Immigration Law

Helpful Information for Visa Applicants in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

By Robert Kraft

The Web site for the U.S. Consulate in Ciudad Juarez reflects that most consular services that were suspended until May 8, 2009, will remain suspended until May 15, 2009.
 
Once the consular services for immigrant and non-immigrant visas begin operating again, we can only imagine the huge backlogs that will exist for visa applicants. According to consular officials and a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) local office at a State Bar of Texas meeting, the U.S. Consulate in Ciudad Juarez is the largest in the world. There are numerous processings of visas taking place at Ciudad Juarez per day. The consulate processes between 800-1200 immigrant visas each day, 1,000 non-immigrant visas each day, 70-150 waivers each day, and 50-100 various other services for U.S. citizens.
 
Once the consulate begins its daily operations, applicants should arrive 15 minutes prior to their appointments. There is a parking lot across the street from the consulate, in the Centro Commercial. Before walking to the consulate, it is important that applicants leave their cell phones and any other electronic devices in their cars. After checking that all electronic devices and other prohibited items are left in the car, the applicants will enter the building and go through security. After going through security, they will be issued numbered tickets. All U.S. citizens should be prepared to present their passports (or passport cards if traveling by land) beginning June 1, 2009. After their interviews, a courier service, DHL, will deliver their visas within 2-3 days.

Full post as published by Immigration Law Answers Blog on May 06, 2009 (boomark / email).