Ask the Consul
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- Español
Ask the Consul is a weekly newspaper column published by the Consul General in which we answer common visa questions and concerns that we receive from the public.
If you would like to submit a question for Ask the Consul, please send us an email at MatamorosVisas@state.gov. Be sure to put "Ask the Consul" as the subject of your email. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
- June 15, 2012 - Hello from Reynosa! I’d like to apply for a visa at the U.S. Consulate General in Matamoros, but does that mean I have to first go to the ASC (Applicant Service Center) in Matamoros before going to the visa interview at the Consulate?
- May 18, 2012 - My husband and I live in Ciudad Victoria. He is from Central America but has legal residency in Mexico and is interested in obtaining a visa to go shopping in the U.S. Do legal residents of Mexico need a visa to travel to the U.S.?
- May 04, 2012 - Is it true that if my DS-160 application has an error on it my visa will be denied?
- April 27, 2012 - Someone approached me and said they could get me a seasonal work visa if I paid them $500. Is this how much a work visa costs?
- April 20, 2012 - I have a relative who is working in the US and his employer is not paying him what he promised. Is there anything he can do?
- April 13, 2012 - I have heard that travelers can use a SENTRI Card to enter the U.S. What is it? Is this a visa? How do I get one?
- March 30, 2012 - How long can I stay in the US on my laser visa?
- February 24, 2012 - I submitted my application in the “Interview Not Required” program but the Consulate called me and told me I need to have an interview. Does this mean my visa will be denied?
- February 17, 2012 - I have a family member who is in the hospital in the U.S., but I don’t have a visa. Is there any way I can travel to the US?
- February 11, 2012 - What documents should I bring to my visa interview if I plan to seek medical treatment in the United States?
- January 27, 2012 - They told me that my wife and I should renew our visas first before we renew our child’s visa. Is this true? Can we just make one appointment together?
- January 20, 2012 - I have a family emergency and need to travel to the U.S. immediately. What can I do?
- January 13, 2012 - My visa was stolen. What do I need to do to get a new one?
- December 24, 2011 - I am planning to attend university in California in January but I haven't applied for my visa. Is there still time? What do I need to do?
- December 17, 2011 - I want to request a waiver. Do I need an attorney?
- December 10, 2011 - They told me I am ineligible to receive a visa. What does this mean? What can I do?
- December 03, 2011 - I have questions about the process to apply for a visa. is there someone I can speak with?
- November 19, 2011 - I received my visa and it has an error. How can I correct it?
- November 05, 2011 - My visa is about to expire but I need to cross the border every day. Can I keep my old visa while my new one is being processed?
- October 22, 2011 - I had an interview and the officer told me my case needed administrative processing. What does this mean? Is there anything I need to do?
- October 15, 2011 - Is it difficult to apply for a visa on my own? Should I hire someone to help me?
- October 8, 2011 - What are the fees to apply for a visa? Will I pay more if I use an assesoria?
- October 1, 2011 - I submitted my application in the "Interview Not Required" program but the Consulate called me and told me I need to have an interview. Does this mean my visa will be denied?
- September 24, 2011 - I want to work in the United States to help my family. How can I do this legally?
- September 17, 2011 - What documents should I bring to my visa interview if I plan to seek medical treatment in the United States?
- September 3, 2011 - I have just moved to the border area a few months ago. Can I apply for a visa now or should I wait?
- August 27, 2011 - I am the legal guardian of a child, and I want to apply for a visa for him/her. What do I need to do?
- August 20, 2011 - I received my visa and it has an error. How can I correct it?
- August 13, 2011 - My visa is about to expire but I need to cross the border every day. Can I keep my old visa while my new one is being processed?
- August 6, 2011 - I am a homemaker. What do I need to bring to qualify for a laser visa?
- July 31, 2011 - The consular officer that interviewed me told me that I have to get a medical evaluation before my visa can be approved. Can I go to any doctor I choose?
- July 23, 2011 - Where can I find information about visas?
- July 16, 2011 - My visa was stolen. What do I need to do to get a new one?
- July 9, 2011 - How far in advance can I renew my laser visa? Is there a set time limit?
- July 2, 2011 - I had a problem with Inmigration officials in the United States a long time ago, but have since received a visa. They told me this wasn't a problem, is this true?
- Jun 25, 2011 - Can I use an asesoria consular to help me with my visa application?
- Jun 18, 2011 - Is it true that all visa applicants are required to have their photo and fingerprints taken? How does this process work?
- Jun 11, 2011 - Why does my child need to have an appointment at the Consulate General when my spouse and I don't? Can we apply together?
- Jun 4, 2011 - Can I work in the U.S. on a student visa?
- May 28, 2011 - Is it possible to live in the U.S. and study English?
- May 21, 2011 - I want to go to school in the U.S. Is it easier to get an F3 visa or an F1 visa?
- May 16, 2011 - I have been accepted to a school in the U.S. for the first time. What are the steps I need to take to apply for a student visa?
- May 7, 2011 - I have to renew my laser visa. Is it really easier and quicker with the new visa process?
- April 30, 2011 - I'm nervous about the new visa process. What can I do to make sure the process goes smoothly?