MEXICO

E-mail:  donrandles@gmail.com

       Non immigrants from Mexico may be eligible for "border-crossing cards" (BCC).   Mexican citizens (and residents) do not have visa exemption unless they first obtain a border-crossing card.   

      Each applicant for a BCC must appear for an interview, regardless of age.    However, applicants under 14 years of age may be waived.  Usually the consular officer who receives the application will check the alien on the look out system and will usually forward a copy of the application for the border-crossing card to the Immigration and Naturalization Service.    You can expect a wait of approximately 45 days for Mexican citizens after the border-crossing card application is submitted.    May have issues of dual intent or non immigrant intent, but if it is denied, the visitor should receive a written rejection (written notice of denial).

      Visitors for business from Mexico may qualify to enter the United States through the border under the  NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement).  The Mexican citizen should have some proof of Mexican citizenship, i.e., a passport, and they should have some documentation showing a description of their purpose for entry.  This description should relate to a business and they should also present evidence to the INS that they will engage in one of the accepted occupations or professions that would make them eligible for NAFTA.   These usually are professions that require a college degree, except for management consulting which has a 5 year work experience qualification.