents increases on a yearly basis.
Unfortunately, modern travel regulations are forcing these inspired immigrants to pay closer attention to their legal status in the country than ever before when attending to business abroad. In fact, foreign individuals who have obtained permanent residency visas to make their home in the country on an extended basis may risk losing their legal standing to return once they venture outside the nation's borders during the time the visa is valid.
Minor Mistake, Major Issues
Mexico's National Institute for Migration issued a warning outlining the current situation as part of a high profile incoming resident conference held at the Lake Chapale Shrine Club in Guadalajara. In the April 11 address to immigrant communities from the United States, Canada and other countries, officials stated that even a relatively minor clerical error at border crossings and international airports could have outsized effect, downgrading permanent residents to visitor status for a period of up to 180 days.
Unlike the permanent residency status, which allows holders to enjoy uninterrupted legal status In Mexico for the length of their stay in the country, the visitor's documentation issued to tourists and other very short term visitors is good for a 6 month maximum, after which the holder must leave the country for a period of no less than 24 hours. Although holders of visitor documentation can apply for a fee-based extension, this is still less than ideal for the city's many full time international residents.
Avoiding Confusion during Processing
To help minimize the chance of having your re-entry into Mexico delayed by processing errors, it's important to pay close attention as you move through the system. At the beginning of the screening process, be sure to state clearly to officials that you are a full time resident of the country and have your full time INM resident green card readily available for inspection. Submit any other required documentation, then fill out any forms given to you as usual.
When you receive the form back from the official on duty, be sure to inspect the area marked Uso Official carefully. If you are a permanent resident of Mexico, the grey box marked Uso Official should feature a blank space in response to the portion labeled Estancia Maxima 180 Dias. If the box is accidentally marked, which officials say happens on a fairly regular basis, be firm about having the error corrected in order to avoid being improperly accounted for within the system.
Guillermina Corts also pointed out that RP and PT holders are not subject to paying any processing fees to airline companies or immigration checkpoints since they have already paid the requisite taxes for.
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