New Applicant Service Center for Visas

Monterrey, NL April 8, 2008 --- In order to maintain a minimal waiting time to receive an appointment for a visa interview, the U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey will require visa applicants to begin visa processing at a new Applicant Service Center (ASC).  This requirement will take effect on April 18, 2008.  Applicants will enroll at the ASC prior to their visa interview at the Consulate. The interview at the Consulate must be on a subsequent business day and cannot be on the same day the applicant visits the ASC.  This pilot program began successfully last month at the U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo.

Applicants should continue to schedule their visa interview through the website (www.usvisa-mexico.com) or via telephone by calling 01-800-112-8500 (in Mexico).

The ASC is located at Hidalgo 400 Poniente, Zona Centro, Monterrey, only two blocks away from the Consulate building.  It is at the corner of Hidalgo and Rayon.  The entrance is towards the rear of the building.  The purpose of this center is to enroll visa applicants, take photographs, fingerprints and review other documents before their scheduled appointment at the Consulate.

The ASC will offer extended hours during the week and limited hours on the weekend, to provide additional convenience to applicants.

After visiting the ASC, the applicant will continue the process of the interview with a consular officer in the Consulate previously scheduled through the appointment system.

Opening the ASC will permit us to construct additional interview windows and thus increase capacity and reduce time applicants spend at the Consulate.  The ASC will also offer a more accommodating space and convenient hours for applicants.  There will be an additional fee of USD $26 per applicant for the use of the center, which includes home delivery of the visa if approved.

For further information on the Consulate’s operations: http://monterrey.usconsulate.gov