By Mariano Esparza 

The common business visa is the FM3, which is given to personnel who needs to cross to Mexico to work. These are the most common Questions and Answers: 

What kinds of control are recommendable to have? In order to avoid penalties, it is recommended that you prepare a database record with the name of the foreign person, his/her business visa's number and the date of expiration, so that you can request on time a renewal within 30 days before the expiration or the cancellation of the Business Visa. 

What is a Business Visa? It is the migratory document issued by the Mexican Immigration Department for Non-Mexican individuals who are going to work in Mexico. Said document specifies the position of the foreigner who should perform this task exclusively for the Mexican Corporation so named. 

Does the foreigner can change his/her authorized position within the corporation: Yes, he/she can. All he/she needs to do is to request it before the Mexican Immigration Department. 

What happens if the foreigner does not want to change position or activity, but wants to encompass other activities: He/she may request an activity enabling upgrade before the Mexican Immigration Department. (It normally is approved in the majority of the cases, depending on the specific situation). 

Which is the term of expiration of said Business Visa? The Mexican Immigration Department issues the Business Visa for a period of 365 days. However, the visa may be renewed, year-by-year, for four consecutive years more without relinquishing his/her visa document. 

Does the foreign worker must abandon Mexico when the above-mentioned fourth renewal expires? No, he/she can request again a new Business Visa, which is itself renewable. 

Can the foreign worker bring his/her family (wife and children) to live with him in Mexico? Yes he/she can. 

What can you do if someone steals your Business Visa or if you lose it? It must be reported before the Public Prosecutor (Ministerio Público). With a copy of such denunciation you can then apply for a duplicate visa or reinstated visa. 

Should you need any other information or more specific information in regard with above, please do not hesitate to contact with Mr. Daniel Gutierrez or with the subscriber.

E-Mail: dgt@nafta-law.com, mev@nafta-law.com.