Which Visa Office to Use for American living in Mexico?

[JenMTB]

Hi all,

Quick history: I'm American, married to a Canadian for 14 years. We've got two children and recently, they received their Canadian passports so are officially dual citizens.

Currently, we live in Mexico and have for the past two years, simply on tourist visas (which are 180 day visas. When our visa date runs out, we leave for Texas, do a little shopping, then head back into Mexico). So beyond that, we don't have permanent status here.

When we apply for spousal sponsorship, which VO should we use? Prior to Mexico, we lived in the States but I don't like those Los Angeles processing times <sigh>.

Can we select a different VO to apply through?

Thanks in advance for any help!
Jennifer

 

[Zarilenth]

You can select a different VO, but Mississauga will send it to the visa office that they think is appropriate. Just to let you know, the processing office for Americans is Ottawa, not LA. They only send to LA if there are red flags and requires an interview. I don't think your file would be sent to the Mexico VO, but it might since you've been living there for a while.
Are you working there? Or just on an extended holiday?

 

[JenMTB]

Are you working there? Or just on an extended holiday?

We've been working remotely from the US and Canada since we got here, so "working holiday" fits best. We're not employed by any Mexican companies.

 

[Zarilenth]

We've been working remotely from the US and Canada since we got here, so "working holiday" fits best. We're not employed by any Mexican companies.

Ah, gotcha! I am pretty sure your visa office will be Ottawa, then

 

[JenMTB]

Thanks, Zarilenth - I appreciate your help!

Jennifer

 

[canuck_in_uk]

To apply through a visa office in your country of residence, you must have been legally admitted to that country for at least a year. As your visas are only issued for 6 months, you don't qualify to apply through Mexico, so your VO will definitely be Ottawa.

 

[JenMTB]

Thank you, Canuck - that settles that then