U.S. Immigration Explained Blog

BIOMETRIC BORDER-CROSSING CARD

The biometric border-crossing card (BCC) applies only to visitors from Mexico entering the United States. All border crossing cards are machine-readable and contain a biometric identifier such as fingerprints. The BCC is now laminated and is similar to a credit card type document. If you have a BCC issued prior to September 30, 2001, you must apply for a new BCC, as holders of the old BCCs will not be allowed into the country.
Most visitors from Mexico now receive what is known as a “laser visa” which is both a BCC and a B1/B2 visitor’s visa. To receive a laser visa, applicants must meet the requirements for the B1/B2 visa and for the BCC previously issued by USCIS.

Applications must prove that they have strong ties to Mexico which would cause the applicant to return from his or her temporary visit to the United States. Applicants have to provide either their old BCC card and a recent photo identity card or a valid Mexican passport, for first time applicants. The fee for a laser visa is $100, and it is valid for up to ten years.