they often are very generous with the time (6 months) when you enter, people flying in asking for less i think ended up getting lower amounts less frequently (who are trying to do the residency thing) - the only way to really guarantee yourself a short stay is by walking in. so i'll be taking the pedestrian non-airport crossing at san diego to tijuana. i'm under the impression you want to find a more friendly place to using this process (regularization) which doesn't seem to be mexico city. plus some local handlers can help you out with it. the process then is much easier than obtaining 4 or even 1 year of temp residency originating outside the US. i am also kind of amazed that the program both still exists, and works this way, but hey... seems like a great opportunity and one i don't expect to be around next year. your overstay i believe they will refer to as an "error" and it is indeed required to apply. my handler basically said 'longer is better' although i plan to go in 1 week or 2 after i'm in "error" - i think that leaves enough time for the process to go through and to catch this flight, which i surely don't want to miss!