Policy Changes for 3rd Country Nationals for Mexico
By admin ~ November 12th, 2008. Filed under: Travelers.
According to the U.S. Consular Mission in Mexico, the requirements for visa applications have changed for TCNs (Third Country Nationals - non-residents of Mexico). If you are someone currently living in the U.S. and wish to apply for a visa in Mexico, you may schedule an interview at any one of ten posts throughout Mexico via www.usvisa-mexico.com or call 1-900-476-1212.
If you want to renew your Mexican visa (except for those with B1 (Tourist) and B2 (Business) visas), the original visa must have been issued in Mexico and a subsequent visa issued by a consular post there.
You cannot apply in Mexico if:
• You are applying for B1 or B2 Visas and are not a Mexican resident. This is the case even if you are a TCN renewing your visa.
• You entered the U.S. on a visa issued in your home country and were granted a change in status by DHS (Dept. of Homeland Security) and are wanting a new visa in a different category.
• You entered the U.S. in a particular category and now wish to re-enter in a different category.
• You are out of status in the U.S. by violating the terms of your visa or have overstayed the terms as set forth in your I-94 (Arrival Departure Record).
• You entered the U.S. being sponsored by the Visa Waiver Program.
• You got your visa in a country that was not your legal residence.
Also, if you were issued your original visa in your home country and were told that you are restricted by NSEERs (National Security Entry Exit Registrations) or if you are a citizen of North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan or Iran, you are not allowed to renew your visa in Mexico.
One more important thing to note: If you are wishing to renew your visa as a TCN, you may have to get the proper Mexican visa from a Mexico Embassy or Consulate before making the trip. Some visa applications may take several weeks to process. This would mean an extended stay in Mexico before you could return to the U.S. Therefore, it is best to resolve these matters before entering Mexico to prevent such a delay.
Finally, when making interview appointments, they are very limited, therefore, you should be very flexible in your schedule to assure getting in.
If you have any questions about this matter or any other visa concerns, you are urged to consult with a qualified immigration attorney who is up to date on the latest changes in international immigration law.
