U.S Consulate Monterrey Processing:
Processing continues in Monterrey, Mexico for H-2A and H-2B visa applicants that qualify for an interview waiver. As of April 1, 2020, the consulate received authorization from the Secretary of State to consider an applicant a “returning worker” if they have received a visa within the last 48 months (instead of the normal 12 months). These applicants will be scheduled as a returning worker and be eligible for an interview waiver.
The consulate also received authorization to grant interview waivers to applicants who have not previously received an H2 visa within the last 48 months. These applicants should be scheduled as first-time appointments. The consulate has recently opened more first-time appointments.
The consulate is doing their best to maintain the three-day process in Monterrey but continue to prioritize H-2A returning workers. Other categories may experience delays beyond normal processing times.
While the consulate has been able to issue more categories of H-2 workers without an interview under the new guidelines, some applicants will not qualify without an interview at this time. If an applicant receives notice that they are refused under section 221(g) of the INA, they will need an interview. Unfortunately, interviews are postponed until further notice. The consulate will schedule these applicants for interviews as soon as conditions allow.
For first-time worker applications pending from last week (March 23-27), the consulate will process them under the new guidelines as early as next week and will be contacting us when the passports are ready.
The NJNLA will keep you posted on any updates that we receive.
