FM-3 Hell

Excuse my language, but that's what it is. Two months ago we started the process for getting my FM-3 visa that will allow me to live and work here as a resident. I need it in order to get paid, and the last time I entered the country the customs guy told me I better have one the next time I come through. I was told it wouldn't be a problem but here I am two months later and we still have yet to file.

I can't believe we ever thought this would be easier in Mexico than in the States. Were we on crack?! Mexico is famous for its bureaucracy - they take the idea of getting things in triplicate to an extreme you can't even imagine - and let's just say the turnaround time isn't exactly rapido. I won't even mention what we'll end up spending on it.

But as they say here in Mexico, Ni modo. Translation: oh well, nothing you can do about it. (An expression with endless uses here as you might imagine.) We're at the mercy of the system if I ever want to get paid for the long hours I'm putting in or if don't want to get booted out of the country.

So, yes ma'am, in addition to all those other documents you already have (8 photos, 3 IDs, one signed letter of economic solvency, two letters of valid employment, one formal marriage registration and a signed letter declaring we are in fact still married and not dead, one utilities receipt and proof of residency, 2 other letters I didn't understand, and whatever else I've forgetten), we'll also get my diploma officially apostilled, sent from the U.S., translated, and yes, of course, copied in triplicate, no staples, only black ink. ...Ni modo.