United States Tourist Visa
B1/B2 Visitor Visa · For Mexico citizens
Planning a trip to the United States as a Mexican citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the B1/B2 visitor visa application: required documents, current fees of $185, interview wait times, and strategies to improve your chances. With current wait times of 300+ days for interview appointments, early planning is essential.
US Tourist Visa for Mexican Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Mexico citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the US
Complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Recent photograph meeting specific US visa requirements
Proof of sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses
Documentation proving your employment status and ties to Mexico
Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Mexico
In-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate in Mexico
Recommended (Optional)
Details of your intended trip to the United States
Application Process
The US B1/B2 visa application involves several steps and requires an in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.1
1. Complete DS-160 Form
Fill out the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application at ceac.state.gov.4 You will need your passport, travel plans, employment information, and a digital photo. Print the confirmation page with the barcode.
2. Pay Application Fee
Pay the $185 visa application fee through the official payment system.2 Keep your receipt as you will need it to schedule your interview. The fee is non-refundable.
3. Schedule Interview Appointment
Create an account at ais.usvisa-info.com and schedule your interview.2 Current wait times range from 300-350 days depending on location. You can schedule at:
- US Embassy in Mexico City
- Consulates in Ciudad Juárez, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Matamoros, Mérida, Monterrey, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo, or Tijuana
4. Attend Interview
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment confirmation, and all supporting documents.1 The officer will take your fingerprints and ask about your travel plans and ties to Mexico. Most decisions are made the same day.
5. Receive Your Passport
If approved, your passport with the visa will be returned via courier or available for pickup within a few days.1 The visa may be valid for up to 10 years for multiple entries.
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Visa Application Fee | $185 USD |
| Reduced Fee (Children under 15 with parent applying) | $15 USD |
The application fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.2 There are no priority processing options for B1/B2 visas.
What You Need to Prove
The burden is on you to demonstrate that you qualify for the visa. Consular officers look for:5
- Temporary intent: You plan to return to Mexico after your visit
- Strong ties: Employment, property, family, or other reasons to return home
- Sufficient funds: Money to cover your trip expenses
- Clear purpose: A legitimate and specific reason for visiting the US
Interview Wait Times
Current wait times for B1/B2 visa interviews at US consulates in Mexico:3
| Location | Wait Time |
|---|---|
| Mexico City | ~350 days |
| Ciudad Juárez | ~326 days |
| Guadalajara | ~250 days |
| Monterrey | ~280 days |
| Other Consulates | 200-350 days |
Wait times change frequently. Check the official State Department website for current estimates.3
After Your Visa is Approved
Your visa allows you to travel to a US port of entry, but admission is not guaranteed. At the border:
- The CBP officer determines your allowed length of stay
- You will receive an I-94 record (electronic) showing your admission date and authorized stay
- Typical tourist stays are granted for up to 6 months
- Keep your I-94 accessible online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov
If Your Visa is Refused
Most refusals are under Section 214(b), meaning the officer was not convinced of your ties to Mexico. You can:
- Reapply immediately with stronger evidence of ties to Mexico
- Wait for changed circumstances such as a new job, property purchase, or marriage
- Review your interview to understand what concerns the officer had
There is no formal appeal process for 214(b) denials. Each application is considered fresh, so improved documentation can lead to approval on a subsequent attempt.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Ties to Mexico
The consular officer was not convinced you have strong enough reasons to return to Mexico after your visit. This is the most common reason for B1/B2 denials.
How to avoid: Document your ties thoroughly: stable employment, property ownership, family obligations, and business interests. The more reasons you have to return, the better.
Weak Financial Evidence
Unable to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover the trip or suspicious financial patterns such as sudden large deposits.
How to avoid: Show 3-6 months of bank statements with consistent income. Explain any large deposits. Your funds should clearly cover all travel expenses.
Inconsistent or Unclear Travel Purpose
Vague or changing answers about why you want to visit the US, or a travel plan that does not match your profile.
How to avoid: Have a clear, specific, and honest reason for your visit. Be consistent in your application and interview. Generic answers raise red flags.
Poor Interview Performance
Nervous behavior, inconsistent answers, or inability to explain your situation clearly during the interview.
How to avoid: Practice answering common questions confidently. Be honest and concise. Bring organized documents you can reference if needed.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of overstaying previous US visas or violations in other countries.
How to avoid: Be honest about any past issues. Explain what has changed in your circumstances. Attempting to hide violations usually results in denial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Mexican citizens need a visa for the United States?
Yes, Mexican citizens require a B1/B2 visitor visa to enter the United States for tourism or business. Mexico is not part of the Visa Waiver Program.
How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?
The B1/B2 visa itself can be valid for up to 10 years, but each visit is limited. The immigration officer at entry determines your allowed stay, typically up to 6 months. Check your I-94 record for your specific authorized stay.
How long is the wait for a US visa interview in Mexico?
Current wait times for B1/B2 visa interviews in Mexico range from 300 to 350 days depending on the consulate. Mexico City and Ciudad Juárez are the busiest locations. Plan well in advance.
What is the US tourist visa fee for Mexicans in 2025?
The B1/B2 visa application fee is $185 USD. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your visa is approved. Mexican minors under 15 may qualify for a reduced $15 fee under certain conditions.
Can I renew my US visa without an interview?
Interview waivers have been significantly restricted since September 2025. Most applicants now require in-person interviews. Limited exceptions exist for renewals within 12 months of visa expiration.
What is the approval rate for US visas from Mexico?
The approval rate for B1/B2 visas from Mexico is approximately 72%. Strong ties to Mexico and clear travel purpose significantly improve your chances.
Can I work on a US tourist visa?
No, the B1/B2 visa strictly prohibits any form of employment, including remote work for US companies. Business visitors (B1) may attend meetings and conferences but cannot perform productive work.
What happens if my visa is denied?
A visa denial under Section 214(b) means the officer was not convinced you would return to Mexico. You can reapply immediately with stronger evidence of ties to your home country. There is no appeal process.