Send money home
Your first transfer is free and arrives in seconds
The United States is one of the most popular destinations for immigrants from Mexico and around the world. In fact, the U.S. receives more international migrants annually than any other country. The opportunities for stability and growth offered by our neighbor to the north are very compelling.
However, obtaining a visa for legal residency can seem like an overwhelming process. If you are considering moving to the United States but don't know where to start, stay tuned—we will walk you through all the necessary requirements.
How to move to the United States?
To move to the United States from Mexico, there are several necessary steps you must follow to reside in the country legally and avoid deportation. The first thing to consider is the type of visa you need to apply for.
The United States issues visas for various purposes, including study, work, marriage, tourism, business, and medical treatment. Some are temporary (with the possibility of renewal), while others are permanent. The latter are formalized by obtaining the famous Green Card.
All immigrant and non-immigrant visa applications must be processed through the Immigrant Visa Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, or at one of its consulates.
Requirements for moving to the United States
The process for applying for a U.S. visa involves the following steps:
1) Complete the DS-160 form: This is the online Non-Immigrant Visa Application. Once completed, you must print the confirmation page with the barcode to present at your interview.
2) U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment and Information System: In this step, you must register in the system, where you can then schedule an appointment at the Applicant Service Center (CAS).
3) Attend your appointment at the CAS: Officials will record your biometric information and schedule a personal interview. You must bring your valid Mexican passport and the DS-160 confirmation page.
4) Attend the personal interview with a consular officer: Depending on the type of visa, you may be required to pay fees before the interview. If so, be sure to bring your payment receipt to the interview.
Keep in mind that each visa type has its own timelines and requirements, so it is essential to thoroughly review the U.S. Embassy in Mexico website or the Applicant Service Center site and follow the detailed steps to complete your application.
Before submitting any application, remember to consult with an attorney specializing in immigration law regarding the various options available to you.
What are the reasons for migrating to the United States?
Our globalized world is feeling the impact of various social, economic, and humanitarian crises. People migrate in search of better job opportunities and a higher quality of life.
Year after year, millions of people worldwide face major structural problems that make it difficult to build a decent life in their home countries. This is why many choose to emigrate and support their families from abroad.
For decades, the United States has stood out as one of the best destinations to achieve this. According to a 2022 report by the International Organization for Migration, the U.S. reached 51 million international migrants in 2020, with nearly half coming from Latin America.
Advantages of moving to the United States
One of the main advantages of moving to the United States is that, within the Western world, the U.S. has established itself as the most developed country and boasts one of the most stable currencies, the U.S. dollar. Its economy is stable and its financial system is among the strongest in the world.
While the cost of living in certain states can be very high, the quality of services and the security offered are among the greatest advantages for those who settle there.
Another point in favor of the United States is that it is geographically very close, which means you will find a large Latino community spread across the entire country. This factor promotes diversity and cooperation between communities and reduces the impact of being uprooted from one's home country.
How many Mexicans emigrate to the United States each year?
The migration corridor between Mexico and the United States is the largest in the world. As a result, there were approximately 11.6 million Mexican residents in the United States in 2017, and according to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were already 36 million people of Mexican ethnic origin in the United States by 2018.
The flow of migration from Mexico to the United States continues to grow every year, although unfortunately, many do not have the opportunity to enter the country legally. This has led to an increase in the number of border apprehensions: there were about 808,339 cases in 2022, although many of these individuals are from other Central American countries.
According to the Government of Mexico, the migration trend toward the north is decreasing: for 2023, it was estimated that approximately 125,000 Mexicans would migrate temporarily or permanently to the neighboring country. However, this figure has not yet been updated.
Related content
