U.S. Visa Requirements for Mexican Citizens

Created: Feb 14, 2024 | Updated: Feb 16, 2024

As a Mexican citizen, getting a U.S. visa can be a significant step for you if you want to explore new opportunities, reunite with your family, or even get a new education in the United States. America’s visa environment is a tricky one. Understanding the web of visa requirements, documentation, and application processes can be a lot, yet it is important if you wish to have a smooth visa application experience. In this post, we guide you through the web of the U.S. visas and how you can get one as a Mexican national. We also explain the part that certified translations have to play in your journey to getting a U.S. visa.

Types of U.S. Visas for Mexican Citizens

There are about 185 different types of American visas. As a Mexican citizen travelling to the United States, you can apply for any of the various types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit, like tourism, business, living, work, study, or medical intervention. The U.S. visas are typically divided into two categories. Let’s take a look at some common types of visas under these categories that the United States of America offers:

The Nonimmigrant Visas

Nonimmigrant visas are temporary visas that will be issued to you if you wish to enter the United States for a specific purpose and for a limited time. These visas cover a wide range of activities, such as tourism, business, study, temporary work, and more. Some common types of U.S. nonimmigrant visas include

Visitor Visas (B1/B2): These visas are used for temporary visits for business (B1) or tourism (B2).
Student Visas (F and M visas): These visas are for you if you wish to study at an accredited U.S. institution. F visas are for academic studies, while M visas are for vocational or non-academic programs.
Exchange Visitor Visas (J and Q visas): You will be issued this visa if you are a participant in an approved exchange program. It includes students, scholars, professors, research assistants, and others participating in cultural exchange programs.
Temporary Work Visas (H visas): This U.S. work visa will be issued to you if you wish to work in the United States and have a specific job offer from a U.S. employer. The most common types include H-1B visas for speciality occupations, H-2A visas for agricultural workers, and H-2B visas for non-agricultural workers.
Investor Visas (E visas): You will need an investor visa if you are investing a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business. The most common types of American investor visas include E-1 visas for treaty traders and E-2 visas for treaty investors.
Intra-company Transfer Visas (L visas): If you are an employee of a multinational company and you are being transferred to a U.S. office, subsidiary, or affiliate, you will need this visa.
Fiancé(e) Visas (K visas): If you are engaged to be married to a U.S. citizen and wish to enter the United States to marry and reside permanently, you will need a K visa.
Athlete, Artist, and Entertainer Visas (P visas): As an athlete, artist, or entertainer who wishes to perform or compete in the United States, you will need a P visa.
Diplomatic and Official Visas (A and G visas): You will need these visas if you are a diplomat, government official, or an employee of an international organization travelling to the United States on official business.
Border Crossing Card: The Border Crossing Card (BCC) is a travel document issued by the U.S. government to Mexican citizens to enter the United States for a temporary visit. It is specifically designed for short trips, typically for tourism or business purposes, and allows the holder to enter the U.S. by land, air or sea from Mexico or Canada. It is a laminated card that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) use to confirm your identity and citizenship. It usually expires ten years after issuance and you can apply for one at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Mexico.

The Immigrant Visas

U.S. immigrant visas, also known as permanent visas, will be granted to you if you intend to live permanently in the United States. As a Mexican immigrant, these visas allow you to become a lawful permanent resident (a green card holder). Common types of U.S. immigrant visas include:

Family-Based Immigrant Visas (F visas): If you have close family members who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, the family-based immigrant visas are for you. There are several visa categories within family-based immigration such as the immediate relatives visas for your close family relationships with a U.S. citizen and the family preference visas for certain distant, family relationships with a U.S. citizen and some specified relationships with a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the United States.
Employment-Based Immigrant Visas (EB visas): The employment-based Immigrant visas will be issued to you if you have a job offer from a U.S. employer and you meet certain criteria based on your skills, education, or professional background. There are five categories within employment-based immigration, which include; priority workers (EB-1), professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability (EB-2), skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers (EB-3), certain special immigrants (EB-4), and immigrant investors (EB-5).
Diversity Immigrant Visas (DV visas): This is also known as the Green Card Lottery. They are allocated through a random selection process to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. The Diversity Visa Program aims to diversify the immigrant population in the United States and is only available for a while each year.
Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs): The special immigrant visas will be issued to you if you worked with the U.S. Armed Forces or under the Chief of Mission authority as a translator or interpreter in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Returning Resident Visas (SB-1 visas): If you were a lawful permanent resident and you lost your permanent residence status because you left the U.S. for an extended period, you need a returning resident visa. SB-1 visas will allow you to return to the United States as a permanent resident if you are eligible.

All immigrant visa applications in Mexico are processed at the Immigrant Visa Unit of the U.S. Consulate General, Ciudad Juarez:

U.S. Consulate General

Paseo de la Victoria #3650

Fracc. Partido Senecu

Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico C.P. 32543

For immigrant visa interviews, you are to follow the instructions to log in and to schedule an appointment at any of the Applicant Service Centers (ASCs) in Mexico. You are to appear in person at the ASC before the consular appointment date.

All K-1 visa applications (and other non-immigrant visas) are currently processed at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City:

U.S. Embassy Mexico City

Paseo de la Reforma 305

Colonia Cuauhtemoc 06500

Mexico City, Mexico

How to Choose the Right United States Visa as a Mexican

Considering the long and possibly confusing list of visas to choose from, you may be wondering how to sift through all of them and choose what you need. Let’s help you out:

Determine Your Purpose

You need to first define the reason for your visit to the United States. Are you going on vacation? Are you planning to work? Or are you planning to settle in the United States? How long do you plan to stay? This will determine the type of visa you need. After you have determined why you are going to the U.S., you should visit the U.S. Department of State website and do some research on the various U.S. visa types that are available for your situation.

Check the Requirements and see if you are Eligible

When you have understood the types of visas available to you, review the eligibility criteria for the visa that suits your purpose. Eligibility can include factors like your nationality, family relationships, employment status, and available documentation.

The official website of the U.S. Department of State is a valuable resource for any U.S. visa information. It provides detailed information about each visa category. Each visa has requirements and restrictions and the U.S. Department of State’s website has a platform called the Visa Wizard that is designed to help you go through these requirements and choose the visa you need.

How to use the Visa Wizard

Log on to the online visa wizard platform.
Select the country your passport was issued in and the purpose for your visit to the United States and then click “FIND A VISA”.
Select any further specifics concerning the purpose of your visit if required.
The system will tell you what kind of visa you will need for your trip. Sometimes, you will receive more than one option. Click on the “LEARN MORE” button next to the visa suggestion. You will be taken to a webpage with all the U.S. visa information you need such as the legal requirements, the needed documentation and the application process.

Consider the Legal Obligations

While checking the information concerning your visa, make sure you review the legal obligations associated with that visa, such as restrictions on employment, eligibility for extension or change of status, and the requirements for maintaining lawful status in the United States. Consider whether or not you will be able to abide by those obligations before you put in an application.

Consider the U.S. Visa Application Requirements

Every visa category demands certain documents. Understand the documentation and application requirements for your visa category.

General U.S. Visa Requirements for Mexican Citizens

Your immigrant or nonimmigrant visa confirmation page from the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website, such as:

Nonimmigrant Visa Application Forms

- DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form.

- DS-156E: Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader / Investor Application form.

Immigrant Visa Application Forms

- DS-117: Application form to Determine Returning Resident Status,

- DS-260: Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application form.

- DS-261: Choice of Address and Agent application form.

- DS-234: Special Immigrant Visa Biodata form.

- DS-1884: Petition to Classify Special Immigrant Under INA 203(b)(4) as an Employee or Former Employee of the U.S. Government Abroad.

A valid international passport.
Proof of payment for your U.S visa application.
Passport-sized photographs.
Your visa appointment confirmation.
Information about your social media.
Your previous U.S. visas (if applicable).
An invitation letter.
Your travel itinerary.
Sponsorship documents (if applicable).
Job offer letter (for work visas).
Your CV (for work visas).
Letters of attestation from previous employers (for work visas).
Proof of professional degrees (for work visas).
Family documents.
Medical documents.
Police certificates and Court records.
SEVIS fee receipt.
Form I-797.
Proof of ties to Mexico and intent to return (for temporary visas) such as documents of property you own in Mexico.

Mexican Visa Supporting Documents

You will be required to submit civil documents in specific formats when applying for an immigrant visa. Documents such as birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates must be issued by the appropriate Mexican government authority to be considered valid. Documents like a baptismal certificate that was issued by a religious authority will not be accepted by either the Mexican or U.S. governments as an official immigration document.

Only documents issued by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), such as Mexican passports, Identity and travel documents (Documento de Identidad y Viaje) are considered acceptable for U.S. visa issuance. You can get certified copies of most civil and travel documents in Mexico at the Civil Registry Office.

U.S. Visa Application Fees

Each visa category comes with a different fee. You can find out more information about fees you need to pay concerning your specific category from the Visa Wizard. These are some common U.S visa fees you should expect to pay:

The Nonimmigrant Visa (DS-160) Fees: The standard nonimmigrant visa application fee, also known as the MRV fee, is $185 for most visa categories. This fee applies to visa types such as tourist visas (B1/B2), student visas (F and M), exchange visitor visas (J), and temporary worker visas (H).
Petition-Based Visa (H, L, O, P, Q, R) Fee: Some visa categories require a petition to be filed by the U.S. petitioner before the applicant can apply for the visa. The petition-based visa application fee varies depending on the visa category. For example, the application fee for petition-based nonimmigrant visas for temporary workers under, L, O, P, Q, and R categories is $205, the H-1B visa petition fee is $460, while the L-1 visa petition fee is $805 for companies with fewer than 50 employees.
Treaty Investor E-1, E-2 & E-3 Visa Fee: If you are seeking treaty trades, treaty investments, or if you are applying for speciality occupation visas in the E category, you will be required to pay a fee of $315.
The Fiancé(e) Visa Fee: The cost of applying for a K visa for fiancé(e) or spouse of a U.S. citizen is $265.
Biometric Services Fee: In addition to the visa application fees, you will need to pay a biometric services fee of $85, which covers the cost of fingerprinting and biometric data collection.

Note that, as high as these fees may seem, they will not be refunded if you decide to cancel your appointment or if your visa application is rejected. You may also need to pay extra visa issuance fees, such as fraud prevention and detection fees, depending on your situation. Keep your receipts and proofs handy because you will need all of them for your visa applications.

Steps to Mexican Immigrant Approval

While applying for your visa, you must select a DHL courier office location where you would like to receive your approved visa. If your visa is approved, you will not receive a letter or any document at the interview. You will only receive your visa packet at your selected DHL courier office after it has been processed. Once your visa has been approved, you can then enter the United States through any U.S. Port of Entry. However, if you have a medical “Class B TB” annotation on your visa, you will receive specific instructions with your visa. For example, if you intend to go through the El Paso Port of Entry, you must enter through the Cordova Bridge.

U.S. Visa Processing Times

VISA TYPE	PROCESSING TIME
E-1 visa	2 to 4 weeks
E-2 visa	4 to 6 weeks
E-3 visa	2 months
F-1 visa	immediately after your interview
F-2 visa	A few days to 2 weeks
J-1 visa	1 to 4 months
Q-1 visa	15 days to 3 months
M-1 visa	At least 4 weeks
B-1 visa	A few weeks to 2 months
B-2 visa	A few weeks to 2 months
H-1B visa	3 to 6 months
H-1B1 visa	4 to 6 months
H-2A visa	Processing time varies
H-3 visa	4 to 6 weeks
H-4 visa	Processing time varies
L-1 visa	3 to 4 months
L-2 visa	15 days to 1 month
K-1 visa	A few months
R-1 visa	8 to 9 months
P-1 visa	3 to 6 months
I visa	10 days
O visa	2 to 3 months
C visa	5 working days
T visa	Processing time varies
U visa	12 to 18 months

The Importance of Certified Translations in the Visa Application Process

America is an English-speaking country and as such, every document in Spanish that you will be taking from Mexico to the United States will need a Spanish translation service to be accurately translated to English. Here’s why:

It helps to ensure clear communication.
It ensures legal and regulatory compliance.
It speeds up the immigration process.
It helps to protect your rights and interests.

Types of Documents that Require Certified Translations

Several types of documents usually need certified translations, especially in the context of visa applications. Some common examples of such documents include:

Personal Identification Documents: This includes passports, national identification cards, birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and driver's licenses.
Educational Documents: Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, certificates, and academic records from schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions.
Legal Documents: Contracts, agreements, affidavits, powers of attorney, wills, court judgments, and legal correspondence.
Financial Documents: Bank statements, tax documents, financial reports, business licenses, and investment records.
Medical Records: Medical reports, vaccination records, prescriptions, and health insurance documents.
Employment Documents: Employment contracts, letters of recommendation, resumes, and professional certifications.
Immigration Documents: Visa applications, immigration forms, residence permits, and documents required for citizenship applications.
Business Documents: Corporate bylaws, articles of incorporation, financial statements, and business licenses.

How to Select a Certified Translation Service for Spanish to English Translations

Research and Compile a List: Start by researching different certified translation service providers in your area or online. Make a list of the best options based on their reputation, experience, and customer reviews.
Check Their Credentials and Qualifications and Experience: Verify the credentials and qualifications of the translation service providers and make sure they meet the USCIS requirements. Ensure that they have certified translators who are proficient in both Spanish and English and can deliver proper Spanish-to-English translations. Also, look out for the experience and specializations of the translation service providers. Look for providers who have experience handling documents similar to yours, whether they are legal, medical, technical, academic, or business-related.
Review Samples and Portfolios: Request samples or portfolios of previous work from the translation service providers. This will allow you to assess the quality of their translations and determine if they meet your standards and requirements.
Find out their Mode of Certification: Ask about the certification process they use and ensure that their certified translations are in line with the requirements of the United States.
Consider Turnaround Time and Pricing: Inquire about the turnaround time for completing the certified translations and get a quote for the service.
Verify Customer Support and Communication: Assess the level of customer support and communication they provide and ensure that they are responsive to your inquiries, provide clear information about the translation process, and offer assistance throughout the project.
Ask About Confidentiality: Ensure that the translation service providers have robust confidentiality measures in place to protect your sensitive information and documents.

If you need a certified translation service that meets all of the above criteria and beyond, Translayte has you covered. At Translayte, we understand how important accurate and professional translation is for your U.S. visa application. Our certified translators are dedicated to providing you with high-quality translations that meet the strict requirements of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Mexico-U.S. Immigration Updates

Supreme Court Sides With Biden Administration Over Texas Border Razor Wire

The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of the Biden administration to allow U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to remove razor wire fences installed by Texas officials along the U.S.-Mexico border. This means that Mexicans can continue to freely move to the United States.

USCIS Fees To Increase In April 2024

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is implementing an increase in fees for various immigration applications. This is the first major fee adjustment since 2016. The new prices are expected to take effect on April 1, 2024.

Mexican Migrants use the CBP One app 64 million times to request entry into U.S.

According to internal federal government documents obtained by CBS News, over 64.3 million requests to enter the U.S. have been made by migrants in Mexico through a smartphone app. This app, which the Biden administration has sought to establish as the primary access point to the American asylum system at the southern border, has garnered significant usage.

FAQs

How Much Bank Balance is Required for a U.S. Tourist Visa?

For a U.S. tourist visa, you should have a minimum balance of $6,000, minus the costs of flight tickets and travel insurance. Having a balance above $10,000 is good.

Can I use a Mexican Passport to Travel in the U.S.?

Yes, as a Mexican citizen, you can use your Mexican passport to travel to the United States for short stays under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or with a valid visa, depending on your purpose of visit. Under the VWP, you can enter the U.S. for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa, but you need to apply for authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before your trip.

How Long Does it Take to Get a U.S. Visa?

A U.S. visa takes about 21 working days to process. It takes another two to three days for your passport to be returned to you. Because of the uncertainty of the processing time, you shouldn't make any of your travel plans until you have received both your visa and your passport.

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