It is believed that due to restrictions on the issuance of US visas in Moscow, Russians have the opportunity to obtain an American guest country visa in any other country in the world. It has the opportunity in any other place, but not in Mexico, and especially not during the coronavirus epidemic. A simple tourist, without residence in Mexico, cannot obtain an American visa at the US consulates in this country.
The United States considers as third-country nationals those who have citizenship of a country other than Mexico and who apply for a nonimmigrant visa in their non-Mexican passport. Typically, third-country nationals are required to undergo an interview when obtaining a US visa, and this is not just an interview — you have the right to be asked to bring a package of various confirmations. But during the coronavirus epidemic, interviews are not conducted at all with applicants who do not have resident status in Mexico.
Who can now apply for a US nonimmigrant visa in Mexico?
- Citizens of Mexico.
- Third country nationals living in Mexico with immigration status (temporary or permanent resident).
- Citizens of Cuba and Venezuela without residence in Mexico.
These categories of citizens may apply for their first visa or renewal of any visa category at the US Consulates in Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Matamoros, Merida, Monterrey, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo or Tijuana.
You can check the status of visa issuance at different US consulates in Mexico using thislink.
Even if you are a resident of Mexico, it is important to understand that if you had a US visa issued in another country, purchasing a visa in Mexico is considered a «first time» and is not considered an «extension». A visa can only be extended in the country where it was issued. Moreover, payment of a visa fee that was made to obtain a visa in another country in the world will not be considered valid in Mexico.
Before the pandemic, U.S. consulates could accept a visa application from a foreigner without Mexican residency. But according to the results of the interview, they always gave a refusal. The consular officer never looks at certificates or confirmations issued outside of Mexico. To obtain a US visa in a country outside your residence, you always need to prove your connection with this country, and in the status of a guest of a state this is hardly possible.
Bottom line: preparing a US visa while in Mexico as a guest of a country is usually not allowed. We do not rule out that there are still positive examples of visa applications. But in most cases, either the papers will not be accepted or they will be refused.