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New Visa ProceduresBeginning January 10, 2011, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates will process visas differently. Under the new procedures, most applicants will go to Applicant Service Centers (ASCs) prior to their consular section interview. The ASC staff will collect the applicant’s biometric information that will be reviewed by the consular section prior to the applicant’s interview. ASCs will be located in buildings separate from the U.S. Embassy and Consulates. The new process will provide several advantages to applicants:
How will the new process be different from the current process? *New Visa Services begin on January 10, 2011 Category Current Service New Service Appointment Call Center Applicant pays USD 1.25 per minute to schedule appointment. Free service Application Cost USD 140 for tourist visa, USD 150 petition-based visa No Change Application Payment Banamex Banamex, Scotiabank, or Credit Card DS-160 Online Application Application must be completed on-line in one session Application progress can be saved over several on-line sessions Interview Waiver Program (IWP) Not available Many applicants who are renewing visas will not need to come to the Embassy or Consulate for an interview with a Consular Officer *See below for qualification requirements Appearing for your appointment All Applicants Appear at the Embassy to submit fingerprints, photo, application, and interview with a Consular Officer Interview Waiver Program Participants Day 1: Appear at the ASC to submit fingerprints, photo, application Non-Interview Waiver Program Participants Day 1: Appear at the ASC to submit fingerprints, photo, application Day 2: Appear at the Embassy to interview with Consular Officer Passport/Visa Delivery Pegaso with additional delivery fee DHL with no additional delivery fee Some applicants who are renewing their visas will not need two appointments. These applicants will only visit the ASC and will not need to visit the Embassy or Consulate. If you meet all of the requirements below, you may be qualified for the Interview Waiver Program: · You are applying with a Mexican passport; · You are applying in the same visa category; · Your visa is still valid or expired less than one year ago; · You have never been arrested or convicted of a crime; · You have never been deported from the United States, denied entry to the United States, or had any other problems or difficulties with U.S. Immigration or Customs authorities; and · You do not have dual citizenship or your second country of citizenship is a Visa Waiver Program member (see http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html) For IWP participants, the passport and application will be forwarded to the Embassy or Consulate for review by a consular officer. Please note – the Embassy or Consulate reserves the right to call in any applicant for an interview. If an applicant does require an interview, a representative from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate will contact the applicant to arrange a date and time to come to the Embassy to speak with the Consular Officer. |
