H1B Visa Stamping - Tijuana

Mexico Visa not needed

2010-06-23T18:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a the great finding by Santosh Kumar and he has requested to post this in my blog. Santosh, Thank you for finding this. This is indeed helpful.

See the below details posted on Mexican Consulate Website. According to this, people visiting Tijuana or any other part of Mexico for less than 180 days dont need Mexico Visa. All info on this webpage is self explanatory. If you think that you might still get into trouble and want save the hassle, just print the mexican consulate web page and take it along with you as proof. Good Luck.

INFORMS:

FACILITATION OF TRAVEL TO MEXICO

As of May 1st 2010, all individuals wishing to enter Mexico for the purposes of: TOURISM, TRANSIT AND NON-LUCRATIVE BUSINESS TRIPS

Of any nationality
Traveling by air, land or sea
Departing from any city or port within the United States
With a valid US visa, green card or permanent resident card
For a visit of up to 180 days

DO NOT require a Mexican visa to enter Mexico

A valid passport will be required at the Mexican port of entry.

Mexican immigration officials will authorize the length of visit.

Individuals who intend to visit Mexico for ANY OTHER PURPOSES (i.e. studies, religious activities, technical cooperation, retirement or visitors with lucrative purpose) MUST CONTACT THE CONSULATE at: (408)294 3414 ext. 120. You may also contact us by e-mail at csosa@consulmexsj.com or visit our office:

Consulado General de México

540 North First St.

San Jose CA, 95112

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

from 8:00AM to 12:00PM

H1B Stamping Experience

2010-04-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

I got this update from Rakesh on Apr 10th, 2010 who emailed me his recent experience in Tijuana about H1B Stamping. He shares important information about how to get to the border from San Diego Airport. Rakesh, thanks for your update and sharing your experience with others

Hi -
Thanks for putting up the blog at - http://tijuanatrip.blogspot.com/
. It was very helpful. Here is my experience.

Had my appointment at 9:30 am on April 6th. Flew to San Diego the previous day and reached tijuana in the evening. There was a bus # 992 from SD airport ($5 - all-day pass) , that would drop off at the Trolley (Civic Center) station - the light-rail system at San Diego. Taking the blue line on the trolley to San Ysidro south (the same day pass purchased at the bus applies) , took about 45 minutes and it stopped right at the border. Crossed the border and came into mexico (
had a mexico visitor visa for 5 yrs, issued at SF, but nobody seemed to check at the mexico border though). Took a yellow-line cab from the streets in mexico for $6 and went to hotel real del rio situated right behind the consulate.

Hotel rate was $65 per night with a restaurant within.

Got into the room and went to banamex (right across the main street, near to the hotel) and purchased the receipt for the visa appointment ( $148.75) by cash. They do give changes in USD for small amount though.

Roamed around tijuana in the evening near the hotel.

Got up in the morning and reached the line around 9:00am hoping it to get over sooner. I was totally wrong. The line was pretty huge and it took around 45 min to get inside the consulate. There were 2 phases , one for checking the documents/visa purpose etc and the second phase
would be the actual interview with the consular officer.

Phase 1:

What are you here for ?
H1-B renewal

I-797 please?
...

Took a photo of mine.

"Please wait in the lobby" around 10:15am.

Then the long wait began, in the lobby. Obviously we cannot get out for breakfast / lunch from that place. There was a vending machine in the lobby that accepted pesos only and I had only usd in my wallet essentially making it useless. Could have asked for an exchange in the
crowd among there, but did not try that. By the time -I got to meet the consular officer, it was around 2:45pm.

Q: Have you been waiting for long ?
A: Yes.

Q: Sorry about that. Your renewal is for the same employer ?
No.

Q: Can I see the notice of action (i-797) ?
Here, it is ..

Q: What do you do ?

Q: How many people being led in your team ?

Q: What does the company do ?

"Your visa is approved. you can pick it up tomorrow at 3pm. "

Next day, again the queue starts forming at around 2pm . Waited in the queue to get there early. Did not allow us to enter until 3:15 pm actually. Got mine around 3:30pm. Went back to the hotel, got my stuff ( they have a place to store in the lobby while you are getting back the passport ), took the cab for $7 to the border.

pretty much empty at that time, around 4:15pm. There were no directions about getting a new I-94 until I was about to meet the officer in person about it. He directed me to go back to a building (which I passed through initially) that would issue a new I-94 and come back again. Walked back to the building , and not much of a big queue either - may be around 10 people . But we were made to wait for 10 minutes because the office was ' temporarily closed' (!!).

Talked to the officer there to get the I-94, after some informal chit-chats( "are cows considered sacred in india" ? , "will your spirit go away if I take your photo" ? ). Got my I-94, paid $6 in cash
in a separate counter in the same building and then walked back to the border. There was absolutely no queue , and I was let in within seconds of reaching the counter.

"do you carry alcohol/tobacco / any other contents for which you need to pay the duty " ?

put my stuff through the scanner , came over to san ysidro station around 4:40pm, trolley to sd downtown to airport and back home in northern california.

Overall experience, extremely cordial people in mexico with great food and good fun (a place called plaza del rio about 4 blocks of hotel contained some attractions, cinepolis etc.) and light on your wallet :)
If you are going for a renewal then it is a breeze , if you are in a emergency to step out of the country for business/personal purposes.

Good luck !!

--
RS

Thanks again Rakesh ;)

H1B Stamping

2010-04-02T18:05:00.000-07:00

I got this update from Mahesh on Apr 1st, 2010 who emailed me his recent experience in Tijuana about H1B Stamping. Here is his experience in his own words.Mahesh , thanks for your update and sharing your experience with others

Hi Mr. Narayana

I m sending you my visa stamping experience. Its rather long but I have covered it in detail. Hope this helps others. You can also find it at: http://murthyforum.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=1024039761&f=4724019812&m=1291035502

thanks

Mahesh.

This is the experience I had with a recent H1B stamping (3/29/2010) at Tijuana, Mexico. Overall it was a smooth ride.

My background: B.Tech from a reputed school in India and M.S from U.C at Irvine, currently working in bay area for one of the biggest software companies. I ve been with the company for 3.5 years. I have applied for GC in 2007 and currently in AoS stage and also got a I797 valid till Sep '12. I was going for a H1 restamping. My previous H1 was valid from 2006-2009. So I had a gap where I was working on EAD.

I got married in Oct '09 and my wife and me entered the US in Nov '09. She entered with H4 and I entered with AP. No questions asked at the PoE. After getting back into the US, my lawyer suddenly called me one day and said I need to get an H1 stamping ASAP. I wasnt sure why but he said I entered the country by luck and next time I may be stopped if I m on AP and my wife is on H4. Then I decided to go for stamping. I picked Tijuana consulate since I ve been there once in 2006 for H1 stamping with my previous employer and it was a very smooth ride and I was comfortable with it. And also I had a valid AP with me in case my H1 gets rejected. After doing a little research I realized that there have been some changes this time around.

First of all, I had to get a mexican visa this time to be on the safe side, where as last time I didnt get one. Its a very straight forward process and it only costs $36. So thought why not. And also this time I had to fill DS-160 online application but last time I had to fill DS-156 and DS-157. Filling of DS-160 was a big pain since the session keeps timing out. So always keep saving after every page, so you wont lose your changes. Also you dont need to upload the photo onto your online DS-160 and you dont have to take a photo to the Consulate either since they will take the photo inside.

Now I collected all the docs for the visa stamping. These are the docs I had:

1. Passport
2. I-797 and along with the original package sent by the lawyer
3. Previous immigration paper work
4. Employment verification letter
5. Taxes filed for last couple of years
6. Last 3 months pay stubs
7. Original education documents (B.Tech and M.S certificates and transcripts)
8. Took a few photographs (although not needed)
9. DS-160 confirmation page

I live in bay area and luckily one of my friends was driving to San Diego from bay area on 3/28. He offered a ride. I gladly accepted and went with him, I slept at his place on sunday night. We got up next day and left to the border at around 6:30 and we were at the border by 7. I crossed the border and went in and took a cab and asked him to drop me at the consulate. It was a 10 min ride and he charges $6 and he knows where to drop. Last time when I went for stamping I went to a different consulate but this time its a different one. I had my stamping appointment at 9:30 am. Banamex is very close to the consulate. So first went there and stood in the line. Bank opens at 9 am and went in asked to get a receipt for H1B stamping. It costed me $146 and got the receipt and came back to the consulate. Before joining the line, I went and dropped my bag and laptop at a small place next to the consulate, they charge $3 per day.

The person at the window verified the passport and DS-160 and gave me a token and sent me in. Then they take a photograph and finger prints and verify all the documents and asked me to sit back and wait for the number to be called. It took me almost 4.5 hours for my turn. I was really feeling hungry since I went without having any breakfast. So my advice is eat heavy breakfast before going in.

This was the converstation I had with the visa officer

VO:
ME: Hi good afternoon, I m not a Mexican :)
VO: Sorry. What kind of visa you need?
ME: H1-B
VO: Give me your employment verification letter and I-797
ME: I gave them
VO: Where is your wife
ME: She is in the US and she is on H-4. (no more questions on that topic)
VO: Your H1 visa was expired earlier?
ME: I said I was working on EAD since I have filed for my GC.
VO: Show me your original education docs
ME: Showed them
VO: Give me your tax documents and pay stubs
ME: Gave them
VO: ok, your visa is approved please come back tomorrow at 3 pm
ME: thank you

I went to the hotel real del reo after the interview, since many people suggested this. I didnt have a reservation before. They charge $64 per night. Its a very nice hotel with friendly staff. They also have a restaurant downstairs and they serve pretty decent food. They also have free wifi. Next day I went and collected my passport by 3:30 pm. Then took a taxi and went to the border and there was a long line to get I-94. It took about 2.5 hours to get I-94 and finally was back into the US by 6. My friend picked me up again at the border and dropped me at the SD airport and I flew back to the bay area.

Thanks again Mahesh;)

H1B Visa Stamping

2010-03-24T22:05:00.000-07:00

I got this update from Shiv on Mar 24th, 2010 who emailed me his recent experience in Tijuana about H1B Stamping. Here is his experience in his own words. Shiv, thanks for your update and sharing your experience with others

Hi,

Your blog is too useful as I recently made a trip to Tijuana for H1B stamping and I got lot of tips from your blog. I would like to share my experience with Tijuana H1B stamping.

This is Shiv, went recently for H1B stamping at Tijuana. Looks like people are avoiding to go to
Tijuana(Mexico) for H1B visa stamping. H1B stamping experience at Tijuana is a piece of cake if
all the paper work is clean. I made the decision to go to Tijuana because of God's grace.

I booked the appointment on 18th March (Thursday) online. One other friend of mine from the same company where I work also booked the appointment along with me. Its easy to book an appointment online after creating a user account for $8. After the appointment is fixed, I printed out the confirmation page along with the appointment letter page. It gave a filled form of DS-15X (which is old one and not needed any more). After fixing the appointment there was a link to fill DS-160 online. It can be filled many times, and I myself filled it twice. No photo was uploaded and I got 'x' mark in the confirmation page for the form filling. I took the print out of the confirmation page. I fixed an appointment for March 23rd(Tuesday).

For PIMs, I had seen in the blogs that an email can be sent so I did sent a mail requesting for PIMs. However I received a mail after few hours stating that "unfortunately nothing can be done before appearing for the interview"

The very next day (March 19th,2010), went to the Mexico consulate in the downtown San Diego and got their visa for $36. They took one PP photo from me, however they took a photo on-spot and that was the one appeared in the visa. I was given visa for 30 days, multiple entry. It took just 15-20 mnts to get the visa. Downtown metered parking costed about $1-$3.

On 22nd March I called the US consulate at Tijuana between 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. They said did you send any documents? and I told them that I sent an email on thursday. They traced it and said that "Your informations have been received, you can come for the interview tomorrow".

On 23rd March, my friend and me started from San Diego at 7:36 AM towards Mexico. We reached the last exit and parked our car in the parking lot which charged $8 per day. After parking the car, we crossed the border and by 8:10 AM we were inside Mexico Tijuana. There are plenty of cabs (as you see in our cities railway station, airport, bus-stands). Took one cab and we reached Banamax bank near the Lincoln statue. Usually cabs charge $3 per person if more, for us they charged $6.

We reached Banamax bank at 8:17 AM.

We were the first people to stand in line around 8:30 one more person from our company joined us in the line at the Bank. Even at 9:00, the line had hardly 6-8 people standing in the line. Bank
opens at 9:00 AM. It took 5 minutes to get the cashier cheque for the H1B visa. The charge for the cashier cheque now is $146. We were out of bank by 9:05 AM.

From bank the Hotel where we planned to stay was visible. So we just crossed the road and went to the hotel (Real Del Rio) by walk. Checked in into our rooms and kept all the stuffs inside the
room except the needed paper works. Room costs $65 per day. Left the hotel at 9:20 AM and walked towards to US consulate and reached there by just 3 mnts walk.

We stood at the line. There used to be a separate line for H1B, but not anymore. We were allowed into the consulate with 10 mnts as batches of people are sent in. They verify the passport, previous H1B stamps, visa appointment letter, DS-160 barcode, H1B approval I797 on the entrance.

No electronics is allowed. They ask us to remove the belt, wallet and coins, metals before
entering the detecter door. They also give a number token. "Watch for this number on the screen" is the comment given. Then all of us were allowed to sit in 3rd row inside the a big square hall.

There are counters on all the 3 sides. First 4 rows are allocated for this purpose. Number is called within 5 mnts and I went to the respective counter.

The lady officer took my details I797, DS-160 barcode. She asked me to place the first 4 fingers
(except thumb) for the right hand on the finger print reader, and then the same thing for the left
hand. After that she asked me to place both the thumbs side by side on the reader. They she asked me to take a seat and she took a picture of me. Then she gave me the token and all the paper clipped to me and asked me to wait in the waiting hall. I exited the big hall through the same door in which I entered. The guard said please in the seat on the veranda (along with others) and look for your number again. There were about 2 sets of 8-9 rows of seats with each row having 9 seats. Front row of the first set is called inside and the first row of the second set is the last one to be called. People move from one row to other in an orderly fashion till they reach the first 3 rows of the first set. Every time first 3 rows from the first set was called in. We got
our call around 1:20 PM. We again entered the hall through the same door. There is water available for drinking and there are restrooms inside consulate.

Again after entering the room we were seated in the rows from 4-8 (as first 4 were allocated for
the earlier purpose). Then again one by one was called by the 8 counters on the right hand side of the hall. The front and the left side counters were for the initial entry. My number was called
around 2:05 PM. Interview took place for 5-6 mnts. Here is the details of the interview. I handed over the DS-160 barcode printout, passport and H1B I797.

How many stampings you had before?

Hi can I see your employment verification letter?

When did you join this company?

How long you were with the old company?

Looks like you quit the old company in 2007 and joined this new company in 2008 end. What did you do between that?

What to you do?

Please show me your Degree certificates

Please show me your Tax returns.

What is your green card status? For me through the first company I had I140 approved and the second company had filed I140 and I485 using labor substitution, but then after joining my recent comapany they cancelled it. Now I am back in labor state. I explained this to him and he nodded and it looked like he had all the information earlier and was doing just a cross-check.

Are you renting or own home? Married? Do you have kids?

Please sit for some time, I'll call you.

He came to the counter again in 5 minutes and asked me to come.

You are good, please collect your passport tomorrow after 3:00 PM.

Then we came out, went to the room and kept all the paperworks. Took our cell phone and went for lunch. There are decent eating places in the hotel basement, near the Lincoln statue, ofcourse non-vegetarians have various choices. Each time it costed $10 (max)

We stayed in the hotel and spent time browsing, doing some work logging remotely etc., We did not go out. The next day we went and stood in the line to collect the passport at 2:35 PM. There were already 3 people before us. By 3:00 PM there were about 40 people standing after us in the line. We gave our name and we got our Passport stamped along with I797.

We took a cab from consulate to border. Luckily the queue was less in border and we entered the gate within 5 minutes. There is i94 office on the side and we entered it. Got ourself new I94s by paying cash $6. After that we stood in the line entering US through US customs. Fortunately it was also quicker. By 3:40 PM we were inside US. I heard that the line for crossing the border is huge and it takes like 3 to 6 hours in the queue. But we were fortunate.

Hope this is useful to people thinking about getting H1B stamped at Tijuana. Quick points which I observed in the trip are as below.

1. Getting H1B stamping at Tijuana is 'piece of cake' if you have the necessary documents with you.
2. Its safer in Tijuana (ofcourse near the consulate). There are tales of gang war, drugs, but they are present everywhere
3. Getting the stamping in Tijuana is faster (you get the passport next day itself)
4. PIMs verification is simpler and very convinient.
5. No photo was asked from us.

Hope more people benefit from your blog.

Thanks & Rgds.,

Shiv

Thanks again Shiv;)

H1B Stamping Experience

2010-03-01T18:11:00.000-08:00

I got this update from Ram on Mar 01st, 2010 who emailed his recent experience in Tijuana about H1B Stamping. Here is his experience in his own words. This is a little different than most of the comments the experiences posted so far. Ram, thanks for your update and sharing your experience with others

Hi All,

I am Ram, here is m experience at Tijuana

I have attended for my H1-B visa renewal at Tijuana on 24rd Feb 2010.

My background
I work as a consultant. My H1-B company is an product based company and they also provide consulting services Their main nature of business is not consulting.
I applied for my H1-B 7th yr extension with the same employer in Jan 2010 in premium processing based on my approved I-140 and got extension for 3 yrs.
I had my prevous visa renewal for Tijuana.

Appointment at consulate was at 9:30AM. Had the interview around 2:00PM.

VO: Hi
ME: Hi Good Afternoon

VO: Is this a renewal with the same Employer ?
ME: Yes Sir

VO: Can I see your passport and I 797 ?
ME: Gave my I 797C and passport

VO:From how long you are been with this XXX company ?
ME: From MM/YYYY (I am with the same employer for past 6 yrs)

VO: What does your company do?
ME: Gave a brief explanation of my employer business

VO: Do you work at your employer location ?
ME: No, I work at the client location.

VO: Who is your client and whats the nature of the business ?
ME: Gave a brief explanation of my client business nature.

VO: Can I see your employment letter ?
ME: Gave employment letter and client letter (letter from my boss at my client location).

VO: Can I see your latest paystubs, W2's Tax returns ?
ME: Gave all the requested documents (6 months paystubs, 2yrs W2's and 2008 tax returns)

VO: What is your role and responsibility ?
ME: Gave a detailed explanation of my day to day activity.

VO: Where did you worked before you worked for this client ?
ME: Gave the details of my previous client and duration of work.

VO: How many employees does your company have ?
Me: XXX employees

VO: Where is your company located ?
ME: Gave the location details

VO: Do they have any other offices ?
ME: Yes Sir, and gave the other offices details

VO: What is your highest level of education ?
ME: Gave the details

VO: Where did you graduated from ?
ME: Gave the details (India)

VO: We need to do some further verification. Come back again tomorrow morning around 10:30 AM and gave me a white slip.
ME: I said thanks to the VO officer and left the consulate.

The white sheet has 221g, and under comments section he wrote Administrative Processing. The VO gave my passport back. He kept my employment, client letters, W2's, tax returns and paystubs.

Next day I went to the consulate around 10:00 AM and informed the security that I am asked to come today at 10:30 AM. He allowed me talk to the initial appointment checking counter, which is next to the security. The lady asked me if the VO officer send any email or called me to come. I said I was asked to come directly at 10:30 AM. The lady spoke to someone and allowed me inside.

I went through the security and informed another consulate associate about my 10:30 AM appointment. He took the 221g letter and asked me to take seat. After a while about 30 mins later, VO (Same guy who interviewed me the previous day) announced my name. I went to the VO counter and greeted him.

VO:Your visa is approved.
Me: Thank you

VO:Took my passport and gave other documents except I797 and small white slip which states to pick the passport on the next business day after 3:00 PM, but the VO strike out the next business and wrote TODAY with a pen. And he said since you are already here yesterday we will try our best to give your passport today evening if not you need to collect tomorrow.
ME: Thank you Sir.

I was out of the consulate by 12:15 PM. I went to the consulate again in the evening around 3:00PM to collect my passport. The lady at the counter searched for my passport and could not find it. I told her that I have attended for my second interview today. She said she will check with the back office and call me again. After 45 mins security guys announced my name to go to the visa pick up counter. The lady at the counter gave my passport. Checked all the information on my Visa and left the consulate.

At the CBP, I went to I-94 office and got my new I-94 and entered SanDiego.

After I came back to my client place, I spoke to my boss, He said he got a email questionnaire from Tijuana consulate on 24rd Feb 2010, the day I had my first interview.And he responded to the the email on the same day. I am not aware of what the questionnaire was about.

Thanks again Ram;)

H1B Stamping Experience

2010-02-11T15:26:00.000-08:00

I got this update from Rekha on Feb 11th, 2010 who emailed her recent experience in Tijuana about H1B Stamping. Here is her experience in her own words. Rekha, thanks for your update and sharing your experience with others

Hi,

Had a successful visa stamping at Tijuana on 9th Feb. 2009:

1 - Parked the car at San Ysidro border. Walked through the gates. No one was checking but had a valid Mexican Visa. Got it in 2 days from Mexican Consulate (costs $36 and pretty simple process)

2. Took a cab from Mexico side to the US consulate for $3 . Went to the hotel (Real Del Rio) and got a room for $63 one night (hotel is behind consulate - 5 mins walking distance). They have a toll free number to call and reserve 1-877-517-6479. Hotel staff were nice. We reached there at 7:30am and they did let us do an early checkin.

3. Kept the stuff at hotel and went to Banamex which is also 5 minutes walking. Bank opened at 9am . Paid the fees by showing my passport (bank receipt will have your passport number) in 5 minutes and went to consulate and joined the queue.

4. Appointment at consulate was at 9:30am. Had the interview and came out at 11:30am.

5. Joined the queue next day at consulate at 3pm and got the passport back at around 3:10pm. Hotel can keep your stuff at counter and give u a receipt. Went back to hotel to collect stuff and then paid $3 to get the taxi back to San Ysidro border

6. Went to "PERMITS" and paid $6 to get a new I-94

7. Went through the US custom and immigration counters . Back in US, picked the car from the parking lot.

(A shopping complex Plaza-Rio is nearby. You can find McDonalds, BurgerKing, Panda Express,... there and can pay in US dollars)

Hope this helps.

Thanks.

RD

Thanks again Rekha.

H1B Stamping Experience

2009-09-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

I got this update from Ajay on Sep 5th, 2009 who emailed me his recent experience in Tijuana about H1B Stamping. Here is his experience in his own words. Ajay, thanks for your update and sharing your experience with others

Just wanted to mention that I had a successful stamping in Tijuana yesterday and give you a overview of how things went.

My appointment was at 9:30 in the morning of September the 3rd, 2009. Parked the car at the border, took a taxi to the consulate. I reached the consulate at 8:30 - the rush at the consulate was mediocre, but started building up later in the day. I was able to get in for the security check at 9:30 and finally had the interview at around 12:30 or 1:00 in the afternoon. The interview was pretty straightforward - lasted for a about 4-5 mins i think. Will brief the questions asked...

me and VO: Pleasantaries exchanged.

VO: What visa are you applying for?

me: Renewal of my H1B visa.

VO: Where do you work and can i see an employee verification letter?

me: company xxx and hold the title xxx. Gave him employee letter and original appt letter.

(He crosschecks my annual salary too)

VO: What does you company do?

me: Briefly explained it.

VO: What are my main responsibilities, job description

me: explained what i do etc.

VO: You application has been approved - please come and collect your passport at 3:00 tommorow.

me: thank you.

I did send an email to consulate asking for PIMS verification and received a confirmation email from them. This was a couple of days before my appt. I heard that Tijuana consulate have stopped issues visas the same day. They are asking everyone to come the following business day. It could be becuase of the rush too i guess. But ppl going to get there visa stamped or renewed must be prepared to stay 1 day atleast. I stayed at Hotel Real Del Rio just behind the consulate. Its about 75$ a night. A nice hotel with courteous staff. Checked out TJ downtown Revolution that evening. Went to consulate in the morning to check out if they have started issuing the passports, but no luck, went back at 3:00 and collected my passport. Crosschecked my info on the visa stamp and took a taxi back to the border. Got my I-94 and headed back into US at about 6:00 or so in the evening.

This was my experience. Please use it to update your blog - if it is helpful to others.

Thanks

Ajay

Hope this helps.

H1B Stamping Experience - PIMS Delay

2009-01-05T22:48:00.000-08:00

I got this update from Amit on Jan 3rd, 2009 who emailed me his recent experience in Tijuana about H1B Stamping. Here is his experience in his own words. Amit, thanks for your update and helping others.

Our Visa stamping experience in Tijuana, Mexico.
Key words: Bad experience Tijuana Mexico embassy consulate H1B visa stamping PIMS delay border

Initially I was very apprehensive about my wife going to Tijuana or anywhere in MX for her H1B renewal stamp. But after reading on various sites, official and blogs and talking to a few people, I thought the stamping in Tijuana and the related processes and logistics are smooth and well streamlined. Even after going through some 25 - 30 postings about the stamping there, not a single one had anything negative about it. A few of them talked about the new PIMS verification. Please read about it and understand it.

Everything seemed allright. So she took an appointment for 18th Dec 08, a Thursday morning. We were hoping for it to be a daylong affair but it turned out to be a 5-day ordeal. Here's the summary of how things work there.

- You drive to the US border. It's around 15 - 20 mi from the San Diego.
- If you are driving, park your car on the US side of the border. To drive into Mexico, you need some special insurance.
- There are 2 revolving doors. You walk through them, along with 50 - 100 others and HOLA!!!, you are in Mx.
- There are cab drivers, yellow cabs, right at the border and they know you are there for the visa. Your first stop is Banamex and they'll take you there for 5 - 6 bucks. The bank location has changed recently, so it'll help if you take the right address. My wife was dropped at the old one and she ended up running to the new one, 15 mins before her appointment.
- After paying the fees, walk to the consulate. It's around a 10-minute walk.
- Around your appointment time, you are asked to be in a specific line. They call you in, ask for a couple of docs. May be a few questions and you are done in 5 mins.
- Make sure you are not carrying anything metallic. Cell phones are old story. My wife was asked to remove the hook on the security badge she has to wear to work to get access to various buildings. The badge was in her folder and apparently she could have caused some serious damage to the security personnel and others there.
- Unless you are missing documents or there is something special about your case, you are asked to collect your passport around 3.00 pm.
- IF, again IF, you get your passport back, you can take one of those yellow cabs back to the border for 8 - 10 bucks.
- There you get into a separate line to get a new I-94, which might take upto 2 - 3 hrs sometimes.

Coming back to our case, after her interview of 5 mins, we thought her visa was approved and all they had to do is print the stamp and return the passport. In the mean time, you can hang out at the mall opposite the banamex. It was a pretty crowded place and looked safe as well. She returned at 3.00 ish and waited till 5.00. They told her, along with a few others, that her visa wasn't stamped because, and I quote "It's stuck in the system, or the system is down. Hence it won’t print".
When I received a call from her, I booked a room at Camino Real (http://www.caminoreal.com/espanol/index.html ), It's a good hotel, a little pricey but it's less than 10 mins walking distance from the consulate and area seemed safe, atleast in day light. Though you might hear a lot of police/ambulance sirens throughout the day. For around $110, we booked a room there. The next day she called them at 9.00 and was told that it's "Still stuck in the system" and that she should call at noon. She then made a huge mistake of calling them at 11.45 instead of noon. She was reminded, firmly, that she was asked to call at noon and not 11.45 am. People are very rude, but then that's true about almost all people working in a US consulate anywhere in the world.

Nothing at noon, and nothing at 3.00 and still nothing at 5.00 pm. Every time she asked for details, all she was told is "It's stuck in the system. If you ask any more questions, they'll point to the board, which says, the whole process may take up to 24 - 48 hours. They even refused to let us talk to the officer who, they claimed, was working on her case.

We live in the SF bay area. I had already flown into San Diego and once it was clear that it wont happen even Fri evening, I went to Tijuana and extended our stay at the hotel. Since I had heard there was a lot of gang activity in Tijuana, we decided to take a cab next morning to Rosarito, which is around 30 - 60 mins by cab, (~$20 - 25). Another option was Real Del Mar, a town 15 - 30 mins drive south of Tijuana. Rosarito is a popular beach destination in summer and hence a lot safer than Tijuana.

After a forced weekend vacation, we came back Monday morning to Tijuana. We got the same answer when we called them at 9.00 am. During the weekend, we had noted down some phone numbers in the US like the INS, Visa and Passport authority etc. I managed to talk to someone (after a 12 - 15 mins hold time). This person was able to answer all our questions. He pulled up her record based on her 797-receipt number. He said that having a 797 and the morning interview at the consulate does not mean your visa is approved. The following is how it works and this is solely based on my best understanding of the limited explanation this rep gave me on the phone.
- When one applies for a visa, the consulate sends approval requests to 3 - 4 departments.
- Only after all of them have approved the request, the consulate people are able to print the visa. In her case, one of them had not approved it yet. He refused to give us the reason for the delay (some security reason) but assured us about someone in the background working on it.
- He also mentioned that if we ask for the passport back, they HAVE TO return it immediately. Though without the renewal stamp, she can only go back to the country of her citizenship, India in our case. Or wait for a few some more time in MX.
- When asked about how much time it'll take, he said he didn’t want to speculate coz it might take 5 mins, a week, a month or more. As unpleasant as it sounded, we atleast had some answers.

We started looking for tickets to India at some Internet cafe in that nearby mall. If we didn’t get the visa that day and the next, the consulate might be closed for a day or 2 for Christmas. So we prepared ourselves for the worst.
It was only around 11.50 am and we DARE NOT call them a minute before noon. Else they might use their SPECIAL powers vested in them by the INS to cause us unimaginable harm. Well, at least they seem to think that way from the way they behave. So after waiting for all the hands on the watch to get into perfect vertical alignment, and a minute more we called them again. Though this time, we heard what we wanted to. She picked up her passport and we rushed back to the border. As I said above, she got into a separate line for a new I-94, which meant we could skip the normal line, a couple of miles long. After around an hour or so, we walked back into US.

Our poor planning, and the expectation of the best case scenario, was going to hurt us further more. The car rental , which was to be for a day but had to extended to 5, cost us $200 total for that. She had parked the car at some mall very close to the border. What we didn’t know is that the cars left there overnight are towed. So we paid another $400 to get the car back. And then book one-way tickets from SD to SFO. And given the way things turned out for us, our return tickets were a LOT MORE than $60.

So here are the things we learnt from those 5 days and I hope it helps others plan it better than we did.
- For most of the people it does happen in a day, but NOT FOR everyone. Apart from my wife, I met 2 other desis who were stuck. Another guy with her got it Fri afternoon. And she also mentioned seeing another Asian girl there since Thursday. So that's almost 10 - 15% of the people who applied. Hence a contingency plan, about what to do if you are in that 15%, will help a lot.
- For precisely that reason, renting a car and parking at the border is not the best idea. There is a Jack-in-the-Box where you can park for $5 a day. May be they'll let your car be there until you are back. But the mall will definitely get it towed if it's parked there overnight.
- I don’t know if that was the main reason for the delay, but make sure your PIMS verification is done prior to your arrival at the consulate. I did call the consulate asking them to send her data for PIMS verification and she said she did. You can get some information here. http://www.murthy.com/news/n_pimsvu.html
- If possible, try taking an appointment in the earlier part of the week. That’ll reduce the chances of a spending a weekend there.

This piece was not intended to scare anyone, but just to get you better informed and help you plan a little more thoroughly that what we did.

No change of Status in Tijuana, Mexico

2008-12-26T17:15:00.000-08:00

Tijuana, Mexico and most other US Visa consulates no longer process Visa Status Changes. For example, if you are in F1 and now have an approved H1 visa and need stamping on your passport, you will have to go back to your native country for stamping. Even H4 to H1 is no longer processed. So no change of visa status stampings are processed.

It is just not Tijuana, Mexico. Most other consulates don't process change of status anymore.
Tijuana, Mexico only accepts extensions or renewals. Also when you go there it is better to go before your I94/stamping expires so that if something goes wrong, you can come back based on your valid I94/stamping. Keep checking updates.

If you need more details check this Murthy Bulletin Link.

H1B Stamping Experience by a recent visitor

2008-10-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

I got this update from Chirag on Oct 2nd, 2008 who emailed me his recent experience in Tijuana about H1B Stamping. Thanks Chirag for your update and helping others. Here is his experience in his own words.

First of all I would like to thank for your wonderful post. Its really helpful.

The Banamex bank is moved and now it is just 2 blocks from the consulate. The best way to confirm the bank location is the person should be able to see the Abram Lincoln’s statue from the bank's entrance. Also, the fees is US $135.00. (I paid US $270 for my h1 and my wife's h4).

Once done at Banamex, go on the road (Lincoln’s Right Hand side and right side of the road). The consulate is at the end of the road. (You will see few photo and copy shops before consulate). At consulate their are few guards, ask them can you go inside, because sometimes they allows entering even half an hour before you appointment.

There were about 9 h1b (8 indian, 1 chinese) peoples on the same day. There is no any separate line for H1b persons, all are called in sequence, and the day we go there (wednesday) it looks like busy. It almost took 1:30 hour. Everybody's interview goes smooth except mine. The consular who took my interview looks like strict. He take almost 45 minutes for the every person's who go to his window, while other consular just take like 5 or 10 minutes. During my interview he told me to seat and wait until he call me back, and he return after 45 - 50 minutes, then he told me to come back at 3:00 to get my passports with visa. (during that 45 minutes he called my company to verify its existence. he also told the accountant who picked up the phone, that they will not issue me the visa if my company doesn't give the financial documents immediately, but no body had sent those documents - I didn;t even know about this things until next day when I go back to my work, so I think they just call my company to confirm the company's existence and my position).

Also, usually they returns passport early even they tell us to come at 3:00. I get my passport at 2:30.

At the border, as soon as you pass the rotating door you will see a building (Border Security) on right hand side, go there for new I-94, and pay US $6.00 (They issue me I-94 with the same exact information which I had on I-797 bottom part, I don’t think that I is required but I looks like the officer which check my documents are under training so they process them again and issue me i-94 (white card)). and then go ahead there you will see lots of people in queues, and join them. Here officer will just verify information again.

Pretty much it was a good experience except that 45 minutes waiting time at consulate. The information you give such as directions, parting lot, crossing border, taking taxi to banamex, banamex to consulate, consulate to border, and processing at border, are really worderful help.

One more thing is PIMS.
They don't verify the details when you email them, it is better to call the consulate between 3:00 PM and 4:00PM (if you call any other time they will tell you to call at this time) and they will ask for you I-797 petition number. I called about 3 times and it was verified before 3 days of my appointment. I suggest starting calling them before 2 weeks. (The guy which also was there for H1B told me that he just called them once before 2 days of interview and his PIMS was verified, so I think consulate does this for all the petitions, but all want us to call them and verify this before going for interview, so its better to call them before 3 days)

Thanks again for this post.
Chirag

I hope this post helps everyone.

PIMS in Tijuana

2008-05-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

Update: Looks like the consulate at Tijuana has stopped replying about PIMS verification. But you are still required to fax them them prior to your appointment.

PIMS verification has been officially commenced for a while now. It is very crucial to verify PIMS before you go to the consulate otherwise you could get stuck for three days. Though I have not experienced PIMS myself, this is the collective information about PIMS in Tijuana. (Source: http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/petition_based_visas.html and http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/niv.html )

You might ask, what is PIMS?
Consular officers may no longer accept Form I-797 as sufficient evidence for visa adjudication. Petition approval and visa eligibility must be confirmed in the Department of State's Petition Information Management Service (PIMS) database.

How Long does it take?
PIMS verification takes on average 24-48 hours to complete. A visa will not be authorized in the interim.

What should I do?
If you scheduled an appointment at the U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana previously, we recommend that you fax a copy of your approved I-797 to the NIV section at least 72 hours prior to your interview date (fax: +52-664-634-3069). Please include the date and time of your appointment, as well as the confirmation number given to you by the appointment call center. Consular staff will determine whether your petition is registered in PIMS, and if it is not, will request that the petition be verified and added to the database. Please note that we are able to verify petitions in PIMS only for individuals applying at the U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana. If you have scheduled an appointment at a different U.S. consulate or embassy, please contact NIV staff there directly with any questions you have regarding processing your petition-based visa.

Also from some other sources I have found that you could verify PIMS using the contacts below.
E-Mail ID of Consulate : tijuanainfo@state.gov
Tijuana U.S. Consulate Fax Number's:
+52-664-634-3069 - Mexico Number

Tijuana U.S. Consulate Phone Number's:
+52 664-634-3045

Following is the Generic email format for PIMS verification.

Dear Consulate Officer,

I am XXXXXXX (Your Name), working as a XXXXX (Your Designation) on H1B with XXXXXX (Your Company). I scheduled an appointment at Tijuana Consulate, Mexico for getting my H1-B visa stamped on XXXXX(Appointment Date) and my confirmation number is below:

Confirmation Number: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I would like to know if my PIMS check is already cleared for my I-129 petitions. I am attaching scanned copy of approval of I-797 and appointment letter as PDF file to this mail.

Attachments:
1. I-797A.pdf
2. Visa Appointment letter. PDF

Hope to hear from you soon.
Regards, XXXXXXXX (Your Name)

You would get an email confirmation from the consulate and your PIMS verification.

After you have done this, you are all set to go for Stamping.

Hope this post helps. If you experience anything different please let me know and I will update here. Thanks.

Tijuana - H1B Stamping Experience

2007-06-08T22:35:00.000-07:00

I had a pleasant experience with my second H1B visa stamping in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico on June 7^th 2007. Me and my wife (H4-visa) drove down from Los Angeles, CA to the US border the same morning of my appointment and arrived at the border around 8AM. We parked the car behind the Jack in the Box restaurant for $5 per 8 hrs. The Jack in the Box address is ~~402 W SAN YSIDRO BLVD, San Ysidro, CA, 92173~~ 721 E SAN YSIDRO BLVD, San Ysidro, CA, 92173 Ph: 619-428-4679. Look at the FAQ more info on getting there and parking info.

We walked from there to the border using the bridge. If you are not able to spot the entry to the bridge ask some officers for guidance. Visa is not mandatory as no one will check. We saved around 200 bucks by not getting the Mexico visa.

When you enter TJ, there will be a bunch of cab drivers waiting and they know you are there for your Visa. So depending upon where you want to go, either to Banamex or to the Consulate just let them know and they charge will $5 to take you there. Banamex is no more next to consulate like before in Tijuana. They moved few blocks away from the consulate. Click here for directions on how to go from Banamex to the Consulate. Also check my FAQ blog. One thing you have to keep in mind is that the entry for the Banamex is from the parking lot behind. You will see a lot of people standing over there in a line. They open at 9 AM and I had an appointment at 10AM. So I had enough time to catch up. Just mention to the bank officer that you are here for the visa and give them your passport and money. They will give you a receipt after they process it.

Now you can walk to the consulate. When you arrive at the consulate you will see a whole lot of people standing in the queue. Talk to the security guards and let them know that you are for your H1B visa stamping and then depending on your appointment time they might either let you in or will make you wait in the line.

They let me inside right away which was pretty cool. Just as soon as you enter the building there is a small window where they ask you for your appointment letter and passport. Here they will there give you a token number. So next is security check. They don’t allow any electronic items or big bags inside the consulate. So if you have stuff with you, just put those things in one bag and there are stores next to the consulate that hold your bags for $3.

After you pass the security, there was a man who asked me if I was for an H1B visa. I said yes. So he told me to ignore the token number as they are having some special line for H1B people, which was some real good news. He directed me to that special line where one Mexican lady checks the documents. She will make sure all information is correct. The bar code you print should be very clear otherwise she will have to re-enter it all over again. Check my FAQ on bar code information. Click here for list of documents you have to carry.

After this I was asked to go to a line for interview which was specifically meant for H1B applicants. Then the visa interview began. I gave him my Passport, DS-156 and DS-157. Then I was requested to provide I-797, I-129, LCA, pay stubs and work confirmation letter. Then he started to shoot some questions.

What do u do in the company?
What does that software do?
How many employees does the company have?
How long are you planning to stay in United states?
How many programming languages do you know?
How many languages do you speak?
Where are you from in India?

For question number, 4 make sure you tell him the year mentioned on your I-797 expiry date. After these questions he told me that the visa is approved and should come back at 3PM same day to get the visa. He gave me a token which I need to show when I collect my passport.

I was out of the consulate by 10:15AM. So now we had to kill some time. I had researched before as to what places I should go and visit in Tijuana, to kill time. There are two places that we went to. Revolucion (Pronounced as revolution) and Plaza Rio. I have included some information about these places in my FAQ. We spent some nice time at these places.

Came back to collect my passport at 2:45 PM and found that they have already started to issue the visas. But I found out that my passport is not ready yet and they have some trouble with their computer and I will have to wait inside.

So we waited inside with few other people for around 45 minutes and one lady announced that the computer problem is not resolved yet and we might have to wait till 4:45PM and if that is still not resolved by then, we will have to come again the next day after 12 Noon. This worried me because it was not safe to leave my car at some parking lot at the border and moreover we didn’t know what to do that evening and where to stay. So I advise people to be prepared to stay till the next day as a worst situation and also if you go on Friday, you may get stuck there for the whole weekend.

Then I got lucky at 4:15 PM when our passports came ready with the visa. I verified my name and other details and left thanking them.

We came out of the consulate and took a cab back to the border for $6. He dropped us to the border and we saw a big line of people standing to go to the US. It took us around 40 minutes in the line to get to the immigration officer. The visa officer looked at the visa stamping and its validity. Without asking even a single question he let us in and there we arrived inside US without any problems. We walked to the parking lot and took our car back home.

Overall it was a pleasant experience. I recommend Tijuana for H1B visa stamping as it very easy.

Good Luck to you all for your visa and have safe trip.

Banamex to Consulate Directions

2007-06-08T22:19:00.001-07:00

Banamex to Consulate Directions. Approximate time of walk is 10 minutes.

Banamex is in Del Los Huroes.

Update: Thanks to Ajay for sending us the updated map about BanAmex. BanAmex has moved. See the map below and for its exact location. After you come out of the bank walk towards the right hand of Abraham Lincoln Statue. If anyone finds that the map below is wrong please email me. Thanks.

Sample DS-156

2007-06-08T17:57:00.000-07:00

You need to print an electroic copy of DS-156. You cant fill it out by hand. Fill up the form and submit it to should generate a bar code. Instructions to fill out the form at http://evisaforms.state.gov . Fill out the DS-156 from at ~~http://www.visa-usa.com.mx/VisaForms.aspx~~ . Fill up the blank spaces as either None or NA. I have attached the sample DS-156. Use it at your own risk.

Update: The new website for accessing this information is http://www.usvisa-mexico.com Thanks for the user who informed me. In this website you may have to change the language to English by clicking on the top icon.

Update: On the top RHS corner of DS-156 you will find Expiration date. Make sure this date is after your appointment date. If not resubmit DS-156.

Documents to Carry

2007-06-08T15:23:00.001-07:00

Below are the documents I carried for H1B Stamping. I have compiled this list to the best of my knowledge and use at your own risk.

1. Passport*
2. ~~$108~~ $135 fees for each applicant.*
3. Photographs 2x2 inches. Check photograph requirement here. *
4. Appointment letter from consulate.*
5. Filled out ORIGINAL DS156 and 157 application form (electronic copy).*
6. I-797 (H-1 approval from INS) - top and bottom part in ORIGINAL.*
7. Employment verification letter from your employer.*
8. Offer Letter.*
9. Pay stubs last few months.*
10. Copy of I-129 (petition filed by your lawyer on your behalf).*
11. Copy of LCA (Labor Condition Approval).*
12.Latest Resume.*
13. ORIGINAL master’s degrees' certificates/transcripts.*
14. ORIGINAL bachelor's certificates.*
15. Copies of tax returns.*
16. Social Security Card.
17. Driving License.
18. Business Cards.
19. W2s.
20. I20.
21. Latest bank statement showing enough money to survive.*
22. OPT - EAD Card.
23. Marriage Certificate.
24. Marriage Invitation Card.
25. pictures of workplace.

Some of the documents listed above came straight from the Mexico consulate website.

Apart from this list check my FAQ for more information that I might have to provide you.

My H1B Stamping FAQ - Tijuana

2007-06-08T15:20:00.001-07:00

Q. More info about Consulate?
A. Some visitors of my blog have commented that there are two different consulates in Tijuana. My understanding was that the old one is closed....Anyway, you will have to go to one that gives you H1 Visa. The address should be on your appointment letter. Show the Taxi driver where you want to go. If still not sure, refer to the map that I have posted.

Q. How do I book for an appointment for visa stamping in Tijuana US consulate.
A. Go to http://www.visa-usa.com.mx/SelfServiceLogin.aspx to book the date. Create a login for $10 and you can schedule. Go through the website before you book the appointment.

Q. Do we need separate appointments for Husband (H1-B), Wife and kids on (H4) visa?
A. No. One appointment is enough. Add wife and kids as dependents who want to come for visa stamping along with you while booking the appointment.

Q. DS-156?
A. This is required for all applicants one for each.

Q. DS-157?
A. Required for all male applicants.

Q. When will the consulate return the passport after stamping?
A. For me they returned the passport the same day. You might have a different experience. I have heard people getting stuck for a weekend because of some technical problems. Also, if you are working for some defense related company you might be requiring some security clearance which could take even a week or so. So be prepared depending on the situation but for most people passports are returned the same day. Look at some comments that are posted to see other peoples experience.

Q. How many times can I generate DS-156 bar code?
A. Any number of times you want.

Q. Can I handwrite DS-156?
A. Better not. You can only sign and date by hand. But can submit DS-156 again and generate a bar code.

Q. Can you provide sample DS-156?
A. Yes. Click here.

Q. What is LCA?
A. It is labor conditioning approval. Ask your employer to provide a copy of this before you go for the stamping. This is a mandatory document to carry.

Q. What is I-129?
A. This is one of the H1B Petition application. Ask your employer to provide a copy of this before you go for the stamping. This is a mandatory document to carry.

Q. Bar code Information?
A. Bar code should be clearly visible on DS-156 on page 1 and 3. The bar code in page 3 is very important and if that couldn't be scanned then information will have to be typed all over again. So make sure Bar code is printed clean and complete.

Q. Do we need DS-158?
A. Tijuana consulate does not require this form. I didn't take it. Other forms might be required. This might change time to time. Check the website at the time of booking your appointment .

Q. I have lost some documents you have mentioned, what do I do?
A. Some of the documents are very much required and some are optional which may be asked to provided at the time of Interview. The required documents are mentioned in the website (http://www.visa-usa.com.mx). You will have to create an account and click on "NON IMMIGRANT VISA INFORMATION" on home page to access this information. These are the most important ones. If you don't have the required documents which are mentioned in this website then you might be in trouble. So be careful. Other documents that I have mentioned is optional and may be requested by the visa officer. You never know. Better be safe than sorry.

Q. Is it safe to ride a Taxi?
A. Yes, I believe so. I think taxi drivers are very helpful in fact. Your experience might differ. Be alert. One word of caution is that you should always fix the price before you ride the taxi.

Q. More information on how to go to the border or Jack in the Box for parking?
A. When you drive I805-south, take the exit which mentions "Last USA Exit" go 0.3 miles. Turn left on "Camino de la plz" go 0.3 miles. Turn right on E San Ysidro Blvd and you will see Jack in the Box immediately. There you will find number of parking spots. There is $8 parking as soon as u take right on San Ysidro Blvd. If you want $5 parking take left on the first light(signal) after you take right on San Ysidro. You will there see a sign for parking $5. If you still not sure then park some where around and the border is very near.

Q. What suppose I miss the exit?
A. If u miss the "Last USA Exit" don't panic. You will get a chance to make a U-Turn and to make the U-Turn be on the left side of the Free way and will probably have to take the exit. If you still miss this then you will be welcomed to Mexico in your car ;)

Q. How much does the Taxi ride cost?
A. Border to Banamex: $5
Banamex to Consulate: Walking distance
Consulate to Border: $6
Consulate to Plaza Rio: Walking distance (this place is opposite to Banamex)
Consulate to Revolucion: $5

Q. Does the bank accept US dollars?
A. Yes, US dollars are widely accepted all over Tijuana and just not bank. So you don't need to convert your money to pesos.

Q. How far is Banamex from the Consulate?
A. Banamex is about 10 minute walking distance from the consulate. For walking directions click here.

Q. Can I carry my bag inside the consulate?
A. Yes, you can carry a small bag containing all your documents. No electronic devices allowed what so ever. If you have items with you that are not allowed then you can leave your items in some shops next to the consulate. They will hold your stuff for $3.

Q. Do I need a new I-94 on arriving at the border?
A. In my case I knew I didn't needed because the date on my I-94 was as per my new I-797. If the date on I-94 is expiring I think you need a new I-94. It is better ask the Visa officer or the immigration officer if you are not sure. If you need a new I-94 just let the immigration officer know at the border.

Update: If you need a new I-94 card you will have to go get this card from adjacent building (outside building with 3 flag poles) and as per people experience this might take couple hours. So instead of waiting in the line that actually gets you into US, you will have to go this line which issues new I-94. If you are not sure where to go just ask some officers there and they might help. So it is very helpful to know if you need a new I94 or not. Otherwise your experience might be frustrating.

Q. Do you need a Mexican visa to enter Mexico?
A. Technically yes, but there is no one to check while you are entering Mexico. So it is not mandatory. This is true only when you are crossing the border by walk. But you might need a Mexican visa if you are flying by air and arrive at an Airport. Find it out yourself.

Q. What are good places to visit in Tijuana?
A. We visited two places Revolucion (pronounced as Revolution) which is mainly downtown Tijuana and Plaza Rio which is very close to the consulate.

Q. More information about Revolucion(Revolution)?
A. Revoucion is in downtown Tijuana. You will have to take a Taxi($5) from the consulate to get here. There a big arch there. You will find more information when you google it. I have included some pictures here. It is not a pretty place but it is place to kill some time. But this place is not nice to hang around with kids. Its a Sin place. Lots of shops with Bars, Clubs and adult places. When you shop, do it wisely. They will always demand some ridiculous prices. Some of them quote five times the actual value. So be wise. You can always bargain. This place has nice food joints. You will even find KFC, McDonald's andBurger King at his place.

Q. More information about Plaza Rio?
A. This is decent place to hang out as it is in much upscale community. It is on opposite side of Banamex. So it is 10 minute walk from the consulate. It like a mall with lot decent shops. It has Burger King if you are hungry. Lot of people hang out here.