Is it easier to obtain permanent status from outside Mexico, or better to enter as tourist and adjust status?

Question

How long does it take to do?

Answer 1

It is easier to adjust your status here. The reason being you will have to "report in" when you get to your new home here in Mexico and register your FM-3 here. To do that, you have to duplicate nearly every step you took to get it in the first place. Why do it twice?

Answer 2

I disagree with the first answerer.  I got my FM3 at the Mexican consulate in the states before coming to live in Mexico.  It was very easy.  then after I had been here a couple of weeks and got a residence, I went to the local immigration office to report my residence and register my address.  I did NOT have to repeatt the steps I went through to get the FM3.   My experience  ( through friends) is that is is MUCH easier and faster to get the Fm3 in the states, and cheaper too.  Takes a lot longer to process it here, and costs more.  Some immigration offices are faster than others, not all do everything exactly the same way...they have a lot of leeway to do things as they please. And also, an FM3 is not the same as permanent residence in Mexico...it is a step above a tourist card...and needs to be renewed once a year.  An Fm2 is the next step, and is more like a "green card' in the U.S.  See site below for visa descriptions.