What can I do if for some reason I make my appointment?
• Appointments may be made via the Internet can be rescheduled one time at no cost.
• You may also reschedule appointments by telephone, but please be aware you will pay the cost of the new call.
How early should I arrive for my interview? How long will the process take from start to finish?
• It is necessary to arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment. Applicants who arrive earlier will wait outside the Consulate General.
• Applicants can expect to there visa to be processed in as little as 45 minutes. However, in peak season for holiday travel, applicants should expect to wait about 2 hours.
If I am renewing my visa, do I need to submit documents of economic solvency in the interview?
• Yes, even renewing visa applicants should be prepared to present documents proving ties to Mexico and economic stability.
• It is also recommended to bring all previous visas and passports to the interview.
Will I have to leave my passport at the Consulate General where the visa will be approved?
• If you are approved for a Laser Visa (Border Crossing Card), your passport will be returned to you. For all other visas, your visa will be printed in the passport, and therefore you will need to leave it with us. The Consular Officer will advise you at the end of the interview.
How long after the interview I receive my visa and passport?
• Laser Visas are ALWAYS sent via DHL and take about 3 weeks to arrive.
• For visas that are printed in your passport, they are usually sent through DHL and will arrive in 7 days. In some cases, if authorized by a Consular Officer, you will be able to pick up the visa the next business day between 14:00 and 15:00 hours.
Why was I granted a visa in my passport instead of a Laser Visa as in the past? What will happen when my passport expires but my visa stamp remains has time remaining on it?
• There are several factors which may prevent a Consular Officer from issuing a Laser Visa. The officer will inform you in the interview. In fact, the visas we stamp in your passport function in exactly the same as way a Laser Visa.
• If the passport expires before the visa, the visa remains valid but you must travel with two passports (a valid passport and the expired passport where your visa is stamped).
How do I know if my visa is still valid?
• The “Indefinite” Visas issued many years ago are no longer valid.
• All other visas have an expiration date that is specified on the visa stamp under "Expiry date." After that date, the visa can no longer be used and the holder must apply for renewal.
What if my visa was stolen or lost?
• Visit the law enforcement authorities where your visa was lost or stolen and obtain a report of the incident. Then, you must make an appointment to apply for a visa and bring the police report with you to the interview.
My family and I are going to apply together. Will we be interviewed as a family or individually?
• The Consular Officer will interview you all at the same time.
Can I renew my visa before it expires or does it have to be after that date?
• Yes, you can renew your visa at anytime prior to the expiration date. Bear in mind that your previous visa will be cancelled as part of the process of issuing a new visa and you will need to wait until the new one arrives before traveling.
What should I use to photograph?
• All applicants will be photographed on the day of the interview. They should not bring earrings, eye or head accessories. Only for children from 0 to 6 years 11 months will be required to bring a photograph.
If I am going for medical treatment to the United States, what documents do I need to bring?
• A letter from the doctor in the United States which authorizes treatment and specifies the date of the appointment.
• A document from the healthcare provider which estimates the costs of the treatment.
• Proof of economic solvency to afford the treatment.
Are minors required to attend the interview?
• Only children over the age of 7 years old need to be present during the process.
Is there any way to get a visa for my son who is an American Citizen?
• No, by law visas may not issued to American Citizens. If you believe your child is an American Citizen, please contact the Office of American Citizens Services within this Consulate General.
I live in the United States and I want my family to visit me, what can I do to help them get a visa?
• Each applicant must qualify for a visa on their own qualifications. We recommend that you do not try to intervene or assist. However, if you are a citizen or resident of the United States requesting the services of the individual as a temporary worker, or are seeking an immigrant visa for the family member(s), your participation would obviously be required.
What if my visa arrives with an error or the information is incorrect?
• Please send an email with your details to hermosillovisas@state.gov, we will contact you to let you know the procedure for the correction.
Where can I get information on the rejection of my visa? Can I apply again if I was denied?
• The Visa Office of the State Department provides information in English on both the Immigration Act and on rejected visas in the "Show Denials" link on its webpage-(http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/denials/denials_1361.html).
• Yes, you can reapply at anytime.
How do I find out why I have not received my visa or what if I have lost the delivery receipt from DHL?
• Communicate directly with the courier service DHL (http://www.dhl.com.mx).
Where can I find more information about obtaining a visa to the United States (tourism, business, study, work, etc..)?
• For additional information, visit the website of the Department of State (http://www.travel.state.gov)
Where do I deliver the I-94 card that I was given to enter the United States?
• It is very important to give return form I-94 (or I-94W) when leaving the United States. If you have not returned that card as proof of your departure, it may be concluded that you stayed in the country longer than you are allowed. This may cause you to be denied entry into the United States the next time you request it.
If you failed to turn in your I-94 Departure Record, please send it, along with any documentation that proves you left the United States to:
ACS - CBP SBU
1084 South Laurel Road
London, KY 40744
Further information about I-94s can be found on the CBP web site at the following address: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/i-94_instructions/
What If I have an emergency and require a visa immediately?
• See "Emergency Appointments".
How do I get an appointment group?
• Please send an email to hermosillovisas@state.gov.
What should I present on the day of my interview at the Consulate?
• A valid passport
• A Banamex receipt indicating you have paid the Mexican Peso equivalent of $ 131.00 US dollars per application.
• Application Form DS-156, completed in its entirety and signed.
• For males between the ages of 16 and 45, please complete Form DS-157.
• All previous visas in your possession, even if cancelled.
• Records of marriage and birth for each applicant.
• If you are reapplying because your visa was stolen or lost, you must submit a copy of the police report.
• Documents that prove your economic status in and ties to Mexico, including information from your family, home and work.
How do I get an appointment for processing a tourist visa (non-immigrant) to travel to the United States?
• See "Visa application form"