Travel to Mexico with expired Green card or B1/B2

[Heidi9292 10]

My GC expired this September. With my parents visiting us this winter, I want to bring them to Cancun for a few days. 

 

I have only realized that MX does not recognize my GC extension letter and I will need a visa to enter after I booked the entire trip. I am not against getting a MX visa but it is pretty much impossible to schedule an interview with them.

 

I have an old B1/B2 visa that is still within valid date, however, in my understanding this visa is voided since I was granted my LPR status.

 

I am wondering if I can enter MX with this B1/B2 visa since there is no void stamp on it. I am hoping that Mexican border control would not see my US status if they check my visa number. I have been to Mexico once with my previous GC tho.

 

Usually I would just go there and try out, but I really do not want to leave my non-English speaking parents on their own in Mexico while I being deported back to NY.

Edited October 25, 2023 by Heidi9292

[Timona 4,207]

You cannot use a US BI-B2 to enter Mexico. Mexico has nothing to do with it.

 

And Mexico does recognize expired GC + extension letter.

Edited October 25, 2023 by Timona

[NorthByNorthwest 351]

First part is incorrect, travelers of any nationality are exempt from needing a Mexican visa if they have a valid US visa, so assuming OPs parents have a valid B1/B2 visa for visiting her in the US they can enter Mexico without visa.

 

The other part is correct, OP should be fine with expired GC+I-797 extension.

 

14 minutes ago, Timona said:

You cannot use a US BI-B2 to enter Mexico. Mexico has nothing to do with it.

 

And Mexico does recognize expired GC + extension letter.

[Heidi9292 10]

1 hour ago, Timona said:

You cannot use a US BI-B2 to enter Mexico. Mexico has nothing to do with it.

 

And Mexico does recognize expired GC + extension letter.

No, Mexican government clearly stated on their website an extension letter is not accepted. There are cases people get by but there are cases people got denied (https://thepointsguy.com/news/expired-green-card/). In my case I do not want to take the risk.

 

See regulation here https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/washington/index.php/servicios-para-extranjeros-visas?id=182

[Heidi9292 10]

1 hour ago, NorthByNorthwest said:

First part is incorrect, travelers of any nationality are exempt from needing a Mexican visa if they have a valid US visa, so assuming OPs parents have a valid B1/B2 visa for visiting her in the US they can enter Mexico without visa.

 

The other part is correct, OP should be fine with expired GC+I-797 extension.

 

Yeah, all of us have B1/B2 visa and my parents have been to the US as well. But mine is technically invalid since I am a GC holder now. Though I doubt MX has access to this information.

[Timona 4,207]

1 hour ago, Heidi9292 said:

No, Mexican government clearly stated on their website an extension letter is not accepted. There are cases people get by but there are cases people got denied (https://thepointsguy.com/news/expired-green-card/). In my case I do not want to take the risk.

 

See regulation here https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/washington/index.php/servicios-para-extranjeros-visas?id=182

 

You're misreading whatever you quoted. Read again. 

[NorthByNorthwest 351]

1 hour ago, Heidi9292 said:

Yeah, all of us have B1/B2 visa and my parents have been to the US as well. But mine is technically invalid since I am a GC holder now. Though I doubt MX has access to this information.

 

Yeah, looks like they've firmed up the language on at least some embassy/consulate pages. A friend with expired GC+extension had no issues last year, but from other reports it does seem to be hit or miss. I'd probably scrap the trip if I were you if I couldn't get a visa in time, too much hassle if they don't let you in.

[MMRF 21]

Can you get a i-551 stamp in your passport?

[igoyougoduke 1,656]

42 minutes ago, MMRF said:

Can you get a i-551 stamp in your passport?

there is no stamp given when extension letter is valid 

[Cathi 5,747]

20 hours ago, Heidi9292 said:

My GC expired this September. With my parents visiting us this winter, I want to bring them to Cancun for a few days. 

 

I have only realized that MX does not recognize my GC extension letter and I will need a visa to enter after I booked the entire trip. I am not against getting a MX visa but it is pretty much impossible to schedule an interview with them.

 

I have an old B1/B2 visa that is still within valid date, however, in my understanding this visa is voided since I was granted my LPR status.

 

I am wondering if I can enter MX with this B1/B2 visa since there is no void stamp on it. I am hoping that Mexican border control would not see my US status if they check my visa number. I have been to Mexico once with my previous GC tho.

 

Usually I would just go there and try out, but I really do not want to leave my non-English speaking parents on their own in Mexico while I being deported back to NY.

Why would you ever be able to enter Mexico using a U.S. visa (B1/B2), even IF it were valid? Do you not understand that the U.S and Mexico are not the same country?
 

Edited October 26, 2023 by Cathi

[Boiler 45,467]

9 minutes ago, Cathi said:

Why would you ever be able to enter Mexico using a U.S. visa (B1/B2), even IF it were valid? Do you not understand that the U.S and Mexico are not the same country?
 

Mexico and some other countries give you a pass if you have a visa to the US etc. I guess they assume if you managed to get a US one you will not be abusing your privilege.

[NorthByNorthwest 351]

2 hours ago, Cathi said:

Why would you ever be able to enter Mexico using a U.S. visa (B1/B2), even IF it were valid? Do you not understand that the U.S and Mexico are not the same country?
 

 

It might be counterintuitive but it is correct and many countries have similar arrangements. For example citizens from certain countries need transit visas to even pass through Europe (Schengen area) even if they do not leave the airport, but if these people have a valid US visa, they are exempt from needing a Schengen transit visa.

 

It is well-established that the US screens visa applicants thoroughly to establish sufficiently strong ties to their home countries - even if a US visa has nothing formally to do with travel to other countries, these other countries save time and resources by recognizing people with approved US visas as lower risk and not having to do the basic vetting.

[.yana 597]

20 hours ago, Heidi9292 said:

Yeah, all of us have B1/B2 visa and my parents have been to the US as well. But mine is technically invalid since I am a GC holder now. Though I doubt MX has access to this information.

Personally, I wouldn't risk it either.

Was in your exact situation few years ago and decided to postpone the trip as I was finding too may stories of people having issues at the border for my comfort level. 

[clw654321 159]

On 10/26/2023 at 2:38 PM, NorthByNorthwest said:

 

It might be counterintuitive but it is correct and many countries have similar arrangements. For example citizens from certain countries need transit visas to even pass through Europe (Schengen area) even if they do not leave the airport, but if these people have a valid US visa, they are exempt from needing a Schengen transit visa.

 

It is well-established that the US screens visa applicants thoroughly to establish sufficiently strong ties to their home countries - even if a US visa has nothing formally to do with travel to other countries, these other countries save time and resources by recognizing people with approved US visas as lower risk and not having to do the basic vetting.

We are in a similar situation. My wife is from the Philippines, her GC is expired, she has the i797 extension letter.

So are you 100% sure this is all she needs for our trip to Cancun in a month?

This is so unclear when reading everything. Thanks in advance!