December 9, 2010
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has announced that starting January 1, 2011 the procedures for visa processing at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico will change. Applicants will go to Applicant Service Centers (ASCs) before attending their interview at the Consulate. The ASCs will be located in buildings separate from the Embassy and Consulates. At the ASC, biometrics will be taken and this information will be reviewed prior to the consular interview. Under the new visa processing system, applicants will pay only one fee that will cover the appointment, application and courier fee (as opposed to the current system which requires payment of three separate fees).
In addition, under the new Interview Waiver Program (IWP) most Mexican citizen (applying with Mexican passport) applicants renewing their visas will not require a consular interview. They will simply visit an ASC to provide fingerprints and application documents, and will qualify for an Interview Waiver. The requirements for qualifying for the IWP are:
- Applicant is applying with a Mexican passport;
- Applicant seeks a visa in the same visa category;
- Applicant’s visa is still valid or expired less than one year ago;
- Applicant has never been arrested or convicted of a crime;
- Applicant has never been deported from the U.S., denied entry to the U.S., or had problems or difficulties with U.S. immigration or Customs authorities; and
- Applicant does not have dual citizenship for a country that is a Visa Waiver Program member.
