B1/B2 tourist visa renewal to the United States from Mexico: Steps and Requirements

For Mexican citizens who plan to travel to the United States for business, tourism, medical care or family visits, obtaining an American visa is an essential requirement. Issued by the US authorities, this document not only allows entry to the country, but also certifies compliance with the legal and security standards established by the immigration authorities. The visa is not only an entry permit, but it is also a testimony of compliance with the legal and security requirements established by the United States immigration authorities. Its renewal involves a process that varies depending on the purpose of the trip, requiring specific documents and, in some cases, consular interviews. Here are the official steps to request renewal from Mexico:1. Understand the type of visa you wish to apply for. The B1 visa is for temporary business visits and the B2 is for tourism and family visits.2. Verify EligibilityTo renew a United States nonimmigrant visa it is necessary to have a valid passport and an eligible B1/B2 visa. The process can be carried out two years before the visa expires or up to 48 months after its expiration.3. Complete an online application in the DS-160 format. This step takes approximately 90 minutes and is free of charge, but it is important to make sure you answer all questions about personal information, reasons for travel, place of accommodation, and information about the B1/B2 visa granted. above accurately. When filling out this form, it is necessary to ensure that the internet connection is stable and access it from the Chrome, Edge or Firefox search engines. It is also very useful to read the details section on the different types of visas, gather the necessary documents to consult the required information, review the instructions section and read the frequently asked questions.4. Create an Account in the Visa Appointment and Information SystemAfter the applicant has completed the DS-160 form, an account must be created on the United States Department of State's Visa Appointment and Information System website. Once the email address and folio number of the DS-160 form have been confirmed, it will be active and the system will generate a reference to proceed with the payment corresponding to the visa application.5. Make the payment of the visa costThe renewal application requires a payment for the visa application fee, which is 185 US dollars or 3,145 Mexican pesos, which can be made on the same platform or by making a deposit in the bank. Once the transaction is completed, the money is neither refundable nor transferable.6. Schedule an appointment at an Applicant Service Center (CAS) At the time of completing the payment, the system will provide you with a folio number to enter the Visa Appointment and Information System of the United States Department to generate an appointment on a date convenient by going to an Applicant Service Center (CAS) in order to record biometric data prior to the interview.6. Choose the entity to attend your interviewThe next step is to access the online appointment system of the Visa Application Center (VAC) and the United States Embassy or Consulate in Mexico. These are the options available to choose from in Mexican territory: United States Embassy in Mexico City United States Consulate General in Ciudad Juárez United States Consulate General in Guadalajara United States Consulate General in Hermosillo United States Consulate General in Matamoros United States Consulate General in MéridaConsulate General of the United States in MonterreyConsulate General of the United States in NogalesConsulate General of the United States in Nuevo LaredoConsulate General of the United States in Tijuana7. Gather the requested documents The documents required for the renewal application are the following: Valid passport that exceeds at least six months the period of stay in the United States The most recent visa issued by the United States Form DS-160 confirmation page Confirmation Print Page and InstructionsAccompanying family members must present a marriage certificate (for spouses) or a birth certificate (for children under 21 years of age)8. Appear for the interviewWhen you go to the appointment at the United States Embassy or Consulate, you must provide the requested documentation and answer the consular officer's questions in a clear and concise manner. An important point to consider is that some applicants seeking renew their B1 B2 visas may be eligible for Interview Waiver (IW), which allows qualified individuals to apply for visa renewal without being interviewed in person by a United States consular officer.9. Wait for the decisionOnce the interview is completed, you must wait for the decision on the renewal application, which may take a few days or weeks.10. Pick Up the PassportIf the application is approved, the passport with the renewed visa can be picked up at the VAC or the designated location. If it is denied, information will be provided on the reasons for the denial. Follow all the information from El PAÍS América on Facebook and xor in our weekly newsletter.