I discovered to my horror that I was 4 days late for renewing my temporary resident Visa. I rushed to immigration in Chapala and was told that all I could do was either return to the US A and start all over again or go through a very lengthy paper process in Mexico. The woman at immigration suggested I go back to the States as it would be easier.
I really cannot go back to the States for a number of personal reasons, including that someone I care about very much really needs my help right now.
I have read through all of the information on this topic and cannot locate an answer to the following questions:
Has anyone been through this situation recently and, if so, how did you resolve it?
Is working with a lawyer to get one's Visa back on track expensive? If so how expensive?
If one goes for the return to the United States option, how long would it take at a local consulate to file for a resolution of this problem?
What is the punishment if a person is caught with an expired Visa? Does this lead to deportation, incarceration, a fine, and or the inability to leave Mexico and then return at some point in the future?
Before I see a lawyer for help, I want to be as informed as possible
Thanks for any information you can provide.