An illuminated architectural arch marks the threshold for The Consular Desk.

The process is yours. The judgment is ours.

The Consular Desk is a private ARCO service. You are the applicant, and the decision always belongs to the consular officer.

An advisory desk. A process you stay part of.

What it is

The Consular Desk helps you organize what can be prepared well.

We do not seek shortcuts or promise a consular decision. We work with documents, preparation and official availability.

DS-160 with guided review.

We complete it with you on the official website. You review the information and sign your application.

Real preparation.

A mock interview and practical preparation for the questions ahead. No fabricated scripts.

Scheduling without shortcuts.

We review availability through official channels and help you choose when and where it makes sense to schedule.

ARCO has done this before.

PAST EVIDENCE, NOT A PROMISE

In ARCO's first J-1 cycle, all our participants passed their consular interview.

For most participants, we secured appointments in Mexico City within days. When one case had to continue in Tijuana, we obtained an earlier date and stayed involved throughout.

The decision was consular. The preparation was deliberate.

Historical outcome of ARCO's first J-1 cycle. It does not predict future results.

How it works

The method

Tell us about your case.

We get to know your situation on WhatsApp, at no cost.

We choose the right level with you.

Essential, Complete or External J-1, according to what you actually need.

We work through your process.

DS-160, review, preparation and scheduling according to the service level contracted.

You arrive prepared.

You know what you are bringing, what you may be asked and which parts depend on you.

Timing differs across consulates.

Actual availability

Wait times vary by consulate, visa category and season. We do not control them. But we know how to interpret them. We review availability and help you decide when and where scheduling makes sense.

Choose your level

Clear fees, in pesos. Government fees are paid separately through official channels. ARCO charges for the contracted work, never for a consular decision. ARCO does not guarantee a visa, appointment, date, or consular outcome.

Essential Guidance

B1/B2. ARCO fees: $2,900 MXN.

For renewals or cases with relatively straightforward documentation.

  • DS-160 completed together over a video call.
  • Final review before you submit and sign the application.
  • Guidance on the appointment account and MRV payment.
  • Scheduling support based on official availability.
  • Instructions for the next steps.

Excludes: MRV, government fees, bank charges, photographs, courier services, transportation, translations, and external expenses.

Complete Guidance

B1/B2. ARCO fees: $4,900 MXN.

For first-time applicants, more complex cases, or anyone who wants thorough preparation for both the paperwork and the interview.

  • Everything in Essential Guidance.
  • Review of supporting documentation.
  • Mock consular interview.
  • Preparation to explain your situation truthfully, clearly, and consistently.
  • One appointment rescheduling within 90 days, subject to official availability.
  • Follow-up for up to 7 days after the interview.

Excludes: MRV, government fees, bank charges, photographs, courier services, transportation, translations, and external expenses.

External J-1 Guidance

Exchange Visitor. ARCO fees: $5,900 MXN.

For J-1 participants who already have a DS-2019 through another program or sponsor and want The Consular Desk's help with the consular process only.

  • Everything in Complete Guidance, adapted to J-1.
  • A walkthrough of DS-2019, SEVIS, DS-160, MRV, scheduling, and the interview.
  • Preparation specific to the J-1 category.

Excludes: MRV, SEVIS, government fees, bank charges, photographs, courier services, transportation, translations, and external expenses.

For ARCO members, this is already part of the program.

If you join the full ARCO program, J-1 consular preparation is part of the standard.

Add-ons

  • Second mock interview: $400 MXN. Only for cases already reviewed by ARCO.
  • Review of reapplication after a refusal: $900 MXN. Only when a new application makes sense due to changed circumstances, additional information, or a clear strategy. Does not imply a better consular outcome.
  • Family coordination: From $7,900 MXN. Up to 3 people, the same consulate and appointment window, subject to official availability. Government fees per person are not included.
  • Official B1/B2 expedited appointment assessment: $600 MXN. Only if the official program is in effect and available at the selected consulate. Does not imply availability, eligibility, a date, or a consular outcome.

ARCO does not decide the visa. We are responsible for our work.

The decision always belongs to the consular officer. We take responsibility for the work we agree to do: review, preparation, clarity and delivery of the contracted scope.

  • If we review your case before starting and conclude that we should not take it, we charge no fees.
  • If ARCO makes an error within the contracted scope, we correct it without additional fees.
  • If an agreed deliverable is not provided for a reason attributable to ARCO, we do not charge the balance for that deliverable.
  • A consular refusal alone does not entitle you to a fee refund.
  • ARCO does not promise a visa, date, availability, special treatment or consular outcome.

Questions that matter

Do you guarantee the visa?

No. No one can guarantee a visa. The decision belongs to the consular officer. What we do guarantee is the standard of preparation, review and support within the contracted scope.

Can a third party help me with the DS-160?

Yes. A third party can help you complete the application. You review the information and sign your own application. ARCO does not sign for you.

What happens if my visa is refused?

We help you understand the situation and, where applicable, review a possible reapplication. A consular refusal alone does not entitle you to a fee refund. One condition is unconditional: if ARCO determines before starting that it cannot take your case, it charges nothing.

How long does it take?

It depends on the consulate, category, official availability and your own schedule. We provide realistic timeframes, never promised dates.

How do you handle my data?

Aldo Giovanni Alarcón Gómez, operating as ARCO, uses the data needed to prepare and conduct the session. Cal.com and Google Calendar are involved only when you book; WhatsApp only when you initiate that channel; Zoho Mail handles institutional email. The full notice and rights contact are available at arco.org.mx/privacy and team@arco.org.mx.

Institutional note

The Consular Desk is a private ARCO service and is not affiliated with the U.S. Government, Department of State, embassies or consulates. Visa decisions and appointment availability belong exclusively to the competent authorities. The applicant reviews and signs their own application. ARCO works only through official channels.