Visa appointments for the first time are suspended, but it is possible to start the process. Renewal appointments without an interview have already been resumed
Appointments to process the B1 / B2 tourist visa for the first time are suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, it is possible to fill out the DS-160 application and start with the first steps of the process that include payment.
The United States consular services in Mexico resumed visa renewal procedures without an interview on August 14, 2020.
This renewal procedure without an interview can be requested by those who have an expired visa; it is important that the document has less than 24 months of expiration.
In these cases, the applicant fills out his DS-160 form and presents himself at the CAS to update his photograph and reaffirm his biometric data, but he no longer has to visit the embassy or consulate facilities.
How much does it cost to process the tourist visa in 2021?
The Official Visa Appointment Service of the Department of State did not increase the fee for the B1 / B2 tourist visa application, so the cost remains at the equivalent of $ 160 dollars in the year 2021 .
Mexicans under the age of 15 have the option of paying a reduced visa application fee equivalent to US $ 16 , but must meet one of the following requirements:
* The parent or guardian is Mexican and applies for a B1 / B2 visa at the same time.
* The parent or guardian is Mexican and already has a 10-year valid visa.
The US authorities emphasize that if $ 16 dollars are paid for a minor's visa, “the visa will be valid for 10 years or will expire when the minor reaches 15 years of age, whichever comes first. If you decide to pay the full fee of US $ 160, the visa will be valid for 10 years from the date of issue. "
How to process the tourist visa in 2021?
You can fill out the DS-160 application and start the process, while you wait for the Applicant Service Centers (CAS) to reopen to give your biometric data and the consulates or embassy to go to the interview.
Here are the steps to process the tourist visa:
1) The DS-160 application filling is the first step to process if you the need American tourist visa B1 / B2. It is also the most important because it contains the information on which the consular officer will rely to decide whether to Approve or reject your visa.
The United States Embassy in Mexico emphasizes that the form is free to access. The visa application is paid after it is completed, when the appointment will be scheduled.
2) Once you have completed the DS-160, the system will generate a page for you to follow the visa process on the page of the Visa Appointment and Information System of the United States Department of State
When you are on the page, you will need to create an account with your email and password. Once done, you will receive an email notification that a new user has been created. Follow the flow of the page until you get the instructions to make the payment.
3) The cost of the B1 / B2 tourist visa application is the equivalent of $ 160 dollars . Use the format that your email arrived to make the corresponding payment.
4) When the system has detected the payment, you can schedule your appointments at the CAS and the embassy or consulate on the website. Remember to schedule your appointment at the CAS at least two days before the date you will go to the interview.
5) This step can be done until the day of your appointment. It attends the CAS, it is a Visa Applicant Service Center . Here they will take the necessary biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) so that the US authorities can verify your identity.
6) Go to your interview with the consular officer . On the day of your appointment, you must appear at the embassy or consulate that corresponds to you. You will only need to present the printed confirmation of the DS-160 form and your current Mexican passport .
However, it is recommended that you also print your appointment confirmation with instructions and proof of payment receipt.
Based on the interview, the consular officer will decide whether to approve or reject your visa application and will give instructions on when and where to pick it up.
7) There is no exact delivery date. Although on average they are 3 to 4 weeks after the interview with the consular officer.
When the Consular Section has the document ready and delivers it to the DHL courier service , the applicant will be notified by email and the shipping number will be provided to pick it up.