Mexicans traveling to the U.S., whether for leisure or business activities, must apply for the B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visa. It is valid for 10 years and allows you to stay in the country for up to 6 months each year.

However, the first visa application requires a more complete process than simply renewing it. Especially since your data is already stored in the system.

For this reason, in this guide you’ll learn how to apply for a U.S. visa for the first time, with updated procedures, costs, and requirements for 2025.

U.S. Visa for the First Time Mexico: Appointment, Procedures, and Requirements 2025

Types of Visitor Visas (B-1 and B-2)

Among the countries that require visas for Mexicans, the United States receives the most applications annually. Especially when it comes to nonimmigrant visitor visas, as this is the appropriate document for those traveling temporarily.

The visitor visas for tourism and business are:

1. B-1 Visa. Used for business purposes in the U.S., including signing contracts and consulting with business partners. It also allows attendance at conventions or conferences.

2. B-2 Visa. Known as the U.S. tourist visa, it is intended for leisure travel. It’s useful for tourism, vacations, visiting relatives, or participating in non-paid contests.

As a Mexican applicant, you can obtain a combined visa (B-1/B-2) without having to apply separately. However, these visas are not valid for living in the U.S. or for paid freelance work from U.S. territory. Nor are they for formal studies that lead to an academic degree.

How to Apply for the U.S. Visa for the First Time

In essence, these are the steps to follow:

1. Fill out the DS-160 form online.

2. Pay the corresponding visa fee.

3. Create a profile and schedule the CAS and Consulate/Embassy appointment.

4. Attend the CAS for fingerprinting and photo.

5. Gather and present the required documents at the consular interview.

6. Wait for the resolution and visa delivery.

DS-160 Form: The First Step for Your Visitor Visa

The DS-160 is a mandatory form for both first-time applications and U.S. visa renewals in Mexico.

The process involves:

• Completing the application on the official website.

• Uploading a digital photo that meets requirements.

• Printing the confirmation page with the barcode.

The DS-160 confirmation number generated must be saved, as you’ll need it to schedule your appointment.

Cost of the U.S. Visa for the First Time

How much does it cost to get the visa for the first time?

The cost of a U.S. visa varies depending on the type requested. In the case of the B-1/B-2, the fee as of September 2025 is:

• USD 185 for adults, which equals MXN 3,448.60.

• USD 15 for minors under 15, which equals MXN 279.50.

The visitor visa is valid for 10 years, starting from its issue date.

Payment options for the visa are:

• Online, with a debit or credit card through the official appointment portal.

• In cash, at authorized bank branches.

• By bank transfer via online banking.

In any case, you’ll need the payment receipt later, so make sure to keep it.

Documents Required for the U.S. Visa Appointment in Mexico

These are the documents and requirements for a first-time U.S. visa in Mexico:

• Valid Mexican passport.

• DS-160 confirmation page.

• Receipt of payment for the B-1/B-2 visa (USD 185).

• Recent 2×2 photo in case of upload failure when completing the DS-160.

Other documents you may be asked for include:

• Proof of financial solvency, such as bank statements, employment letters, or property deeds.

• Documents showing stable employment, studies, family, or assets in Mexico.

It’s worth noting that the general passport rule is 6 months validity beyond your stay. However, Mexico is exempt from this, so your passport only needs to be valid for the period of your visit.

U.S. Visa for the First Time Mexico: Where and How to Schedule the Appointment?

The process is carried out through ais.usvisa-info.com, the official portal. This system generates two linked appointments:

1. At the CAS (Applicant Service Center): for fingerprints and photo.

2. At the U.S. Consulate/Embassy in Mexico: for the consular interview.

In general, scheduling your interview for a first-time U.S. visa in Mexico requires these basic steps:

• Create your profile with the DS-160 confirmation number and payment receipt.

• Select the nearest consular office.

• Schedule dates for the CAS and consular interview.

Try to complete the process in advance, as wait times depend on the city and the season.

Consular Interview for the U.S. Visa: What to Expect?

The purpose of the interviews at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in Mexico is to confirm that:

• You meet the requirements for the tourist visa.

• You will travel temporarily.

Therefore, we recommend:

• Present your documents: passport, printed DS-160, payment receipt, or additional proof (financial solvency or ties to Mexico).

• Be honest about the purpose of your visit and your plans in the U.S.

• Respond clearly and briefly, being consistent with what you declared in your form.

In the meantime, avoid making definitive plans, such as buying plane tickets or booking large trips. Not until your visa is approved.

New Requirements to Consider in 2025

In September 2025, the website of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico published certain changes.

Here are the key points:

• The DS-160 barcode must be identical to the one registered in the appointment system. Otherwise, your interview will be canceled, and you’ll need to reschedule, which may require a new payment.

• Applicants under 14 and over 79 are no longer exempt from interviews.

• If you intend to study in the U.S. and apply for a nonimmigrant F, M, or J visa, you must provide information about your social media profiles. Access to these accounts must be set to public so consular officers can verify data.

All details of recent changes are available on the Embassy and Consulates’ website.

Laser Visa (BCC): A Fast Alternative for Mexicans in 2025

The Laser Visa is also known as the Border Crossing Card (BCC).

It’s a special card issued to Mexican citizens, which also has a 10-year validity.

Why is it a practical option?

• It allows you to stay up to 30 days within the border zone if entering the U.S. by land or sea from Mexico.

• With a Mexican passport, it can be used just like a B-1/B-2 visa to travel by plane or go beyond the permitted zone.

• The process is ideal for those living in states near the border, short trips for shopping, or visiting family.

Like a traditional B-1/B-2 visa, it is not valid for work or study.

Conclusion

The process of applying for a U.S. visa for the first time in Mexico requires attention to each stage. From completing the DS-160, paying the fee, gathering documents, to attending the consular interview. Every step is key to increasing the likelihood of approval for the B1/B2 visa.

Finally, don’t hesitate to travel to the United States with DolarApp. A trusted ally to simplify your payments with digital dollars (USDc) through the DolarCard. You can also convert MXN to USDc and/or vice versa at a fair exchange rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the U.S. B-2 visa cost in 2025?

The official fee for the B-2 visa (tourism) is USD 185, the same as the B-1 (as of now). Payment is made in Mexican pesos according to the current exchange rate.

Can my appointment be canceled if the codes don’t match?

Yes. If the DS-160 confirmation number doesn’t match the one in the appointment system, your consular appointment may be canceled. If this happens, you’ll have to reschedule.

Is it mandatory to share my public social media accounts?

For the B-1/B-2 tourist and business visa, it is not a requirement. However, if you apply for a student or exchange visa (F, M, or J), you must provide public access social media information.

Sources:

Photo requirements

Mexico passport validity exemption

Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC)

U.S. Embassy and Consulates website

Border Crossing Card