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How to Apply

How you apply for a visa depends on which visa type you are interested in.  If you have questions on which visa is appropriate for your visit to the United States please see the visa information page.

For detailed information about each STEP, simply click on the applicable step.

  • Step 1 : Select Visa Type
  • Step 2 : Complete the DS-160 On-Line Application

    Step 2 : Complete the DS-160 On-Line Application

    • Fill out the online DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form and print the “Confirmation Page” with a barcode.

      Note:  If your DS-160 Form does not provide complete and accurate information, we will not be able to process the application.  You will be required to update or correct your DS-160 and return at a later time to finish the application process. 

  • Step 3 : Pay the Application Fee

    Step 3 : Pay the Application Fee

    • This fee must be paid prior to your interview and can be paid at any Banamex or Scotiabank branch, or with a credit card when you schedule your appointment online.

      This fee does not guarantee visa issuance; the payment only covers the visa application process and interview with a Consular Officer.

      A passport valid for the duration of your planned stay in the U.S. must be presented when the fee is paid.  Overpayments cannot be refunded.  If you choose to pay through Banamex or Scotiabank, you should keep your original receipt.

      See Nonimmigrant Visa Processing Fees for detailed information on the current rates.

      If you are applying for a P1 visa, or are part of a group, you should use the Internet option to obtain your PIN (personal identification number) and schedule your appointments.

  • Step 4 : Schedule your appoinment (s) through the Appoinment Center Service

    Step 4 : Schedule your appoinment (s) through the Appoinment Center Service

    • There are two methods to schedule an appointment; you can use the internet appointment system or call to speak to an operator. There are no additional charges to use either system.

      Internet: Go to http://mexico.usvisa-info.com and follow the directions for making an appointment.

      Phone:  See List of Telephone Numbers

      Remember all appointments for P1, or group visas must be scheduled through the ASC website. When scheduling your appointment you are encouraged to plan ahead, taking into account current wait times, and the possible 3-5 week visa processing time.

      Helpful hint: To expedite your call, you should have the visa applicant’s passport in hand to provide necessary information to the telephone operator.  The Scheduling Service operator will ask for the full name and applicant’s passport number (Note: the passport must be valid for the duration of your proposed stay in U.S.).

  • Step 5 : Attend your appoinment at the ASC to submit Application, Fingerprints and Photo

    Step 5 : Attend your appoinment at the ASC to submit Application, Fingerprints and Photo

    • It is important to arrive at the ASC appointment at your scheduled time. Make sure you bring passports, copies of the biographical information page from your passport and your prior visa (if applicable), Banamex or Scotiabank receipts, and the printout of your CEAC bar code.  Food, firearms, or any liquids including gel disinfectants are not permitted in the ASC. Electronic equipment is not permitted, this includes cellular telephones, cameras (photo or video), radios, and computers. If you attempt to enter with any of these articles, you will not be allowed in and will need to reschedule your appointment for a later day.

      The ASC nearest to the Consulate in Monterrey is located at:

      Calle Hidalgo 400 pte, at the corner of Calle Rayón and Calle Hidalgo
      Col. Centro Monterrey, C.P. 64000

  • Step 6 : Attend appoinment at the Consulate for your visa interview (Not required for all applicants)

    Step 6 : Attend appoinment at the Consulate for your visa interview (Not required for all applicants)

    • Arrive on time for your interview.  Food, firearms, or any liquids including gel disinfectants are not permitted in the ASC. Electronic equipment is not permitted, this includes cellular telephones, cameras (photo or video), radios, and computers.

      The Consulate in Monterrey is located at:

      Ave. Constitución 411 Pte.
      Monterrey, Nuevo León. México 64000

      At the visa applicant entrance of the Consulate, please present the following items to the greeter:

      • The CEAC confirmation page with attached ACS barcode
      • Passport valid for the duration of your proposed stay in the U.S
      • Original Banamex or Scotiabank receipt for the $140.00 non-refundable application fee with applicant’s reference number (same as passport number). Duplicate copies of fee receipts will NOT be accepted.
      • For petition based applications:  DHS notices of approval, DS-2019, I-20, etc.
      • For children applying for the first time, birth certificates and parent’s visas
      • Any prior visas to the U.S

      At the interview window, the Consular Officer will need all of these documents and may ask to see additional supporting documentation.

      For more details on what other documents may be appropriate to bring, please visit the helpful supporting documents page.  Make sure to have your documentation organized and ready to present to the officer.

      Special Reminders:

      If you have a visa that was lost or stolen, be sure to bring the original police report. See Lost and Stolen Visas for more information.

      It is important to be honest during the interview; do not accept advice to mislead the Consular Officer.  Misleading, lying, and/or presenting false or altered documentation may result in permanent visa ineligibility.

  • Step 7 : Pick up your visa in DHL (if approved)

    Step 7 : Pick up your visa in DHL (if approved)

    • If no additional processing is needed, and your visa application is approved, you will receive your visa at the designated DHL office or at the address that you registered previously with DHL in Step 3. To change the delivery location, check the ASC website or call the telephone number you previous used in Step 3. There is no additional charge for this service.

      Approximate wait times are as follows:

      • Laser visa (credit card size) – 3 to 5 weeks
      • Laser visa (pasted in your passport – BBBCV) – 3 to 4 days
      • Other visa categories or if the visa is approved for a specific event – 3 to 4 days

      If you do not receive your visa or a notification from the Consulate within the delivery timeframe, please contact the Applicant Service Center.

      Remember: do not make travel plans until you receive your visa.

      Very Important

      • Note: It is very important that you fill out the new CEAC electronic questionaire correctly and completly. Not doing so may result in the delay of your visa processing or cancellation of your appointment.

      Important

      • 1. No one can influence the Consul's decision to approve or deny a visa nor can anyone guarantee that you will receive a visa.

        2. A computer record of previous visa applications and detentions by U.S. border authorities and other law enforcement Officers is available to all Consular Officers at the time of your visa application and to all U.S. Immigration Officers.  Attempts to conceal such records can lead to visa ineligibility and/or denial of admission to the United States.

        3. All applicants are interviewed by a Consular Officer. The interview is brief but detailed. If you intend to travel as a tourist, you should be able to explain how and when you plan to travel, where you plan to stay, and how you will pay for the trip.

Very Important

  • Note: It is very important that you fill out the new CEAC electronic questionaire correctly and completly. Not doing so may result in the delay of your visa processing or cancellation of your appointment.

Important

  • 1. No one can influence the Consul's decision to approve or deny a visa nor can anyone guarantee that you will receive a visa.

    2. A computer record of previous visa applications and detentions by U.S. border authorities and other law enforcement Officers is available to all Consular Officers at the time of your visa application and to all U.S. Immigration Officers.  Attempts to conceal such records can lead to visa ineligibility and/or denial of admission to the United States.

    3. All applicants are interviewed by a Consular Officer. The interview is brief but detailed. If you intend to travel as a tourist, you should be able to explain how and when you plan to travel, where you plan to stay, and how you will pay for the trip.