Who Can Apply?

I got a few emails asking me if individuals with prior stamping in Canada or with change of status or first time stamping could apply in TJ. So, I decided to put the criteria for applying visa in TJ to help people understand what location would be suitable for them.

Lately things have changed a bit. You cannot go to TJ for first time H1B stamping or any kind of change of status. You should go to TJ only for visa renewals. The US Consulate, TJ website clearly states that Third Country Nationals (TCNs) cannot apply for change of status visa stamping.

Here is what it says:    

“ Who Can Apply in Mexico

• TCN Applicants residing in the United States, seeking to renew their visa in any category except B1/2 (tourist/business) or H-2 (temporary or seasonal workers). A spouse or dependent children may apply with the principal visa holder if the principal meets the criteria above.  A renewal is a case where an applicant for the same type of visa is made and does not include persons who seek to change from one visa category to another or who are seeking any other type of “change of status” even if that change has been authorized by the Department of Homeland Security.”

Visa Checklist

I've prepared a interactive checklist that every applicant must complete before going to the US Consulate in TJ.You can find the checklists in the TJ Visa Checklist  Page. 

The items are arranged starting with most important items and so on in that order. I'm confident that this should be mighty helpful to all the current and future TJ applicants.

Also, I'm continually looking to improve this blog because I had to refer to multiple websites and even then some information was inaccurate. I would like to change that through this blog.

US Consulate, TJ Public Holidays

Pls book your appointments with the following public holidays in mind. Or else you might have to extend your vacation ;)

Sep 6	Monday	Labor Day (US)
Sep 16	Thursday	Mexican Independence Day (MEX)
Oct 11	Monday	Columbus Day (US)
Nov 2	Tuesday	All Soul's Day (MEX)
Nov 11	Thursday	Veterans Day (US)
Nov 15	Monday	Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution (MEX)
Nov 25	Thursday	Thanksgiving (US)
Dec 24	Friday	Christmas Day (US-MEX)

TJ Updates

As I keep adding updates here, the visa stamping process below is also posted on TJ Visa Process.
I would really appreciate a feedback from  people who have been to Tijuana recently, so that I can post it in Recent Experiences and people could get up-to-date status

Tijuana Visa Process

THINGS TO DO BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT DATE

1. Complete & Print DS-160 Confirmation here
2. Take Visa Appointment online here (Costs $8)
3. PIMS Process (VERY IMPORTANT!!, See "What Is PIMS?")
4. Book a nearby hotel for staying the day of appointment. Passports are given out following day at 3pm after your visa appointment. Check nearby Hotel options below in "Hotels Nearby".
5. Get a Mexican Visa if your current US visa has expired (Costs ~$36)