Traveling In The Us With A Mexican Tourist Visa

Mexican citizens can travel to the US with a tourist visa, but they must first apply for a B1/B2 visa. The B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant visa, which means that holders cannot stay in the US permanently and generally cannot work. To apply for a B1/B2 visa, Mexican citizens must schedule an interview appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate. They will need to bring their passport, visa application form, and supporting documents, such as proof of economic solvency. It is recommended that applicants carry a copy of their itineraries, travel reservations, or letter of invitation to present at the US port of entry.

What documents do I need to apply for a tourist visa to the US?

To apply for a tourist visa to the US, you will need to schedule an interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. During your appointment, you will be required to provide the following documents:

• A completed visa application form (DS-160)
• Your valid passport, with a minimum validity of six months from your date of travel
• One passport-sized photograph with a white background and visible facial traits (i.e. hair not covering the face)
• Proof of economic solvency:
• Bank statements from the last three months, with an average monthly balance of over 300 minimum daily wages in Mexico City
• Payment slips from the last three months, along with a letter from your employer stating that you have been working for the company for at least one year, and a monthly income of over 100 minimum daily wages in Mexico City
• If you are a student, proof of enrolment and a document proving that you have a steady job, a pension, or a scholarship, with a monthly income of over 60 minimum daily wages in Mexico City
• If you are invited by an organisation or institution in Mexico, an invitation letter for the event or activity, including details such as your name and nationality, the name of the organisation, the objective of the organisation, and the duration of the planned activities. This letter must also specify the organisation's commitment to covering your expenses while in Mexico, and include a copy of official ID with the signature and photograph of the person signing the letter.
• If you have been accepted to study a short course in Mexico, an acceptance letter from the institution, including details such as your full name and nationality, the level and study program, the name of the course, the estimated duration, and the cost of the course
• Proof of financial solvency to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses, such as bank statements with a monthly average income of 150 minimum daily wages in Mexico City over the last three months, or documents proving a steady job, pension, or scholarship with a monthly income of at least 100 minimum daily wages in Mexico City
• If you are under 25, financial solvency can be accredited by your parents, partner, or tutor, by presenting your birth certificate or marriage certificate

Please note that all documents must be presented in their original form, and any documents that are not in English or Spanish must be accompanied by a certified translation. Additionally, any official documents that are not issued by Mexican authorities or organisations need to be legalised or apostilled.

How long does it take to get a tourist visa?

Mexican citizens can apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa to the US. The approximate processing time for renewal cases is 8–10 weeks after the application is submitted to the Applicant Service Center. However, the processing time may vary depending on the specific circumstances and requirements of each case.

To begin the visa application process, applicants should visit the online appointment system to schedule an interview appointment. It is important to note that the physical presence of the applicant at the embassy is an absolute requirement.

• Schedule an interview appointment online.
• Gather the required documents, including a current passport, visa application form, photograph, and supporting documentation. The gathering of documents can take several weeks, especially if multiple institutions are involved.
• Attend the consular interview at the embassy, which may take place a few weeks after scheduling the appointment.
• Wait for the visa to be processed and issued. This typically takes around 8–10 weeks but can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the volume of applications being processed.
• Receive the visa and plan travel accordingly.

It is important to start the visa application process early, ideally at least six weeks ahead of the planned travel date, to account for any potential delays or unforeseen circumstances.

Additionally, applicants should be aware that submitting the minimum requirements for the visa application does not guarantee approval. Further information or documentation may be requested during the process, and the final decision on visa approval rests with the consular agent.

How much does a tourist visa cost?

The cost of a tourist visa depends on the country where the application is submitted. For example, the Mexican consulate in India charges $44 USD for a tourist visa. The Mexican embassy in Australia does not specify the cost of a tourist visa, but it does mention that the consular fees are updated every month and must be checked before the appointment. The Mexican visa application website also states that the tourist visa fee is $44 USD, payable in local currency. However, the visa fee may change depending on the type of visa and the country where the application is submitted. The website of the Mexican embassy where the application will be submitted should be checked for the exact procedure and fee.

In addition to the visa fee, applicants may also need to pay for a Tourist Card, which costs between $15 and $30.

Can I work in the US with a tourist visa?

Mexican citizens wishing to travel to the US for tourism can apply for a B1/B2 visa. This is a non-immigrant visa, which generally does not allow the holder to work in the US.

However, there are certain circumstances in which a person can work in the US with a non-immigrant visa. For example, if you are in the US in a lawful non-immigrant status that does not provide employment authorization, you may apply for a change of status to a non-immigrant classification that does provide employment authorization. Alternatively, you can apply for an adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident.

If you are in the US, including if you are an applicant for permanent residence, you may file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to request employment authorization and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

If you are outside the US and want to work there, you generally must apply for a visa from the US Department of State, unless a visa is not required for people from your country of nationality.

There are several categories of immigrant visas for permanent workers, which allow you to live and work in the US permanently. Each category is intended for different professions or skills. Some categories require you to have a job offer from a US employer before submitting your visa application. In some cases, the employer must file an application with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and obtain a labor certification from the Department of Labor.

Can I extend my tourist visa?

If you are a Mexican citizen and want to extend your tourist visa in the US, you can do so by following the outlined steps. Firstly, you must ensure that you were lawfully admitted to the US with a nonimmigrant visa, and your nonimmigrant visa status must still be valid. It is also crucial that you have not committed any crimes that would make you ineligible for a visa or violated the conditions of your admission. To be eligible for an extension, your passport must be valid and will remain valid for the duration of your extended stay.

The process of extending your stay typically involves filing a petition or application, depending on your nonimmigrant classification. You can do this on a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129) or an Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539). These forms provide detailed information about who may file each form. In some cases, you may also need to file supplemental information, such as Form I-539A or Form I-129CW. It is recommended that you apply to extend your stay at least 45 days before your authorised stay expires.

It is important to note that if you overstay your visa, you may face consequences such as being barred from returning to the US or being removed (deported) from the country. Therefore, it is crucial to check the expiration date of your authorised stay on your Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, and take the necessary steps to extend your stay within the recommended timeframe.

Frequently asked questions