People applying for their first visitor visas (B1/B2) can now reschedule their appointments to an earlier date without paying extra, according to the United States Embassy in Mexico City.
This will shorten the waiting time for many applicants. As the authority explains, during this year, more appointment slots will be made available earlier for Mexican visa applicants who have already made appointments for 2025 or later, VisaGuide.World reports.
This promising initiative demonstrates the US Embassy’s commitment to reducing waiting times for visa interview appointments and facilitating legitimate travel to the United States, including work, study, and leisure.
Darnell also said that with the launch of this initiative, the aim is to bring positive changes to the lives of many Mexican visa applicants.
In addition, the Embassy pointed out that if applicants are eligible and selected, they’ll get an email explaining how to change their appointment to an earlier date.
The same further revealed that if applicants are given the chance to reschedule but can’t find an available slot, they should keep checking regularly as more appointments will be added throughout the year specifically for those selected.
This program and the hard work of consular sections across Mexico, which have been processing visas in record numbers, will help more Mexicans travel to the US in the coming months.
Moreover, last year, the US Embassy and nine consulates in Mexico issued 2.3 million visas, the highest ever. This accounts for 22 percent of all US visas issued worldwide and marks a 35 percent increase from 2022.
In 2021, Mexico Tops Visa Issuance for US Immigration
The data also show that in 2021, Mexican citizens were granted the highest number of visas for permanent immigration to the US, totaling nearly 40,600. In contrast, Canada, America’s neighbor, ranked 43rd with only 1,464 visas. China and India also ranked prominently, securing the 2nd and 7th spots, respectively.
In this regard, only one European country, Ukraine, made it to the top 25. Before the Russian invasion in 2021, Ukrainians obtained 3,019 visas. Several countries in the top visa recipient list face violence and political instability, such as Afghanistan (ranking 5th) and Iran (ranking 25th).
US Embassy in Mexico Warns of Longer Visa Processing Times, Introduces Waivers for Expired Visas
Currently, the US Embassy and Consulates in Mexico are processing non-immigrant visas, but applicants should anticipate longer wait times. Those whose visas have expired within 48 months may apply for an interview waiver.
Non-resident applicants cannot schedule regular appointments at the US Embassy and Consulates in Mexico. Additionally, visa application fees have increased as of June 2023.
The US Consulate in Ciudad Juarez has conducted thousands of visa interviews since resuming normal visa operations.