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 preparation, and strategies to improve your chances. With an 86% approval rate for Mexican applicants and interview wait times exceeding 300 days, early preparation 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 six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States
Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application form
Recent passport-style photograph meeting US visa requirements
Pay the $185 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee
Schedule and attend visa interview at US Embassy or Consulate
Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses
Documentation proving your employment status and income
Evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to Mexico
Recommended (Optional)
Details of your planned activities in the United States
Documents from your US-based sponsor if applicable
Application Process
The US B1/B2 visa requires an in-person interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in Mexico.1 Due to high demand, interview wait times currently exceed 300 days, making early preparation essential.3
1. Complete DS-160 Online Application
Fill out the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov.6 This comprehensive form requires information about your travel plans, employment history, education, family, and previous travel. Upload a compliant digital photograph meeting US specifications.1 You must submit the DS-160 at least two business days before your interview.3
2. Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee online or at designated bank branches in Mexico.2 Mexican minors under 15 applying under specific conditions may pay a reduced fee of $15.2 Keep your payment receipt as you will need the receipt number to schedule your interview. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome and takes up to 2 business days to register in the system.2
3. Schedule Interview Appointment
After paying the fee, schedule your interview through the US visa appointment website.3 Interviews are conducted at the US Embassy in Mexico City and Consulates in Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Matamoros, Merida, Monterrey, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo, and Tijuana.3 Wait times vary by location.
4. Attend Visa Interview
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, appointment letter, fee receipt, and supporting documents.1 The interview typically lasts 2-5 minutes. Your fingerprints will be collected electronically.3
5. Receive Decision
Most applicants receive a decision immediately after the interview.3 If approved, your passport with the visa will be returned within 1-2 weeks via courier delivery or pickup.
Fees
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MRV Fee (B1/B2) | $185 | Non-refundable application fee |
| Reduced Fee (Minors) | $15 | For Mexican minors under 15 under specific conditions |
The MRV fee payment is valid for 365 days from the date of payment.2 If you do not schedule and attend your interview within this period, you will need to pay again.
What You Need to Prove
Under Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, all visa applicants are presumed to have immigrant intent.5 You must overcome this presumption by demonstrating:
- Strong ties to Mexico that would compel you to return after your visit5
- Sufficient financial resources to cover all expenses without working in the US1
- Clear purpose of travel with a realistic itinerary1
- Intent to depart at the end of your authorized stay5
The burden of proof is entirely on the applicant. The consular officer must be convinced you will return to Mexico.5
Processing Times
Interview wait times are currently among the longest in Mexico’s history due to high demand and post-pandemic backlogs.3
Current approximate wait times at Mexican consulates:
| Location | B1/B2 Wait Time | Interview Waiver |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico City | ~350 days | ~266 days |
| Ciudad Juarez | ~326 days | ~211 days |
| Guadalajara | ~300 days | ~200 days |
| Monterrey | ~320 days | ~220 days |
Mexican citizens who previously held a US visa that expired within the last 48 months may qualify for an interview waiver, which significantly reduces processing time.3
Once you complete your interview, decisions are typically issued the same day.3 Approved visas are placed in passports and returned within 1-2 weeks.
Border Crossing Card Option
Mexican citizens have an alternative to the standard B1/B2 visa: the Border Crossing Card (BCC), also known as the “laser visa.”7 This card:
- Functions as both a B1/B2 visa and a border crossing document
- Allows travel within 25 miles of the US-Mexico border for up to 30 days
- Is valid for 10 years (or until age 15 for minors)
- Requires the same application process as a regular B1/B2 visa
For travel beyond 25 miles from the border or stays longer than 30 days, you must obtain an I-94 form at the port of entry.
After Your Visa is Approved
Your B1/B2 visa will be stamped in your passport. Mexican citizens typically receive visas valid for up to 10 years with multiple entries. However, visa validity does not determine how long you can stay.
At the US port of entry, the Customs and Border Protection officer will:
- Review your passport and visa
- Ask about your trip purpose and plans
- Determine your authorized period of stay (typically up to 6 months)
- Stamp your passport with the admission date and status
Keep your I-94 arrival record (available online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov) as proof of legal entry and authorized stay period.
If Your Visa is Refused
The most common refusal is under Section 214(b), meaning the officer was not convinced you have sufficient ties to Mexico or that you intend to return.5 This is not a permanent ban.
If refused, you can:
- Reapply with stronger documentation addressing the concerns
- Wait for changed circumstances such as new employment, property ownership, or marriage
- Consult an immigration attorney for complex situations
Each new application requires paying the fee again and scheduling a fresh interview.5 Previous refusals remain on your record but do not automatically result in future denials if your circumstances have improved.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Ties to Home Country
Failed to demonstrate strong connections to Mexico such as stable employment, property ownership, family obligations, or ongoing business commitments that would compel return after the visit.
How to avoid: Provide employment letter showing 2+ years tenure, property documents (escrituras), evidence of dependent family members, business ownership proof, or investment portfolios. Young and single applicants should emphasize career trajectory and financial commitments.
Inadequate Financial Documentation
Bank statements do not show sufficient funds, lack consistent income patterns, or contain suspicious activity such as large unexplained deposits before the application.
How to avoid: Show 6 months of bank statements with regular salary credits. Include savings accounts, tax returns, and ensure total funds significantly exceed estimated trip costs. Avoid sudden large deposits.
Poor Interview Performance
Inconsistent answers, appearing nervous or evasive, providing vague responses about trip purpose, or contradicting information in the DS-160 form.
How to avoid: Practice common interview questions. Keep answers brief and confident. Know your travel dates, itinerary, and who is funding the trip. Never lie or provide false information.
Previous Visa Violations
History of overstaying visas, visa refusals, or immigration violations in the US or other countries raises serious concerns about future compliance.
How to avoid: Be honest about past issues. Provide explanation letters describing changed circumstances. Include evidence of stable life situation since the violation. Consult an immigration attorney for complex cases.
Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation
Missing required documents, information that contradicts the DS-160 application, or documents that appear altered or fraudulent.
How to avoid: Review your DS-160 answers before the interview. Bring original documents with copies. Ensure all dates, names, and figures are consistent across all materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?
The maximum stay is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer at your port of entry, typically up to 6 months. Your visa validity and permitted stay are different. A 10-year visa does not mean you can stay 10 years.
Can I work on a US tourist visa?
No, the B1/B2 visa does not permit any form of paid employment in the United States. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and future visa ineligibility.
How long does the US visa process take from Mexico?
Interview wait times currently exceed 300 days for B1/B2 visas at most consulates in Mexico. Once you attend your interview, decisions are typically issued the same day. Passport return takes 1-2 weeks.
What is the US tourist visa fee for Mexicans in 2025?
The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee for B1/B2 visas is $185 USD. Mexican minors under 15 may qualify for a reduced fee of $15 under specific conditions. Fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
Do I need to book flights before the visa interview?
No, do not book non-refundable travel until your visa is approved. Having tentative travel plans is helpful for the interview, but confirmed bookings are not required.
What happens if my visa is refused under Section 214(b)?
Section 214(b) means you did not demonstrate sufficient ties to Mexico or the consular officer was not convinced you would return. You can reapply with stronger evidence, but must pay the fee again and schedule a new interview.
What is the approval rate for US visas from Mexico?
The approval rate for B1/B2 visas from Mexico is approximately 86% based on FY2024 data. The 14% refusal rate is primarily due to applicants failing to demonstrate strong ties to Mexico under Section 214(b).
Can I renew my US visa without an interview?
Mexican citizens who have previously been issued a US visa and are applying to renew the same visa category within 48 months of expiration may qualify for an interview waiver. Processing through dropbox is significantly faster.
How long is the US B1/B2 visa valid for Mexicans?
Mexican citizens are typically issued B1/B2 visas valid for up to 10 years with multiple entries. However, visa validity and permitted stay duration are different. Each visit is limited to the stay period granted at entry.
What is the Border Crossing Card (BCC)?
The BCC (also known as the 'laser visa') is a special B1/B2 visa issued to Mexican citizens that serves as both a visa and a border crossing document. It allows travel within 25 miles of the border for up to 30 days without additional documentation.
What questions are asked in the US visa interview?
Common questions include: purpose of trip, travel dates, who is funding the trip, employment details, previous travel history, family ties in Mexico, and connections to the US. Keep answers brief and honest.
Can I apply at any US consulate in Mexico?
Yes, you can apply at any US consulate in Mexico regardless of where you live. Some applicants choose consulates with shorter wait times. Available locations include Mexico City, Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and others.