by Thinking about moving to the US from Mexico? There are many different ways to legal residency into the U.S. from Mexico, and it depends on your specific circumstances and what kind of visa you’re eligible for.
This guide breaks down the different visa processes you can use to move from Mexico to the US. These include K-1 fiancé visas, marriage-based green cards, and tourist visas. It also explains how to submit applications for various visas and how you can reach the U.S. embassy in Mexico for more details.
What is difference between K-1 visa and marriage-based green card?
A K-1 fiancé visa lets you enter the US to marry your partner. A marriage-based green card is for those who are already married. The process for obtaining a US visa via K-1 or marriage-based green card is the same for Mexican citizens too. This applies if you’re engaged to your US partner. It’s also similar if you are married to them. Both have specific timelines, costs, and requirements. These depend on your situation, like where you live in Mexico and your partner’s US status.
What is K-1 Fiancé Visa process for Mexicans?
The process for Mexican applicants is the same as that of individuals from other nations. For detailed information regarding the processing times, fees, and eligibility for K-1 visas, refer to this guide. If you’re interested in obtaining a K-1 fiancé visa, below is an outline of costs. It also includes processing timelines specific to K-1 visas for applicants from Mexico.
What is marriage-based green cards process for Mexicans?
If you and your spouse are already wed, you might want to consider applying for a marriage-based green card. Alternatively, if you plan to marry soon, this option is also worth considering. Much like the K-1 visa, the procedure for obtaining a marriage-based green card is equally the same for Mexican applicants.
Meanwhile, the processing time, fees, and eligibility requirements may differ. These factors vary based on the residency of the Mexican spouse and whether the sponsoring individual is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. More details can be found here on marriage-based green card guide.
What Visa do I need to move to the U.S from Mexico with my Children?
K-2 Visas and IR-2 child Visas:
Planning to move from Mexico with your kids? If opting for the K-1 visa, then the K-2 visa could be an ideal solution for your family. This visa permits the children of a K-1 fiancé visa holder to enter the U.S. and immigrate alongside their parent. If you are a U.S. citizen with a child residing in Mexico, you may be eligible to sponsor them for a green card. This can be done through the IR-2 child visa route. Typically, sponsoring your child can cost around $300 to $450 to include them in your green card application.
For more information on this process and the prerequisites, check out this post on IR-2 guide.
What is information of the U.S. Embassy in Mexico?
The Immigrant Visa Unit at the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez handles and processes all immigrant visa applications in Mexico. You can visit their office at the below address:
U.S. Consulate General
Paseo de la Victoria 3650
Fracc. Partido Senecu
Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico C.P. 32543
Meanwhile, applicants seeking immigrant visas must adhere to the guidelines. They must also schedule an appointment at any of the Applicant Service Centers (ASCs) located in Mexico. It is mandatory for each applicant to personally attend the ASC before their consular appointment.
Presently, all K-1 visa requests, along with other non-immigrant visas, are handled and processed at the U.S. Embassy situated in Mexico. You can visit their office at the below address:
U.S. Embassy Mexico City
Paseo de la Reforma 305
Colonia Cuauhtemoc 06500
Mexico City, Mexico
What to consider regarding supporting documents for Mexicans
When applying for visas to move to the U.S from Mexico, individuals must provide civil documents. These include your birth certificates, marriage certificates, and or divorce certificates. They must be issued by the government authority to be valid for immigration purposes.
Remember, only Mexican passports or identity and travel documents from the SRE are acceptable travel documents. Certified copies of most civil documents can be acquired at the Civil Registry Office in Mexico.
For more comprehensive information on supporting documents for applicants wanting to move to the U.S from Mexico, please refer to this link: Mexico
What are the steps for immigrant visa approval moving to the U.S from Mexico?
Applying for a visa from Mexico to US? Then you should choose a DHL courier service. This is how you will receive your visa when approved. The applicant will not receive any letter or documents directly. You will instead get your visa via the DHL courier office. Once your visa is granted you can enter the United States through any Port of Entry.
They must do this if they intend to enter via the El Paso Port of Entry. Specific instructions regarding this will be included alongside your visa.
What are options for Green Card after moving to the U.S from Mexico with a K-1 Visa?
Upon arriving in the United States, individuals holding a K-1 visa from Mexico have two options. You can return to the Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez Mexico to apply for a green card. Or alternatively, you can submit your green card application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) while remaining in the country through a process referred to as “adjustment of status.”
If you are exploring employment opportunities in the U.S. but are uncertain about your visa options, then the TN (Trade Nafta) visa might be ideal. This visa is a nonimmigrant employment visa known as TN status. It permits Mexican citizens to be employed and work in certain professional fields in the United States.
Qualified Mexican nationals with TN visas are allowed to reside and work in the U.S., provided their job offer correlates with one of the designated NAFTA professions. TN status can be granted for a maximum of three years, with the potential for renewal. You can also explore Tourist Visa Alternatives. Also, for those planning short visits to the U.S., Mexican citizens can apply for a tourist visa.
This visa will permit you entry for a temporary stay. The B-1/B-2 tourist visa is a non-immigrant, temporary visa that accommodates travel for business and tourism. Make sure you understand the eligibility requirements. You should also know the application procedure for tourist visas if you plan to visit the U.S.
Note: This information is for general knowledge only. It is not financial or legal advice. It is important to conduct thorough independent research. We don’t offer immigration or legal services. Individuals should consult with qualified professionals for personalized guidance.
