TN Visa (Lawyer) – Mexico City Timeline (Approved → AP → Issued)

I wanted to share my timeline because reading other people's experiences helped me a lot while I was waiting.

Background:

• Mexican citizen
• TN Visa (Lawyer)
• U.S. Consulate in Mexico City
• U.S. LL.M. degree
• Offer from a large U.S. law firm

Timeline:

April 23, 2026

• Attended TN visa interview in Mexico City.
• Consular officer kept my passport.
• I was given a slip indicating that my visa had been approved and was told processing would take approximately 5–7 business days.

April 24, 2026

• Received email requesting payment of the reciprocity fee.
• Paid the fee the same day.

Shortly thereafter

• CEAC status changed to "Refused" (this lasted only briefly).
• Then changed to "Administrative Processing."

Following weeks

• Remained in Administrative Processing.
• No requests for additional documents.
• No 221(g).
• No emails from the consulate requesting further information.
• Case update dates changed several times during this period.

May 29, 2026 (approximately)

• CEAC status changed from "Administrative Processing" to "Approved."

June 2, 2026

• CEAC status changed from "Approved" to "Issued."

Takeaway:

In my case, Administrative Processing after interview approval and reciprocity fee payment did NOT mean there was a problem with the case. It ultimately resulted in visa issuance without any requests for additional information.

I know waiting can be stressful, especially when reading Reddit threads about Administrative Processing, so hopefully this timeline helps someone in a similar situation.