Crew Members, Transit Visas and Border Crossing Card

Border Crossing Card is a credit card-sized plastic card that combines a B1/B2 tourist visa with a Border Crossing Card. It is available only to Mexican nationals residing in border areas of Mexico. During a 10-year period, the BCC is valid for unlimited visits into the United States, however, holders cannot stay indefinitely; the card allows for stays of 30 days or less and has travel area restrictions. Like a single-entry visitor visa, the BCC does not grant the holder permission to work in the United States.

Who can apply for the BCC?

If you are both a resident and citizen of Mexico, you can apply for the Border Crossing Card. The eligibility criteria are similar to those for a one-time B-1 or B-2 visa and include:

• Possessing a valid Mexican passport
• Having sufficient financial resources for your travel and stay
• Demonstrating ties to Mexico, such as owning a business or property
• Meeting the eligibility requirements for a B-1 or B-2 visa

Benefits

The Border Crossing Card permits the holder to travel only within a specified distance or stay for a limited duration. Once you obtain a BCC, you’ll be lawfully eligible to cross the U.S. border either for pleasure, business, or medical purposes within a specified area/distance from the border.

The process of applying for a BCC to cross the U.S. border as a Mexican can be overwhelming without the assistance of an expert who has a deep understanding of these legal processes.

At McFarling Cohen Fic & Squires, we will assist you in organizing all the required documents and provide the legal guidance needed to navigate the process successfully and avoid mistakes during the application.