Border Crossing Card (BCC) Visa for the U.S.

In 1998 the U.S. Department of State introduced the Border Crossing Card visa for Mexican citizens. It’s a credit card size laminated card with better graphics and technology. The Border Crossing Card is the same as for a B1 (Business visa) or B2 (Tourist visa), and it also called DSP-150. The holder of the Border Crossing Card able to enter the USA for shopping, visiting purposes, but they don’t allow to work there or stay more than three days (72 hours). The Border Crossing Cardholders are only entitled to travel within 25 miles from the border in Texas and California and up to 55 miles from the border in New Mexico and up to 75 miles in Arizona. For staying longer and go further, they will have to collect an I-94 form to remain in any state within a given issued period.

Except in some children cases, this card only valid for ten years after issuance.  Border Crossing Card (laser visa) is valid for travel until the expiration date on the front of the card, although it issued earlier October 1, 2008.

An applicant should require to fulfill the following qualifications to get a Border Crossing Card.

• Must be a Mexican citizen.
• Must have strong evidence that applicants will return to Mexico after their brief visit and have no interest in staying in the USA.
• Must fulfill all standard criteria of the B1/B2 visa.
  • Must have enough resources that will cover their stay in the USA.
  • Must have a no criminal record letter from the authority.

The original documents of the applicant should provide for their interview. These documents should not offer in a closed cover. Any supporting documents should not fax or mail. There is a similarity between the application process of Border Crossing card and B1/B2 Visa.

• Visa Electronic Application form (DS-160 Form).
• Must have a legal Mexican passport.
• A very recent photo of the applicant taken in the last six months.
• Receipt of visa application fee.
• Necessary documents of the purpose of the visit.
• Definite proof that the applicant will return to their home country.
• Evidence of financial resources to cover expenses while staying in the United States.

Application steps are mentioned in the below:

Step 1: Fill up the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-166) form.

Step 2: Pay the visa application fee.

Step 3: Book an appointment for an interview from the concerned website.

Step 4: The applicant needs to go to the U.S Embassy or Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview. Applicant must carry with their printed copy of your DS-160 application approval page, one photograph taken within the last six months in the prescribed format, and your current and all old passports.

Border Crossing Card fees reduced for the Mexican children whose age is under 15, and it will expire on their 15^th birthday. The children will get a Border Crossing Card for ten years if they pay the full fees.