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Applying for a US visa involves completing several steps before receiving a response regarding your application. One of the most important is the visit to the Applicant Service Center (CAS), a mandatory appointment for most applicants that takes place before the consular interview.
Although many people believe that the decision about their visa is made at the CAS, the reality is that this center has a different function. Its main objective is to collect biometric information and verify documents so that the process continues correctly. Knowing what happens during this appointment can help you avoid errors and delays in your application.
What is the CAS for the US visa?
These centers are part of the US visa application process and are the locations where applicants' biometric data, such as fingerprints and digital photographs, are collected.
Additionally, CAS staff verify that the information on the DS-160 form and the required documentation match the applicant's data. It is important to note that these centers are not located inside embassies or consulates, so you must carefully check the location of your appointment to avoid confusion.
Why must you go before the interview?
The CAS appointment is a prerequisite for the consular interview. During this visit, the biometric information is generated and validated, which will later be used by consular authorities when evaluating your application.
Without completing this step, you will not be able to proceed with the interview process. Therefore, authorities recommend arriving on time and meeting all established requirements.
What do they do during the CAS appointment?
The visit is usually quick and simple. During the procedure:
They take a digital photograph of you that will appear on your visa if it is approved.
They register your fingerprints using an electronic scanner.
They review your DS-160 form.
They verify that you present the necessary documents to continue with the process.
Unlike the consular interview, at the CAS they will not ask you questions about your travel reasons nor will they determine whether your visa will be approved or rejected.
In some renewal cases, applicants who meet certain requirements may only need to go to the CAS and be exempt from the consular interview.
Documents you must bring
To enter and complete the procedure, it is necessary to present:
- Pasaporte mexicano vigente para viajar a Estados Unidos.
- Página de confirmación del formulario DS-160.
- Hoja de confirmación de la cita impresa.
If you forget any of these documents, you could face delays or have to reschedule your appointment.
Objects you cannot bring in
For security reasons, there are restrictions on items permitted inside the facilities. Among the prohibited items are:
- Dispositivos USB.
- Encendedores.
- Objetos que puedan utilizarse como armas.
- Teléfonos celulares encendidos.
Upon arrival, security personnel will check your belongings before allowing access.
What is the process like inside the CAS?
It is recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time. Once inside the facilities, you will normally follow these steps:
- Formarte en la fila correspondiente.
- Presentar tu pasaporte y la confirmación del formulario DS-160.
- Esperar la asignación de una ventanilla.
- Tomarte la fotografía digital.
- Registrar tus huellas dactilares.
If there is any issue with your documents or information, the staff will indicate how to correct it before continuing.
The CAS and the interview can no longer be on the same day
The US Consulate in Monterrey reported that it is no longer possible to schedule the CAS appointment and the consular interview for the same day. Currently, applicants must go to the CAS at least 48 hours before the date of their interview.
People who had both appointments scheduled on the same day will receive a notification with a new date for the CAS. If they do not receive one, they must contact the corresponding service center.
What happens after the CAS?
Once the appointment is concluded, the next step is to attend the interview at the US embassy or consulate. It will be at that stage that a consular officer will evaluate your case and determine if the visa is approved or rejected.
If the visa is approved, the document is generally delivered via courier service within a period that can range from two weeks to two months. Depending on the scheme selected during the process, there is also the possibility of picking it up directly at the CAS.
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