U.S. Embassy & Consulates
in Mexico

This category of applicant includes, but is not limited to, cooks, chauffeurs, nannies, au pairs, and gardeners.

You may work as a personal or domestic employee in the United States on a visitor visa if your employer is:

1. A non-immigrant visa holder – The domestic employee has been employed outside the United States by the employer for at least one year prior to the date of the employer’s admission to the United States and the employee has a residence abroad which he or she has no intention of abandoning.
2. A U.S. citizen – The domestic employee is accompanying a U.S. citizen who has a permanent home or is stationed in a foreign country but is visiting or is assigned to the United States temporarily. It is not possible to qualify for a B-1 visa if the U.S. citizen employer will reside permanently in the United States.
   
   The domestic employee should gather and present the following required additional documents:
   • Employment Contract. A written contract must be provided to the consular officer. The employer must provide proof that the applicant will receive the minimum or prevailing wage (whichever is higher) and be provided working conditions in accordance with U.S. law. Sample Contracts are available in both English (PDF 35KB) and Spanish (PDF 95KB).
   • Original employer’s visa or original employer’s U.S. valid passport.
3. A Diplomatic Visa Holder – Personal employees, attendants, or domestic workers of individuals who have a valid A-1 or A-2 visa may receive an A-3 visa.
4. A Member of an International Organization – Personal or domestic employees accompanying a member of an international organization traveling to the United States on official business under visa classes G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-4.
   
   In cases of A or G visa holders, the domestic employee should gather and deliver the following required additional documents:
   • A completed Pre-Notification Form for Domestic Workers emailed to DomesticWorkers@state.gov. This document must be completed three days prior to completing and submitting the DS-160 visa application.
   • Employment Contracts in both English and Spanish. A written contract must be provided to the consular officer in both languages. The employer must provide proof that the applicant will receive the minimum or prevailing wage (whichever is higher) and be provided working conditions in accordance with U.S. law. Sample Contracts are available in both English (PDF 2MB) and Spanish (PDF 63KB).
   • One color photograph, 5 cm x 5 cm, on a white background. Please visit our Photo requirements webpage for more information.
     
     Please send a diplomatic note by email to DipVisaMex@state.gov in order to schedule an appointment.