H1B Stamping in Matamoros Mexico Experience

[Jagi]

Folks, I recently had my H1B extension visa stamped (Feb 2020) in Matamoros, Mexico (First Mexico visit).  My experience below

Visa Preparation : This was a solo visit. My mexican colleague in USA helped me pay visa fee in Mexican bank and booked visa appointment a month in advance. Booked an Airbnb that is within 10 minutes walk from US-Mexico border, ASC, Consulate, and passport pickup. The room was hosted by a lovely mexican family for 20USD/night. I filled FREE border permit form online for temporary 7 day visit. Setup Mexican roaming and data on my phone. Installed Google translate - download spanish language(Must). Download Matamoros Map.

Onward Journey : Flew from Chicago, Illinois to Brownsville, Texas. Took Uber to Brownsville-Matamoros international bridge (There is NO Uber in Matamoros). Crossed the border on foot. You need to pay 1$ (4 quarters) as toll. The mexican officer on other side checked my luggage and did not even bother to look at my passport / permit. He even helped me zip up my luggage. very friendly. 

Visa Interview :  Attended biometrics on day 1 (Don't carry mobile/electronics). Attended visa interview day 2. The basic questions like job title, duties, employer, salary was asked. I got my passport back on day 5.

Return Journey : Paid 5 pesos to cross the international bridge. Again mexican officer did not look at my passport/permit. I waited for 3 hours in CBP office for I94. Cost 6$. As last minute airfare was too high from Brownsville, I booked overnight Greyhound bus from Brownsville to Austin and boarded an early morning flight to Chicago. 

Matamoros :  I am glad to escape the peak winter weather in Chicago and spend it in sunny Matamoros. Another reason why I avoided Canada. Walking on the main road is challenging due to dust and pollution from vehicles. Almost all establishments accepted dollar bills (18 pesos) as payment. I loved the authentic mexican food. I found every mexican person, I came across ,very friendly. I traveled by bus (seccion 16, that runs from border to matamoros downtown for under 10 pesos - not crowded at all). I felt the place where I lived very safe. 

On the whole it was a good experience. I traveled alone, so I did not feel threatened.  For those traveling with families, it may be a good option to seek agents. Good luck and God speed, Visa seekers.

[User099]

It took 5 days to get your passport? Is that normal or it just took extra time for you?

[gopalakrishnach]

Normally it takes 2 to 3 business days..

Edited February 27, 2020 by gopalakrishnach

[gopalakrishnach]

Thanks for posting. Congrats...

[Jagi]

On 2/26/2020 at 9:05 PM, User099 said:

It took 5 days to get your passport? Is that normal or it just took extra time for you?

After Visa interview got over, The officer issued a small white slip which stated that visa is approved and it would take 5 to 7 business days for paper stamp and 2 weeks for laser visa (not applicable for us). In my scenario it took 4 business days.

[Jagi]

On 2/27/2020 at 11:41 AM, gopalakrishnach said:

Normally it takes 2  to 3 business days..

Please plan your trip accordingly

[viddu512]

Hi Jagi, thanks for the detailed post. This is very helpful. I'm planning to travel with my wife and 1yr old kid. Were there any restrictions or additional requirements due to covid? like furnishing test report, etc. ?