A Border Crossing Card (BCC) is a unique travel document issued by the U.S. government to eligible Mexican nationals. It allows short-term travel into designated areas of the United States without the need for a traditional visa stamp. But there are important rules to follow.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how the BCC works, who qualifies, how to apply, and how to avoid common mistakes that could jeopardize your travel privileges.
What You'll Learn
What Does a Border Crossing Card Allow You to Do?
The Border Crossing Card is designed for temporary visits to the U.S. border region by eligible Mexican nationals. It's especially useful for tourism, shopping, family visits, and short business trips.
Here’s what the BCC allows:
- Travel by land or sea into the U.S. from Mexico (not valid for air travel unless combined with a visa)
- Visit the U.S. border zone, which varies by state:
- Texas: Up to 25 miles from the border (40 km)
- California: Up to 25 miles (with some exceptions)
- New Mexico: Up to 55 miles or to Interstate 10
- Arizona: Up to 75 miles or to Tucson, AZ
However, BCC holders cannot work, study, or live in the U.S.
Who Is Eligible for a Border Crossing Card?
Not everyone qualifies for a BCC. The U.S. government requires applicants to meet the same standards as those applying for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa.
To qualify, you must:
- Be a citizen and resident of Mexico
- Demonstrate strong ties to Mexico, such as family, employment, or property
- Have no intent to immigrate
- Be financially able to support your visit
- Pass a background check and attend an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate
- Provide biometric information (photo and fingerprints)
How to Apply for a Border Crossing Card
The application process is similar to applying for a U.S. visitor visa. You’ll need to complete several steps and attend an interview.
Steps to apply:
- Complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
- Pay the visa application fee (currently $185 USD)
- Schedule an appointment at a U.S. consulate or embassy in Mexico
- Attend your visa interview and provide supporting documents:
- Valid Mexican passport
- Proof of ties to Mexico (job letter, school enrollment, property deed, etc.)
- Photo (per U.S. visa photo requirements)
Most BCCs are issued in the form of a DSP-150 card, often referred to as a “laser visa.” It typically includes both the BCC and a B-1/B-2 visa stamped into your passport.
Limitations of a Border Crossing Card
While convenient, the BCC has strict rules. Misuse can result in cancellation or future denial of entry. Those using the card should understand these key limitations:
- Only valid for land and sea entries from Mexico
- Not valid for air travel, unless accompanied by a valid visa in passport
- Travel is limited to designated border zones and must not exceed the distance limit
- BCC holders cannot work or study in the U.S.
- You must exit the U.S. within the allowed period (usually 30 days)
Always carry both your passport and BCC card when crossing into the U.S.
BCC vs. Visitor Visa: What’s the Difference?
While a Border Crossing Card is a type of visa, it has important differences from a traditional B-1/B-2 visa.
| Feature | Border Crossing Card | B-1/B-2 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Issued to | Mexican nationals only | All nationalities |
| Use type | Land/sea border visits | Any mode of entry |
| Validity | Up to 10 years | Typically 10 years |
| Geographic Limit | Border zone only | Anywhere in U.S. |
| I-94 Required? | Optional | Yes (issued at entry) |
How to Use a BCC for Travel Beyond the Border Zone
If you need to travel farther into the U.S., you can request Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record), which gives you temporary permission to travel further than the standard border zone.
To get an I-94:
- Visit a designated port of entry where I-94s are issued
- Inform the CBP officer of your need to travel beyond the border zone
- Pay the $30 fee
- Provide proof of:
- Destination address
- Funds for your stay
- Intent to return to Mexico
The CBP officer may approve your request and attach the I-94 to your passport. This allows legal travel beyond the restricted border area during your authorized stay.
Common Border Crossing Card Mistakes to Avoid
To protect your ability to use the BCC, avoid these frequent errors:
- Traveling too far into the U.S. without requesting an I-94
- Overstaying the 30-day limit
- Accepting unauthorized work
- Entering by airplane without a visa in your passport
- Forgetting to carry your passport along with your BCC
- Failing to renew an expired BCC or using an expired passport
Violations may lead to cancellation of your card and even bans from re-entry.
Can You Get a Green Card with a BCC?
Some people wonder if they can apply for a green card (lawful permanent residence) after entering the U.S. with a BCC. Here’s what you need to know:
- A BCC is a nonimmigrant visa. It does not lead directly to a green card.
- If you enter the U.S. lawfully with a BCC and later become eligible (e.g., through marriage to a U.S. citizen), you may apply for adjustment of status.
- You’ll need to prove lawful entry with passport stamps or I-94.
- Entering the U.S. with the intent to immigrate using a BCC can be considered visa fraud.
How to Renew or Replace a Border Crossing Card
A BCC is typically valid for 10 years. Renewing or replacing it requires the same steps as applying for a new card. To renew your card:
- Apply using Form DS-160
- Schedule an interview at a U.S. consulate
- Bring your current or expired BCC and supporting documents
If your card is lost or stolen, report it to the police and bring documentation to your interview. Processing times vary, so apply at least six months before your current card expires.
Border Crossing Card FAQs
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While CitizenPath does not assist with BCC applications (which are processed by the U.S. State Department), we help immigrants who entered the U.S. with a BCC and are eligible to apply for green cards, adjust status, or petition for family members.
CitizenPath provides affordable, step-by-step help to prepare your Immigrant Visa Petition Package (Form I-130), Adjustment of Status Package (Form I-485), and other services. Immigration attorneys designed our service to help you avoid costly mistakes, rejections and denials without the high cost of an attorney.
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