FM-3 (Religious Visa) FAQ's |
1. What does Mexican Law say about foreign ministers?
4. What are the deadlines to apply for an FM-3 and what do I need to turn in?
5. What ministry can I do if I do not have an FM-3?
7. What are the penalties for performing religious activities in Mexico without an FM-3?
Disclaimer: As we have experienced in the past, this law could change without previous notice and the process could be modified. If this happens, we will inform you as soon as possible.
1. What does Mexican Law
say about foreign ministers?
In 1993, a new Law for Religious Associations and Public Cult came out in
Mexico, stating that every Church had to be registered as a Religious Association.
When they register they are assigned an A.R. number, which is a registration
code for the Mexican Churches.
According to this law, the only way a foreigner can perform religious activities
in Mexico is by obtaining a FM-3. This license is obtained through the legal
invitation of a registered religious association in Mexico with an A.R. number.
The Mexican Pastor must complete the paperwork and turn it in at the Immigration
Office in Mexico.
This license is required for people not of Mexican citizenship, granting permission
to perform activities in Mexico (i.e. Religious, scientific, artistic, athletic
competitions, etc.). The visa will be good for the duration of the trip. You
may request an extension if you want to come back some time later during the
year.
This visa requires the written invitation of a Mexican church registered
with an A.R. number, a letter of acceptance from your church, copies of your
passport, and the Mexican pastor’s signature on the application form
at Religious Affairs office in Mexico.
This visa can only be applied for at a Religious Affairs office in Mexico.
Mexico Outreach will only facilitate the process by giving you the most recent
information and making the contact with the Mexican church and attorney in
Mexico, but every other part of the process is your responsibility.
Mexico Outreach has partnered with an attorney in Mexico that will help us
process the FM-3 for those pastors interested. If you wish to apply for the
FM-3 with Mexico Outreach’s help, you will need a few things.
- To be completely committed to the ministry.
- Notify Mexico Outreach to receive a complete check list of all requirements needed.
- Pay a fee of $400 that will cover the cost for travel expenses and attorney fees in Tijuana and Mexico City. (Money goes directly to the attorney. Mexico Outreach makes no profit out of this process).
- Valid passport good for six months after day of entry into Mexico.
- Preferred: A background check (Criminal Record) that you can obtain from the Sheriff’s Office.
- Choose a Mexican Consulate in the USA or Canada where the FM-3 will be sent to (You have to pick it up yourself since you have to sign it). For a list of Consulates in the USA and Canada go to http://www.mexonline.com/consulate.htm.
- Letter in your church’s letterhead signed by leader of the church validating that you are a minister in that church and that they support your ministry in Mexico. Contact Mexico Outreach for a model letter in Spanish that should be proofed by Mexico Outreach staff before signing.
- This letter needs to be notarized by a Notary Public
- And then needs an Apostille obtainable at the U.S. Department of State.
- For more information about an Apostille and location of local offices go to the U.S. Department of State’s web site under Office of Authentication at http://www.state.gov/m/a/auth/.
The attorney in Mexico will contact Mexican pastor to fill out the necessary documentation. He will send your authenticated letter of acceptance along with the letter from the Mexican church inviting you, copies of your passport and other forms to Mexico City. An attorney in Mexico City will turn in your documentation to the main Immigration Office and do the appropriate process. The main office in Mexico City will process the petition and will send notice to the Mexican Consulate that you choose. You will then need to take your original passport to the Mexican Consulate to receive your FM-3. The final step is to stop at the border on the way into Mexico and get an entry stamp on your FM-3.
4. What are the deadlines to apply for an FM-3 and what do I need to turn in?
- First notify Mexico Outreach of your intentions to apply for an FM3 so we can guide you through the guidelines and check your paperwork before it is submitted.
- The attorney needs the copy of the page in the passport with your picture and expiration date.
- The letter from your church already notarized and with the Apostille. This letter needs to be reviewed by Mexico Outreach staff before notarization and Apostille.
- Check for $400 made to our attorney in Mexico. Mexico Outreach is not making any profit from this process.
- Documents & check need to be in our office by the assigned deadline.
- Mail to: Fernando Alcántar, APU/Mexico Outreach, 701 E. Foothill Blvd., Azusa, CA 91702-7000.
5. What kind of ministry can I do if I do not have an FM-3?
Check “Government Regulations” on page 27 in the "First Step manual.“
6. The Mexican pastor usually asks me to preach in one of the evening services What should I do if I do not have an FM-3?
Mexican pastors have already been notified of this situation during our pastor conferences in Mexico and should be aware of both how you can participate without a FM-3 and of the consequences of preaching without one. If for some reason your pastor asks you to preach, you should make him aware of the rules. If he desires more information, have him get in touch with the Mexico Outreach staff at base camp.
7. What are the penalties for performing religious activities without an FM-3?
Penalties could range from deportation from the country, a fine of up to $10,000, or time in prison for up to 3 years. This law has not been enforced in all areas of Mexico, but we know of cases in the State of Baja California where this law has been enforced and penalties have been attributed to individuals performing religious activities without a FM-3.
If you have any questions you may contact Mexico Outreach at 626.812.3027 or iom@apu.edu .
Disclaimer: As we have experienced in the past, this law could change without previous notice and the process could be modified. If this happens, we will inform you as soon as possible.
