BajaNomad - Visa to enter USA

Visa to enter USA

ehall - 9-23-2015 at 01:34 AM

I have a Mexican friend that wants to visit the USA. Anyone have any experience with the visa process? How long does it take? How much does it cost? etc.
She is a recent college graduate and has no criminal record.

Bob and Susan - 9-23-2015 at 05:04 AM

they need a passport

then 3 days in tj

first day figerprints and photos at the ASC
second day at the embassy for the interview
third day pick up the visa in the Mexican passport in the afternoon

then at the border or airport you need an I94 form if they travel 25 miles north of the border...its god for 6 months
the visa is good for 10 years

the Mexican passport is $2400pesos (10years)
the VISA application is $160
you don't get the money back if you are denied

the application is online
one wrong answer and you are denied the visa

Mula - 9-23-2015 at 06:45 AM

Do you need appointments?

SlyOnce - 9-23-2015 at 08:39 AM

the application process is on line, you have to make 2 appointments, one is at a processing center in Otay (on the TJ side) they only check your papers, the other is at the US Consulate on the TJ side, you can only make these appointments on line.

Make sure to apply for the BCC (B1/B2) visa. This Border Crossing Card has unlimited crossings and unlimited overnight stays within 25 miles of the border. It is a simple and $US 5 process to stop right at the border crossing and get your I-94 permit if going beyond 25 miles, this is a regular, 6 month, tourist visa ONCE YOU HAVE YOUR BCC.

Besides the money and appointments it is vital to understand that the applicant must prove clear financial and family ties to Mexico. My novia took all of her records including proof of employment, bank records, proof of residence, even her school records. She's a college grad and works for the MX Government.

She got her visa in about 2 weeks total, she was a nervous wreck for the Consulate appointment.

She now has SENTRI as well.

[Edited on 9-23-2015 by SlyOnce]

SFandH - 9-23-2015 at 08:45 AM

Good for her!

"it is vital to understand that the applicant must prove clear financial and family ties to Mexico."

I understand this is the key to getting a B1/B2 visa. The applicant needs to convince the American official s/he will not stay in the US.

[Edited on 9-23-2015 by SFandH]

Bob and Susan - 9-23-2015 at 01:53 PM

to get a Mexican passport it takes one day
appointment necessary

to get the usa visa it takes 3days

ehall - 9-23-2015 at 02:29 PM

Wow. And we complain when we have to spend 15 minutes and 20 bucks on an fmm. Thanks everyone.

mtgoat666 - 9-23-2015 at 02:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by ehall

Wow. And we complain when we have to spend 15 minutes and 20 bucks on an fmm. Thanks everyone.

Bob and Susan - 9-23-2015 at 05:01 PM

for a usa visa NO educaton is needed
you must show ties to the community...(have a job)
maybe the wife have a job...
maybe own a house
no bank account is necessary

the I-94 cost is $6usa and good for 6 months

you can return it by mail if you forget to turn it in at the border when you return...or use it for multiple visits

ehall - 9-23-2015 at 05:13 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by ehall

Wow. And we complain when we have to spend 15 minutes and 20 bucks on an fmm. Thanks everyone.

Well, americans like to complain about everything. And some like to complain more than others!

Our founding fathers thought complaining to be so important they made it the first amendment to our constitution!

Whine on!

I would like to think the founding fathers had more noble pursuits in mind than protecting whining when they drafted the first amendment but it is what it is.

rts551 - 9-23-2015 at 06:08 PM

I know many that were denied even though they had employment. Seems a key besides employment is strong family ties, like marriage.

It used to be easy for students to get a visa. Not any more.

[Edited on 9-24-2015 by rts551]

SFandH - 9-23-2015 at 06:11 PM

Owning a home in Mexico is a big positive.

ehall - 9-23-2015 at 06:24 PM

Sounds like she will just have to look at pictures for now.

Bob and Susan - 9-23-2015 at 06:28 PM

you never know until you try...never give up

can't you assist this friend