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Starting the first-time American visa application requires patience and planning. Although the process begins with filling out the DS-160 form and paying the corresponding fee, the date on which you will be able to attend your interview will depend mainly on the availability of appointments at the consulate or embassy you choose.
Wait times can vary due to several factors, including applicant demand, the city where the application is being processed, and the type of visa requested. For this reason, those planning to apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa in October 2026 should consider that some locations have almost immediate availability, while others have waiting times of several months.
When are there appointments to apply for a visa for the first time?
These are the earliest available dates for first-time American visa applicants:
- Ciudad Juárez: 13 de enero de 2027.
- Guadalajara: 2 de abril de 2027.
- Hermosillo: 5 de octubre de 2026.
- Matamoros: 29 de marzo de 2027.
- Mérida: 25 de noviembre de 2026.
- Ciudad de México: 10 de febrero de 2027.
- Monterrey: 5 de enero de 2027.
- Nogales: 5 de octubre de 2026.
- Nuevo Laredo: 25 de noviembre de 2026.
- Tijuana: 6 de noviembre de 2026.
Which cities have the fastest appointments?
For those looking to get an appointment as soon as possible, the most convenient options are:
- Hermosillo: 5 de octubre de 2026.
- Nogales: 5 de octubre de 2026.
- Tijuana: 6 de noviembre de 2026.
- Mérida: 25 de noviembre de 2026.
- Nuevo Laredo: 25 de noviembre de 2026.
Conversely, the longest wait times are recorded in:
- Guadalajara: 2 de abril de 2027.
- Matamoros: 29 de marzo de 2027.
- Ciudad de México: 10 de febrero de 2027.
- Ciudad Juárez: 13 de enero de 2027.
- Monterrey: 5 de enero de 2027.
How to apply for an American tourist visa for the first time?
If you wish to obtain a B1/B2 visa for the first time, you must follow these steps:
1. Complete the DS-160 form
Fill out the electronic form with your personal, work, and travel information. Upon finishing, you will get a confirmation page with a barcode.
2. Create an account on the Official Appointment Service
Register on the official system and link the application number of your DS-160 form to continue the process.
3. Pay the visa fee
The fee for a tourist visa is $185 USD.
4. Schedule your appointments
Once the system registers the payment, you will be able to select the available date for the Applicant Service Center (CAS) and for the consular interview.
5. Choose where to receive your visa
During the process, you must select if you wish to pick up your document at a DHL branch or at the point indicated by the system.
6. Go to the CAS
At this appointment, the photograph and fingerprints required for the application are taken.
7. Attend the consular interview
On the assigned day, you must present your passport and the DS-160 form confirmation. The interview is usually brief and is focused on learning the reasons for your trip and evaluating if you meet the requirements to receive the visa.
8. Pick up your visa
If your application is approved, you will normally receive the visa within approximately three to four weeks.
If you begin your application in October 2026, it is advisable to carefully check which city offers the nearest date and consider factors such as distance and travel costs. It is also essential to correctly complete all documentation and follow every step of the process to avoid delays.
Although some locations have availability in a matter of days, others have dates as far out as spring 2027. Therefore, the sooner you start your application, the greater your chances of obtaining an appointment in the shortest possible time.
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