As of June 20, 2012, the US Embassy in Mexico City announced two changes to the issuance of American Investor (E-2) and Treaty Trader (E-1) visas. The changes are to improve the efficiency for investors and traders, for the fourth largest US consular entity that issues investor and trader visas.

As of July 1, 2012, all E visas will only be adjudicated at three consular posts: Mexico City, Monterrey, and Tijuana. All other locations will no longer adjudicate E-1 and E-2 visas.

In addition, all E-1 and E-2 visas must follow a standardized format. This is in line with other major US embassies especially those in Europe, which does help to streamline the process for the adjudicators.

Scheduling and the payment of fees through the online services or thecall center are the same. Also the biometrics process through the Application Support Centers – unique to Mexican posts – will continue to be the same. However, the applicant will have a choice of submitting the supporting documents at the ASC OR submitting directly to the US Embassy.

An E-2 investor visa is for investors of Mexico or any other country that has a qualifying and existing treaty with the United States. An E-1 is similar but for those who engage in substantial trade between the qualifying treaty country and the US (whether goods or services). For any questions pertaining to Mexican E2 investor or E1 trader eligibility, call Denver immigration attorney Catherine Brown for expertise in investor and trader visas.