Published by American Chamber/Mexico

November 2008

Vol. 1, No. 31

U.S. VISAS

In our continuous effort to promote trade and international investment between the United States and Mexico, the U.S. Visa Service offered by AmCham, is presented exclusively to our member companies to provide assistance in obtaining or renewing visas for their Directors and employees.

Since September 2007 AmCham and the U.S. Consulate in Monterrey signed an agreement for a new Visas Program. This new program benefits all AmCham members.


To whom the service is directed:

To all executives at managerial or superior levels, including direct family members. If the executive is unmarried, the service may be extended to parents; if the executive is married, service is extended to spouse and children under 21 years of age.
For any other personnel, we will gladly assist and advise in the process of the application for a U.S. Visa. If the member company considers it necessary for work purposes; these may be either technical (installation, maintenance, repair or other activities involving machinery or equipment); for training, advancement courses, meetings, conventions, etc.; or for the implementation of special projects.  In all cases, the company must deliver the visa request through its Department of Human Resources, or through any other company official that is designated as the AmCham contact person. This service is not extended to the employee's family members.


The service consists of:

· Assistance in filling out the application for the U.S. Visa
· Providing information to the applicant depending on the type of Visa that will be renewed or requested for the first time
· Providing application forms
· Providing AmCham Proof of Membership Letter (upon request)
· Making an appointment in the new Visa’s Program


Benefits:

· Do not need to have seniority in the company
· The Visa could be given in three days or the same day at the sole criteria of the U.S. Consuls
· Days for appointment are already established: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:00 a.m. Therefore, the letters of request must be received via e-mail in a timely manner. The Human Resources Department of the member company may provide the model letter for the applicant to the AmCham’s Visa Department; the original letter must be presented the day of the appointment at the Consulate.


Conditions to schedule appointment:

· Be an AmCham member
· Appointments at the U.S. Consulate in Monterrey can be provided to those members who reside in any part of Mexico
· Employee’s Salary above $20,000 pesos (per month)
· In the case they don't fit the $20,000 salary, they must go for business trip
· Never had an immigration issue
· AmCham Visa Service before the U.S. Consulate General excludes assistance in applying for personal chauffeurs, nannies, nurses, caregivers or domestic employees of any kind


To schedule an appointment or receive further information on theses procedures, please contact:
Pamela Gonzalez
Membership Services Coordinator
(81) 8114 2000 ext 111
pgonzalez@amcham.com.mx

* Assistance in requesting urgent visa appointments does not guarantee the applicant will obtain a provisional visa or permanent visa, which are given at the sole criteria and discretion of the U.S. Consuls.