Interview week in Ciudad Juárez

Before you travel

• Register your appointment online. Required before arrival in Ciudad Juárez
• Schedule your medical exam. At an authorized panel physician clinic in México. Must be done at least 3 days before the interview
• Print all required documents. Appointment letter, DS-260 confirmation, CDJ checklist, medical appointment confirmation
• Make photocopies. Passport biographic page, NVC letter, all civil document originals
• Leave prohibited items at home: no phones, electronics, weapons, food, or large bags allowed at the consulate

Medical exam (before interview)

Complete the medical exam at an authorized panel physician clinic in Mexico at least 3 business days before the interview. The clinic will give you a sealed envelope. Do not open it. Bring this sealed envelope to the consulate on interview day.

You may need your passport and vaccination records for the medical exam. Confirm requirements with the clinic when scheduling.

ASC biometrics appointment

Complete the ASC appointment for photos and fingerprints before the interview. This is a separate consular appearance from the interview itself. Ciudad Juárez expects two separate consular appearances over 1-2 business days.

Interview day

• Arrive no more than 30 minutes before your appointment time
• Do not arrive before 6:00 a.m.
• Bring your complete document packet. Originals, photocopies, printed confirmations, sealed medical envelope
• Do not bring prohibited items. No electronics, weapons, food, drinks, or large bags
• There are no lockers at the consulate. Leave everything else at your lodging

After the interview

If approved, your passport is typically not returned same-day. Expect it to be delivered later via DHL courier. Plan your stay accordingly. You may need your passport for other purposes before it is returned.

The consulate may also request additional documents or schedule a follow-up. Plan flexibility in your travel dates.

Minimum stay planning

Plan to stay at least 3 business days in Ciudad Juárez. This accounts for:

• Medical exam (at least 3 days before interview)
• ASC biometrics appointment
• Interview appointment
• Potential follow-up or document requests

Some families stay longer for safety margin. Consider booking flexible or refundable travel.