Embassy of the United States

Visa Services

Important Information for Non-Mexican Visa Applicants

ALL APPLICANTS WILL HAVE TO SPEND AT LEAST ONE NIGHT, POSSIBLY MORE, IN NUEVO LAREDO. 

All applicants must make an interview appointment.

Visas for Non-Mexican Nationals (“third country nationals” – TCNs)

Visas for Non-Mexican Nationals (“third country nationals” – TCNs) Who Live in the United States and Who Wish to Apply for Visas in Mexico

Third Country Nationals residing in the United States who wish to apply for a visa in Mexico  may make their interview appointment at any of the ten posts comprising Mission Mexico on-line at http://www.usvisa-mexico.com/ (click on "English" if necessary) or by phone at 1-900-476-1212.  Appointment numbers are limited and may be unavailable at some posts because of other demands so flexibility in where you wish to apply is helpful.

Who Can Apply in Mexico

• Applicants seeking to renew their visa in any category except B1/B2 (tourist/business), if the current  visa was issued in the applicant's country of nationality, former residence, or in Mexico. A spouse or dependent children may apply with the principal visa holder if the principal meets the criteria above.  A renewal is a case where an applicant for the same type of visa is made and does not include persons who seek to change from one visa category to another or who are seeking any other type of “change of status” even if that change has been authorized by the Department of Homeland Security.

IMPORTANT NOTICES
Due to an April 1, 2002 change in regulations, applicants will only be able to reenter the United States if they are found eligible for a new visa and actually have the visa placed in their passport. I-94 forms (even if still valid), accompanied by previous expired visas, will no longer be valid for the automatic re-entry of persons traveling from Canada or Mexico if during their visit they applied for a new visa that has not, in fact, been issued.

Applicants should be aware that any kind of problem/encounter with a law enforcement agency in the United States could result in an FBI record. A visa cannot be issued until mandatory processing requirements are completed, which can take several weeks. In addition, some visa applications require additional special clearances or administrative processing, which requires additional time. Most special clearances are resolved within 30 days of application.  However, the time required will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. Either of these situations (law enforcement problems or special processing requirements) would leave the applicant outside the U.S. for a lengthy period of time and without a valid visa to return to the U.S.

We can no longer accept applications from TCNs who are nationals of the seven countries currently designated as state sponsors of terrorism unless they are residents of Mexico. For more information, please see the Notice: Special Visa Processing Procedures Pursuant to Section 306 of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Reform Act of 2002.