if applying for an FM3 visa in Mexico do they ask if you have a criminal record or do they even care?

Answer 1

For an FM3 student visa, I had to give them all sorts of ridiculous documents (like utility bills from where I was living and a copy of my landlord's voter id card), but no criminal records or health records, which surprised me.

The process took over 3 months to complete with weekly trips to immigration office, and during that time my tourist visa expired, so I was technically an illegal alien in Mexico. So my advice would be to start the process as soon as you can. Also, the documents required for an FM3 vary depending on where you get it (consulates, mexican embassy, immigration office in mexico), so make sure that you find out what you need only from the office where you're getting your visa processed. I spent over $100 USD on passport photos I ended up not needing.

Answer 2

my permanent residency paperwork never asked me if I had a criminal record

Answer 3

Yes.