Moving to the United States from Mexico

Visa Pathways for Mexican Nationals

Mexico is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, so Mexican nationals need a visa for any stay in the United States ^[1]. The immigration system offers both temporary (nonimmigrant) and permanent (immigrant) pathways, but most routes involve significant wait times for Mexican nationals due to per-country caps and high demand.

TN Visa (USMCA Professionals).

Under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (formerly NAFTA), Mexican professionals in designated occupations can obtain TN nonimmigrant status ^[2]. Qualifying professions include accountants, engineers, scientists, pharmacists, and other categories listed in the USMCA annex. Unlike Canadian TN applicants who can apply at the border, Mexican nationals must obtain a TN visa at a US consulate before traveling ^[2]. TN status is granted in increments of up to three years and is renewable indefinitely, but it is a nonimmigrant status with no direct path to permanent residence ^[2].

H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa.

Requires employer sponsorship for a role that needs at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field ^[3]. The employer must file a Labor Condition Application with the Department of Labor attesting to prevailing wage compliance ^[3]. The annual cap triggers a lottery when applications exceed available slots. Initial validity is three years, extendable to six.

Family-based immigration.

Mexican nationals face some of the longest wait times in the family-based immigration system due to per-country limits. According to the April 2026 Visa Bulletin, the F-1 (unmarried adult children of US citizens) priority date cutoff for Mexico is February 2007, the F-3 (married adult children of US citizens) cutoff is May 2001, and the F-4 (siblings of US citizens) cutoff is April 2001 ^[4]. These backlogs mean waits of two decades or more in some categories.

Employment-based green cards.

The EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories are available to Mexican nationals ^[5]. Processing takes years when accounting for labor certification, petition approval, and visa availability ^[5].

Diversity Visa Lottery.

Mexican nationals are not eligible for the Diversity Visa program because Mexico has sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the US in the preceding five years ^[6].

Consular processing.

All immigrant and most nonimmigrant visa applications from Mexico are processed at the US Embassy in Mexico City or consulates in Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Matamoros, Merida, Monterrey, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo, and Tijuana. Ciudad Juarez handles the majority of immigrant visa interviews.

Tax Obligations in the United States

Once you become a US tax resident, either through a green card or by meeting the substantial presence test, you are taxed on worldwide income ^[1]. The substantial presence test counts days of physical presence in the US: all days in the current year, one-third of days in the prior year, and one-sixth of days two years prior, with a threshold of 183 days ^[1].

The US-Mexico Income Tax Treaty.

The treaty, originally signed in 1992 with a protocol amendment in 2003, prevents double taxation through foreign tax credits and exemptions ^[2]. During transitional periods when you have income in both countries, the treaty allocates taxing rights. You claim foreign tax credits on your US return using Form 1116 for Mexican taxes paid ^[3], or on your Mexican return for US taxes paid, depending on the income source.

ITIN vs. SSN.

If you are authorized to work in the US, you apply for a Social Security Number. If you have a tax filing obligation but are not eligible for an SSN, you apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) using Form W-7 ^[4]. An ITIN does not authorize work and does not qualify you for Social Security benefits ^[4].

Mexican tax exit.

Mexico taxes residents on worldwide income. When you cease Mexican tax residency, notify the SAT (Servicio de Administracion Tributaria) and file a final return. If you maintain significant economic or personal ties in Mexico, SAT may continue to treat you as a resident.

State income taxes.

Not all US states levy income tax. Texas, Florida, Nevada, Washington, and several others have no state income tax. California and New York have the highest rates. If you are relocating from a Mexican border state, Texas is a common destination partly because of the absence of state income tax.

Self-employment.

If you are self-employed in the US, you owe self-employment tax in addition to income tax ^[5]. There is no US-Mexico Totalization Agreement ^[6], so no coordination mechanism exists to prevent dual social security contributions if you have self-employment income in both countries.

Healthcare Transition

Mexico's public healthcare system (IMSS for formal workers, ISSSTE for government employees, INSABI/IMSS-Bienestar for the uninsured population) does not extend coverage to residents living in the United States. Once you move, you need US-based coverage.

Employer-sponsored insurance.

Most full-time employment in the US includes health insurance. Your employer typically pays a portion of the premium, and you pay the rest through payroll deductions. Plans vary widely in coverage, deductibles, and copays. If your employer offers insurance, enrollment usually happens within 30 days of your start date.

Marketplace plans (ACA).

If you are lawfully present in the US and do not have employer coverage, you can purchase insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace (healthcare.gov or state exchanges). Subsidies based on income reduce premiums for eligible individuals. Open enrollment runs from November through mid-January, with a Special Enrollment Period available after qualifying life events.

Medicaid and CHIP.

Eligibility varies by state and immigration status. Green card holders typically must wait five years before qualifying for Medicaid in most states, though some states cover lawful permanent residents immediately. Children may qualify for CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) under different rules. Undocumented immigrants are generally ineligible for Medicaid except for emergency services.

The coverage gap.

Between leaving Mexican healthcare and starting US coverage, carry travel medical insurance. If you are arriving on a work visa, coordinate your start date with your employer's benefits enrollment window to minimize the gap. COBRA continuation is only available if you previously had US employer coverage.

Prescription drugs.

Many medications available over the counter in Mexico require prescriptions in the US, and vice versa. Brand names differ. Bring documentation from your Mexican doctor listing generic names and dosages. US prescription drug prices are significantly higher than Mexican prices for most medications. If you live near the border, many Americans and Mexican-Americans cross into Mexico for more affordable prescriptions.

Banking and Finances

Opening a US bank account.

You can open a US bank account with a passport, a visa or I-94 arrival record, and proof of US address. Major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) accept foreign nationals with valid immigration status. Some banks require a Social Security Number or ITIN; others allow you to open an account while your SSN application is pending. Credit unions in border states often have Spanish-language services and experience with Mexican nationals.

Keeping Mexican bank accounts.

The US does not impose FATCA-style reporting obligations on non-citizens for foreign accounts unless you become a US tax resident. Once you are a US tax resident with foreign financial accounts exceeding $10,000 in aggregate, you must file FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) ^[1]. FATCA Form 8938 applies at higher thresholds for US tax residents ^[2]. Maintaining a Mexican account is useful for receiving any remaining Mexican income and managing Mexican financial obligations.

Building US credit.

Mexico and the US have separate credit systems. Your Mexican credit history (Buro de Credito) does not transfer to the US. You start with no US credit history. Begin with a secured credit card, pay it in full each month, and build from there. Some banks (BBVA USA, which is part of the BBVA group) may consider your Mexican banking relationship when opening accounts, though credit scores are still US-only.

Remittances.

Mexico is the largest recipient of remittances from the US. Wise, Remitly, and Xoom offer competitive exchange rates for USD-to-MXN transfers. Traditional wire transfers through banks charge higher fees. If you send money to family in Mexico regularly, compare fees and exchange rates across providers. The US dollar to Mexican peso rate fluctuates, and even small rate differences matter at scale.

Social Security.

The US and Mexico do not have a Totalization Agreement. Your IMSS contributions in Mexico do not count toward US Social Security eligibility, and US Social Security credits do not count toward IMSS benefits. You need 40 quarters (10 years) of US work with Social Security contributions to qualify for US retirement benefits. If you split your career between both countries without reaching the threshold in either, you may not qualify for a full pension in either system.

Retirement accounts.

Once you have US earned income and a valid SSN, you can contribute to employer-sponsored 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts (IRA). Mexican retirement savings (Afore accounts) remain accessible from the US, but contributions stop when you leave the Mexican formal employment system.

Moving Logistics

Cross-border moves.

Mexico-to-US moves are among the most straightforward logistically due to the shared border. You can drive a moving truck across if your visa permits it, or hire a cross-border moving company. Companies like Unipack, Mudanzas Gou, and various US-Mexico specialist movers handle door-to-door service. Road crossings through Laredo, El Paso, and San Diego/Tijuana are common routes.

Customs and duties.

Personal effects and household goods qualify for duty-free entry into the US as part of a change of residence, provided you have owned and used them for at least one year. You file a detailed inventory with US Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry. New items or gifts may be subject to duty. Commercial goods require a different process entirely.

Importing a vehicle.

Mexican-registered vehicles can be imported to the US, but they must meet EPA emissions standards and DOT safety standards. Vehicles originally manufactured for the US market and then exported to Mexico are generally easier to import back. Vehicles manufactured specifically for the Mexican market may not meet US standards and could require modifications or be inadmissible. Contact CBP and check the EPA and DOT requirements before shipping.

Pet import requirements.

Dogs entering the US from Mexico must meet CDC requirements, which were updated in 2024. Dogs must appear healthy, be at least 6 months old, be microchipped, and have a valid rabies vaccination. Dogs that have been in countries with high risk of dog rabies (Mexico is classified as high-risk by CDC) may need additional documentation including a CDC Dog Import Form and, depending on the circumstances, serological testing. Cats have fewer requirements but should have a health certificate.

Driver's license.

Mexican driver's licenses are not valid for long-term use in the US. Each US state sets its own rules for how long a foreign license is valid after establishing residency, typically ranging from 30 to 90 days. You then need to obtain a state driver's license. Requirements vary by state: some accept a Mexican license for a direct exchange with only a vision test, others require the full written and road test. A valid immigration status is required in most states. Several states (California, Illinois, New York, and others) issue driver's licenses regardless of immigration status.

Time zones.

Most of Mexico shares Central Time (UTC-6) with the US Central time zone (Texas, Illinois, etc.). Baja California uses Pacific Time. If you are relocating to a Central Time state, there is no time difference. East Coast destinations (New York, Florida) are one hour ahead.

Cultural Adjustment

The Mexican diaspora.

The US has the largest Mexican-origin population outside Mexico, concentrated in California, Texas, Arizona, Illinois, and Nevada. In cities like Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, San Antonio, and Phoenix, Spanish-language services, Mexican grocery stores, restaurants, and community organizations are extensive. This network significantly eases the transition compared to countries without a large Mexican community.

Language.

English proficiency varies among Mexican immigrants. If you are arriving on a professional visa (TN, H-1B), your employer likely expects fluent English. For family-based immigrants, English ability at arrival ranges widely. Many US cities have strong bilingual infrastructure, especially in the Southwest, but English proficiency directly correlates with employment opportunities, income, and access to services outside ethnic enclaves.

Work culture.

US workplaces are generally more structured around written communication, explicit feedback, and individual accountability than Mexican workplaces. Punctuality expectations are stricter. Annual leave is typically 10 to 15 days (far less than many Mexican employers offer), and there is no federal requirement for paid vacation. The US does not guarantee paid maternity leave at the federal level, though some states (California, New York, New Jersey, and others) have paid family leave programs.

Healthcare costs.

The single biggest cultural shock for most Mexican immigrants is US healthcare pricing. A routine doctor visit costs $100 to $300 without insurance. An emergency room visit can run into thousands. Ambulance rides are billed separately. This is a fundamental difference from Mexico's public healthcare system and from private Mexican healthcare, which is also significantly cheaper than US equivalents.

Housing.

Renting in the US typically requires a credit check, proof of income (usually 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent), and first/last month's rent plus a security deposit. Without US credit history, you may need a cosigner or a larger deposit. In border states, landlords familiar with cross-border moves are more flexible. Buying a home requires a credit score, a down payment (typically 3% to 20% of the purchase price), and a stable income history.

Education.

Public schools (K-12) are free for all children regardless of immigration status. Bilingual education programs exist in many districts. University tuition varies dramatically: in-state tuition at public universities can be a fraction of private university costs. Some states offer in-state tuition rates to undocumented students who graduated from local high schools (California's AB 540, Texas's HB 1403).

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