Here are some tips to follow, please read all:
1. Have your DS 160 filled out prior to arriving in Brownsville. You will need to print out the confirmation sheet which will have a bar code. I suggest to print out two for each person in case the barcode can not be scanned inside the consulate.
2. Have an experienced immigration attorney review your documents to ensure that everything is in order. We have an attorney listed on our site who can provide that service to you at a very reasonable price. This is very important and can help avoid any delays which may occur if you do not come down fully prepared.
3. Make all your travel arrangements as soon as possible. We urge that you reserve your room at the M.A.S. pick-up location. Please contact Valley Vans for the airport shuttle service.
4. Please be ready on time for orientation at the hotel on the morning of your appointment. This means being checked out with all documents ready to go.
5. Take the Greyhound bus to Brownsville if you miss your connecting flight in Houston. The Greyhound bus station is near Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Please notify the pick-up location hotel if there are any delays or cancellations with the arrival in Brownville. There is a Greyhound Bus that leaves around midnight and arrives at 6:30 A.M. in Brownsville. MAS can pick you up at the bus station on our way to the consulate if needed. We usually pass by at 7:15 A.M.
6. Carry cash and credit cards with you in case you are required to pay a reciprocity fee. It also helps to carry a little extra cash to pay for snacks/drinks once your interview is over. You will also need $6.00 per person at the U.S. Immigration office for the new I 94. Correct change is preferred. $0.50 cents will also be required to cross over the bride into the U.S.
7. Email us any questions you may have or for document confirmation/status. We are usually on the road and either can not answer the phone while driving or provide any document confirmation/status. Emailing us is a big help as we get many phone calls throughout the day.
8. Go through this entire website. There is so much information on here. I also recommend that you visit the FAQ's page in case you may have any questions. Many of the questions we get by phone can be easily answered by going through our site. Please remember that we are dealing with a high volume of calls and emails on a regular basis and we will do our very best to get back to any missed calls/emails ASAP.
9. Sign in here to see if anyone else has an appointment on the same date. You may be able to share travel/hotel expenses. Saving money is always a good thing.
10. Keep checking back as frequently as possible to get an appointment. It can be hard at times but keep checking back. We also recommend that you keep checking our updates so you can get the latest on what is going on at the consulate.
11. Email MAS if you would like to be added to our mailing list for appointment dates for months that not yet open. We will need your name, phone number, month you would like to come down, and correct email address for this. We will emial you once they are open.
12. EMAIL your PIMS information at least one week in advance!!
13. DO NOT LIE ON YOUR APPLICATION OR LIE TO THE CONSULATE OFFICER!!!
14. Get enough rest the night before because it can be a long one for stamping.
15. Eat the breakfast provided by the hotel. Very important!
16. Bring a book or magazine to read. Stamping is an all day event with a wait period of 4-6 hours between interview and issuance of the passport/US visa.
