How to get Visa to travel from Mexico to US

Mexican travelers wanting to come to the U.S. must have a visa to enter. There is an application, documentation and interview process required before a visa is issued. Also, names are collected and cross-checked in a U.S. Government database. The process involved in obtaining a U.S. visa is designed to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens and visitors. Due to the extensive nature of the process, it may take several weeks to obtain a visa. Sufficient time should be allowed for the application process to complete before your visit.

How to Apply
Submit a new DS-160 Non-Immigrant Visa Electronic Application. To complete the form visit the U.S. Embassy website. After submitting the form, you will need to print out the confirmation page with a bar code to bring to your appointment. Next you will need to schedule your appointment to visit the visa center at the U.S. Consulate nearest to you.

Pay the Fee
You are required to pay an application fee paid in PESOS of $131US. Pay the fee at a BANAMEX branch before your appointment. Bring the receipt with you, as you will be required to present it during processing at your appointment.

Getting an Appointment
Make an appointment early to visit the Visa Section of your local Consulate to avoid delaying your trip. The Visa Section is not open on holidays and is much busier closer to holidays, so plan ahead. You can schedule your appointment on the Internet by visiting the US Embassy website. You may also see wait times for interviews on the site as well. Do not arrive at your appointment more than 30 minutes ahead of time, because you will not be able to enter the Visa Section.

Documentation
You must have your entire documentation ready before your visa interview. You will need to take the following to your appointment:

1. A passport valid for at least 6 months after your interview. Your passport should have a blank page available to attach a visa. If no pages are available, you must obtain a new passport before your interview.
2. Your voting card (IFE Card)
3. Visa application forms or the print out of the bar code from your electronic application. You can fill out an application the day of your appointment, but it will cause delay in your appointment time.
4. Additional documentation detailing your employment, reason for travel, and current financial status. These documents are to show you have the means and the intention to return to Mexico at the end of your visit to the U.S.

Emergency Visas
A limited number of emergency visas are allocated to those who fit into a certain criteria due to a medical emergency, a late breaking business matter or to appear in a U.S. court. Check with your local Consulate for details.

Delivery of Your Visa
Most visas will arrive at your house by a delivery service contracted by the U.S. Embassy. Be prepared to complete a form and pay for the delivery fee at the time of delivery.

Travel Insurance
To enter the U.S., travel insurance isn’t required, but is highly advised. Don’t forget to get a travel insurance policy before your trip. Protect yourself while out of your home country.