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If you are planning a trip to the United States and are thinking about starting your U.S. tourist visa application during September 2026, it is worth keeping in mind that the process is not always immediate.
Wait times to obtain a consular appointment vary depending on the city where you decide to carry out the process, so knowing the availability can help you better plan your trip.
According to information from the Official U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services, individuals who begin their first-time application during September 2026 could receive a consular interview appointment on dates ranging from a few days after starting the process to several months later. The difference will depend primarily on the demand at each consulate.
If you start in September, it is likely that you will be assigned an appointment on a date similar to or slightly earlier than the following:
- Ciudad Juárez: 13 de enero de 2027.
- Guadalajara: 18 de febrero de 2027.
- Hermosillo: 1 de diciembre de 2026.
- Matamoros: 7 de diciembre de 2026.
- Mérida: 9 de noviembre de 2026.
- Ciudad de México: 14 de enero de 2027.
- Monterrey: 7 de enero de 2027.
- Nogales: 6 de septiembre de 2026.
- Nuevo Laredo: 27 de octubre de 2026.
- Tijuana: 19 de octubre de 2026.
As can be seen, some consulates have significantly shorter wait times than others. Nogales stands out for offering one of the closest dates, while Guadalajara and Mexico City are among the locations with the longest wait times. For this reason, many people choose to check availability at different consulates before choosing where to have their interview.
Requirements to apply for a U.S. visa for the first time
Those applying for the first time for a B1/B2 tourist visa must follow a series of steps and gather specific documents before attending their appointments.
1. Have a valid Mexican passport
The passport is essential throughout the entire procedure. It will be necessary to fill out the DS-160 form, register in the appointment system, and present it at both the Applicant Service Center (CAS) and during the consular interview.
2. Fill out the DS-160 form and make the payment
Applicants must complete the DS-160 form on the official website ceac.state.gov/genniv. Subsequently, they must cover the 185-dollar application fee. Upon completing the registration, the system generates a confirmation page with a barcode that will be used to track the application.
3. Attend the appointment at the CAS
After scheduling appointments at ais.usvisa-info.com, the applicant must go to the Applicant Service Center for photo and biometric data collection.
The documents that you must bring are:
- Pasaporte vigente.
- Página de confirmación del formulario DS-160.
- Hoja impresa de confirmación de la cita.
4. Attend the consular interview
The interview with the consular officer is one of the most important steps in the process. It is recommended to bring the following that day:
- Pasaporte vigente.
- Confirmación impresa del DS-160.
- Comprobante de pago.
- Confirmación de la cita.
During the interview, the officer will evaluate the information provided to determine if the applicant meets the requirements to receive a non-immigrant visa.
The importance of demonstrating ties to Mexico
One of the most relevant aspects in the interview is demonstrating that there is an intention to return to Mexico after the trip. This is analyzed under Section 214(b) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
To support that intention, applicants can present items that prove roots in Mexico, such as stable employment, ongoing studies, or the presence of direct family members in the country. The clearer the evidence that the stay in the United States will be temporary, the greater the chances that the consular officer will favorably consider the application.
How long does the U.S. visa last?
Currently, U.S. tourist visas are no longer considered permanent or indefinite. In most cases, the B1/B2 visa can be granted with a validity of up to 10 years, although the final decision rests with the consular officer, who may authorize a shorter period depending on the particular characteristics of each applicant.
It is also important to remember that the validity of the visa does not determine how long a person can stay in U.S. territory. The duration of each stay is defined by immigration officers at the time of entry into the country and may vary depending on the reason for the trip.
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