Start the process to obtain a us visa It requires organization, especially due to waiting times, which change depending on the city and demand. If you plan to start your application in August of this year, it is key to know when you could get an appointment for the consular interview, a fundamental step for visa approval.
In Mexico, waiting periods to schedule an appointment tourist visa (B1/B2) have been a constant theme since the pandemic, the backlog of applications and delays marked the process in recent years. Although the situation has gradually improved, considerable delays still persist in several consular offices.
When will I be given an appointment for the US visa if I start my process in November?
According to official information from the United States Department of Statewaiting times can vary considerably between cities, such as at some consulates The waiting time for a tourist visa interview can range from 200 to more than 600 days.
The above means that if you begin your process in October 2025, take into account that first-time visa appointments are being assigned until mid-to-late 2026.
According to recent information from Official Visa Appointment Servicethese are the approximate dates in different cities in Mexico:
- Tijuana: November 20, 2025
- Nogales: April 24, 2026
- Merida: June 5, 2026
- Nuevo Laredo: July 10, 2026
- Matamoros: August 6, 2026
- Guadalajara: August 7, 2026
- Hermosillo: August 20, 2026
- Monterrey: November 13, 2026
- Mexico City: December 3, 2026
- Ciudad Juárez: March 11, 2027
These dates show the strong existing demand and the importance of planning ahead, although they could present slight variations, it is best to schedule your appointment as soon as possible to guarantee a space in the consular calendar.
Why has the US visa process been so delayed?
During the second term of the president Donald Trumpthe US government has implemented a series of changes in migration processes which have caused a considerable increase in waiting times to obtain or renew the visa. These modifications seek to strengthen security controls and adjust the system to new tax provisions, but have generated significant delays for Mexican applicants.
Among the most notable measures is the Mandatory interviews for the renewal of child visas. Since September 2025, minors who could previously renew without appearing at the consulate must now attend in person, which has increased the workload at consular offices.
In addition, an increase in the cost of the tourist visa was approved, although it has not yet come into force. The adjustment contemplates an increase of an additional 250 dollars, which would raise the total price of the procedure from 185 to 435 dollars. This modification is part of the federal law The One Big Beautiful Bill, included in the fiscal agenda of the current US administration.
Another relevant change affects appointment scheduling, It is no longer possible to carry out the procedure at the Applicant Service Center (CAS) and the consular interview on the same day; Now, a minimum interval of 48 hours is required between both appointments, which lengthens the processes and reduces the availability of dates.
Finally, since July 2025, a new scheme for the payment of consular fees was established. At the moment, Payments can only be made in Scotiabank o BanBajioas well as by electronic transfer I HOPE. Operations in Banamex were no longer available, which has caused confusion and adjustments in procedures for many applicants.
Together, these measures have led to a substantial increase in waiting times and demand for available appointments. The US consulates in Mexico face a high operational burden, and although authorities have promised to improve the efficiency of the system, the new provisions have complicated management for thousands of applicants.
The combination of increased security checks, administrative changes and financial adjustments has made obtaining or renewing a visa a longer, more expensive and planned process. Given this panorama, Consular authorities recommend starting the procedures several months in advance and stay attentive to official channels to avoid setbacks.
YC