FAQ Section

If you don't find the answer to your doubt in this section, then shoot me an email at tijuanah1b@gmail.com and I'll try to answer it to the best of my knowledge and also include it in this section.

*** General Questions ***

Q. How many days of preparation is required for this whole visa stamping process?

--> Frankly, 4-6 hours is more than enough and most people will not even need 4. Filling out DS-160 takes the major chunk of time. You definitely need to plan things properly though. But that's what this site is intended for to help people make sure they are properly informed about this process.

Q. Can I use public transport to get to the US-Mexico border?

--> In most cases you can but it takes a little longer. If you are staying around downtown area, then go to  MTS site and find out how to get there with the "Quick  Trip Planner". Remember to put "San Ysidro Trolley Station" in the 'To' box.

Q. When do I get the passport back in case my visa is approved?

--> You get your passport the following business day at 3pm. So, take a appointment carefully and make sure the consulate is open the following day after your appointment.

Q. Is it safe around the US- Mexico border and in Tijuana?

--> Yes, it is as long as you are in few blocks proximity of the US consulate. The key is be confident and don't show that you are vulnerable when dealing with taxi drivers and other people there.

*** DS-160 Questions ***

Q. At the beginning to DS-160 form, the drop down menu gives me 2 Tjiuana locations HIPODROMO and ZONA RIO to choose from. Which location is closer to the San Diego border?

--> You want to choose ZONA RIO in this drop down menu.

Q. Are there any DOs and DON'Ts for filling out DS-160 form?

--> Yes. Make sure you have all your docs (passport, I797, W2, past travel dates etc.) handy while filling out this form. Most importantly, make sure you save the form every few mins because the form timeouts on no activity and you have to re-do the entire form.

Q. Does every applicant need a separate DS-160 form?

--> Yes. Its recommended that you fill out the primary applicant's (one who holds the H-1B) DS-160 first and then most of the common info is used automatically while filling out the following DS-160 forms.

Q. Can I fill out few sections of DS-160 and complete the remaining at a later time?

--> Yes you can. Just be sure to save the form.

Q. I printed out the DS-160 form after completing it. The first page has the bar code on it. This is what the US consulate is looking for right?

--> NO. This is very misleading. Although the bar code might be the same but you have to click on the "Print Confirmation" tab to print out the confirmation that the consulate will accept. Take a look at the sample DS-160 confirmation page (http://tijuanah1b.blogspot.com/p/tj-visa-process.html)

Q. What if I forget to carry my DS-160 confirmation with me on the day of my appointment?

--> Try and don't do it. But if at all you do, there's a small hut (one with Red color "Visas" board) where they'll fill out a new DS-160 form and print out a new confirmation for you. But keep in mind this takes time since all the info needs to be re-entered and it costs 200 MXP.

*** Banamex Questions ***

Q. Does the Banamex bank accept Credit Cards or personal checks?

--> NO. Cash (USD) only.

Q. I hear people paying slightly different visa application fee at Banamex Bank, howcome?

--> The visa application fee is $2,025 MXP for H type visa. Depending on the exchange rate on the day of your appointment, you'll be asked for a slightly different amount in USD.

Q. Banamex bank opens at 9am and I've my appointment at 9:30am. Will I have enough time to reach the US consulate at 9:30am after I get done at the bank?

--> Don't worry if you reach 15-20 mins late. I know people who have reached the consulate 45 mins late and didn't have any problem. I recommend that be at the bank 10 mins before 9am so you can get out of there by 9:20am and then consulate is just a 5 min walk from the bank.

Q. Whats the proof that I paid money at Banamex bank?

--> You'll be given a receipt on paying the visa application fee. Keep this properly....this is your ticket to get into the consulate to appear for the visa interview.

Q. How much do I pay the Taxi driver for ride to Banamex bank and back?

--> Generally around $5-6. Be sure to decide the money before you board the taxi.

Q. What if the taxi driver is not sure which Banamex location I want to go?

--> Tell him to drop you at the Banamex location near the Abraham Lincoln statue.

*** PIMS Questions ***

Q. Is it neccessary to complete PIMS before the appointment?

--> Absolutely. You will be crazy not to take this seriously.

Q. How can I complete PIMS process?

--> Pls refer to the "What Is PIMS?" section.

*** Mexican Visa Questions ***

Q. Do I need Mexican visa to go to Tijuana?

--> As of May 1st 2010, if you have a valid US visa and your trip is less than 180 days then you don't need a separate mexican visa.

Q. My US visa has expired. How can I get a mexican visa?

--> You can plan on reaching San Diego 1-2 day before and go for walk-in mexican visa appointment. The mexican consulate is located at 1549 India St. San Diego CA 92101 in downtown. If you reach at around 8am, it hardly takes 90mins and $36 to get one :-)

Q. Where can I find more information about applying for Mexican visa at the Mexican Consulate in San Diego downtown?

--> I'll upload a separate page explaining the complete procedure for the same soon.

*** Infant Questions ***

Q. I've a infant who is a US citizen at home. Is he allowed inside the consulate premises even though the infant doesn't need a visa?

--> YES. Parents are allowed to carry their kids inside the consulate even though the kids don't need US visa.

Q. I read that food and drink is not allowed inside the consulate. What do I do if my kid feels hungry while we are still inside?

--> Although food and drink is not allowed inside the consulate, but since this is a special case the consulate officials will allow the baby's food and drink inside. But its good to send them a question about this to tijuanainfo@state.gov and carry print out of this email just in case.

Q. Do they allow baby stroller/luggage inside the consulate?

--> NO. You need to drop these things at the Hotel lobby or with the huts near the consulate for a small amount like $2-3.