Non-Immigrant Visas
Laser Visa - BCC - Border Crossing Card
The border crossing card (BCC), or “laser visa” is a laminated, credit card-style document that serves as a visitor visa (class B1/B2) to the United States. Most Mexican visitors to the U.S., whether traveling to the border region or beyond, receive a laser visa.
Conditions of a laser visa
The law requires that visitors applying for or receiving a laser visa have a residence abroad, which he or she does not intend to abandon. This residence is usually established by showing ties to the applicant’s home country. Such ties may include business, employment, family, property or other connections, tangible or intangible, which satisfy a consular officer that the alien will leave the United States voluntarily after a temporary visit.
NOTE: The demonstration of documents does not guarantee that you will receive a visa. You must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the consular officer and laws mandated by the Immigration and Nationality Act "that you will return to your home country once you complete your temporary visit in the United States.”
Fees for a laser visa
The laser visa application fee is U.S. $131.00 or the peso equivalent, paid at any BANAMEX branch. For Mexican children under 15 years old the visa application fee is $13.00 dlls or the peso equivalent. A child must have at least one parent who holds a laser visa or who is applying for a BCC. Laser visas issued for the reduced fee expire on the child's 15th birthday or for ten years validity whatever occurs first. If the full fee is paid, the child receives a BCC valid for the full ten years.
NOTE: Children under 15 years old, who lost their laser visa or it was stolen, must paid the full visa application fee and will receive an MRV valid for ten years.
Validity of the laser visa:
A laser visa is valid for a maximum of ten years except in the case of children who pay a reduced fee.
Duration of stay
Laser visa holders that are authorized to enter to the United States can remain up to 30 days and travel no more than 25 miles beyond the border. Those that wish to travel farther and remain longer must request a permit I-94 form (arrival/departure record) in the port of entry, which costs U.S. $6.00 per person. During the process of the I-94 form, the Customs and Border Protection officer can request updated versions of the same documentation you presented to the consular officer at the interview for the laser visa.
Be sure to return the I-94 Form to the proper authorities when you depart the U.S. (port of entry). This returned portion of the form proves you did not violate U.S. laws by staying in the country beyond your authorized stay by DHS. It is proof that you obeyed U.S. immigration laws, which is essential if you want to return to the United States at a future date as an immigrant or nonimmigrant.
Lost or stolen laser visas
If your visa was lost or stolen, you must re-apply for a visa as if you were a first-time applicant. You must bring a copy of the police report indicating the time, place and circumstances in which your visa was lost or stolen. If you qualify for a visa, you will not receive a new laser visa. Instead, you will receive a machine-readable visa (MRV) printed in your passport.
NOTE: Children under 15 years old, whose visa was lost or stolen, must pay the full visa application fee and will receive an MRV valid for ten years.
Visa renewal
When renewing a laser visa, bring your current visa to the interview. You will surrender your visa regardless of the remaining validity at the time of the interview.
Documents required
For information on the documents required to apply for a visa, click here
Appointment procedure
How do I make an appointment? CLICK HERE
How long do I wait to get an appointment to apply for a visa? CLICK HERE