Q: Do I need a Mexican visa stamp to travel ?
I am an Indian national living in Chicago, my wife is an American citizen. We got married 8 months ago. I received my Combo card (EAD and Advance Parole) 5 months ago. We’re planning a 4 day trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. I was on F-1 visa before marriage, this visa expired in 2023. I currently have a valid Indian passport and this combo card and its approval notice.
Is this enough to travel to Mexico and re-enter United States?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
Based on the information you provided, as an Indian national with a valid U.S. Combo Card (Employment Authorization Document and Advance Parole), you should be able to travel to Mexico and re-enter the United States without needing a separate Mexican visa. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Advance Parole: Your Combo Card includes Advance Parole, which allows you to travel outside the U.S. and re-enter while your Green Card application is pending. Make sure your Advance Parole is valid for the duration of your trip.
2. Passport validity: Ensure that your Indian passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Mexico.
3. Mexican immigration: Upon arrival in Mexico, you'll need to fill out a tourist card (FMM - Forma Migratoria Múltiple) and present your Indian passport. The immigration officer will determine the length of your authorized stay, usually up to 180 days.
4. Re-entering the U.S.: When you return to the United States, present your Indian passport, Combo Card, and the Advance Parole approval notice to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.
It's always a good idea to carry copies of your marriage certificate and other relevant documents that prove your relationship with your U.S. citizen spouse, just in case additional verification is needed.
To be absolutely certain, you can double-check with the Mexican Consulate in Chicago regarding their most up-to-date entry requirements for Indian nationals with U.S. Advance Parole.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
