Does Anyone know where the "Border Zone" ends?

[NicoleX08 1]

I was not attacking you, relax hun, I just mis-understood what you were saying.

[GlobeHopperMama 95]

Nicole, have you asked on I2us? The reason I ask is because I think there are a lot more of us with experience living in Mexico, especially borders, there than there are on here. What I know is this: you should try to get a 180 day tourist visa at some point no matter what, just so that you can have documentation in hand, even though it's not necessary for travel within the border zone (which I believe is 30 miles, but you should check with some of the border dwellers for that). It only costs like $20 and is worth it so you can legally travel anywhere in Mexico. They issue them in a little booth on the border, usually you have to seek them out. You COULD attempt getting a spouse visa to have permanent status since you wouldn't be working in Mexico anyways (one of the spouse visa requirements), but then you have to prove your husband can sponsor you, etc. plus dealing with anything immigration-related in Mexico is almost worse than in the US.

I think that since you would only be doing this on a temporary basis, you should keep it simple, stick with a tourist visa. As long as you're not seeking to do any lucrative activity in Mexico, they should be fine with that. However, if I recall your case correctly, you could be done with this in a few months, so it hopefully won't matter for much longer!!

[NicoleX08 1]

Nicole, have you asked on I2us? The reason I ask is because I think there are a lot more of us with experience living in Mexico, especially borders, there than there are on here. What I know is this: you should try to get a 180 day tourist visa at some point no matter what, just so that you can have documentation in hand, even though it's not necessary for travel within the border zone (which I believe is 30 miles, but you should check with some of the border dwellers for that). It only costs like $20 and is worth it so you can legally travel anywhere in Mexico. They issue them in a little booth on the border, usually you have to seek them out. You COULD attempt getting a spouse visa to have permanent status since you wouldn't be working in Mexico anyways (one of the spouse visa requirements), but then you have to prove your husband can sponsor you, etc. plus dealing with anything immigration-related in Mexico is almost worse than in the US.

I think that since you would only be doing this on a temporary basis, you should keep it simple, stick with a tourist visa. As long as you're not seeking to do any lucrative activity in Mexico, they should be fine with that. However, if I recall your case correctly, you could be done with this in a few months, so it hopefully won't matter for much longer!!

Hey girl!

I am going to ask on the I2US board, but I am not able to access the site while I am at work. Because that site has the arcade on it, the internet filter at work does not allow me to view the website. So I can only access this site.

Thanks!

[franklie 0]

Now mind you, if you move to Mexico; you could be giving up residence in the US. This is a tricky move if you already filed. Do a lot of research and good luck!

I would not be applying for citizenship in Mexico, plus I would be working in the US. We only plan on staying there until this immigration nightmare is over and then we can move to the US together. And I am a citizen, I don't think they can take that away unless I do something really bad.

if you are living in Mexico keep a US address. Use your parents' address if they are still alive and you have a good relationship w/ them, a close friend or relative. As a last resort use a PO box. Keep your finances at the same bank that you have been using. Have all your important correspondence go to your US address.

The comment by GuateItaliana about the Mexican 180 day tourist visa is good advice if the 2 of you need to travel back to Puebla or anywhere else in the interior but buy when you need it, not before, since it is so easy to get.

[NicoleX08 1]

thank you Franklie. You all have given me great advice! I currently work at a bank in Ohio. They only have branches in PA, WV, and OH. I am hoping that if I do relocate, that I can get a job at a bank in the US in like TX, NM, or AZ. I would probably use my mothers address, I have been using her address for the immigration paperwork anyhow. Thanks for the great advice guys!

[franklie 0]

From the following link: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html

Tourist Travel: U.S. citizens do not require a visa or a tourist card for tourist stays of 72 hours or less within "the border zone," defined as an area between 20 to 30 kilometers of the border with the U.S., depending on the location. U.S. citizens traveling as tourists beyond the border zone or entering Mexico by air must pay a fee to obtain a tourist card, also known as an FM-T, available from Mexican consulates, Mexican border crossing points, Mexican tourism offices, airports within the border zone and most airlines serving Mexico. The fee for the tourist card is generally included in the price of a plane ticket for travelers arriving by air.

[NicoleX08 1]

so since my stay would be more than 72 hours, I would have to get a visa of some sort.... That is what I was looking for!!!! Thank you so much!!!