What is the equivalent of a B1 B2 visa?
A Border Crossing Card, is the equivalent of a B1/B2 visitor's visa, for Mexican citizens. Home/US Visa/Nonimmigrant Visas to US/Border Crossing Card (BCC) Border Crossing Card (BCC) 2019-08-16T16:18:11+00:00. The United States is one of the most visited countries in the world, either for tourism, business or other purposes.
What is a BCC card for immigration?
A border crossing card (BCC) is a U.S. immigration identification card which serves as a B-1/B-2 visa for Mexican citizens. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) issues a border crossing card to Mexican citizens to enter the United States for temporary purposes.
Can I work in the US with a BCC visa?
However, just as with a standard issue B-1 or B-2 visa, the BCC does not provide you with employment authorization. In other words, you may not work in the United States.
Can a B1 B2 visa holder enter the US with immigrant intent?
Again, the B-1/B-2 visa is for the purposes of temporary visits. When entering the U. S., the card holder is reaffirming the intent to visitor temporarily and depart as required. Therefore, you should not enter the U. S. with immigrant intent. However, life circumstances can sometimes change intentions during the course of a trip.
Where is the US B1 B2 visa BCC number?
The MRZ on the BCC is on the reverse side and has the same format as the U.S. passport card, but the document number to be used should be the second set of numbers after the Country of Issuance as shown below.
What is visa number B1 B2?
The visa number, also called a visa foil number, is a red number that is generally printed on the bottom right side of newer visa documents.
What is a BCC immigration?
The Border Crossing Card (BCC) is a laminated card, which has enhanced graphics and technology, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) use to confirm the identity and citizenship of the traveler. The expiration date is on the front of the card, and usually expires ten years after issuance.
Where is the BCC number?
BORDER CROSSING CARD's Inventory Control Stock Number - NOT FOR REFERENCE: The BCC features an inventory control stock number imprinted just above the PASSSYSTEM logo. It staits with the letter "V," and the number is laser-engraved to be fully tactile.
WHO issues a visa?
The US Department of State has the primary responsibility of issuing United States visas, including both immigrant and non-immigrant visas. When a foreign national wishes to visit the country temporarily or to begin the process of moving to the country permanently, a visa is typically required.
How do I read my US visa number?
The visa number, also known as the visa foil number, is the red number printed on the bottom right of the visa document. Usually, the number on a US visa contains eight numeric characters. However, it may begin with one letter followed by seven numeric characters.
How do I get a BCC card?
Requirements for the Border Crossing Card To qualify for the BCC, you'll need to meet some fundamental requirements including: Have a valid Mexican passport at the time of application; Be a citizen of and resident in Mexico; Meet the eligibility standards for B1/B2 visas; and.
How long can I stay in the US on a tourist visa?
180 daysThe maximum amount of time issued for a B1/B2 visa is 180 days. This visa allows for multiple entries into the United States. Need help applying for your B-1/B-2 visa?
Can I travel to Mexico with US B1 B2 visa?
Yes. You can travel to Mexico with US B1/B2 visa. Any nationality with a valid US B1, B2 or B1/B2 visa can enter Mexico without requiring a Mexican visa. Keep in mind that your US B1/B2 visa must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Mexico.
Can you get a US visa at the border?
States, visiting Canada or Mexico Any third country national (TCN) present in the United States and visitors present in Canada who wish to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at any of our border posts in Canada or Mexico must make an appointment for an interview.
What is non immigrant visa number?
What Is a Nonimmigrant Visa Number? On your visa will be an eight-digit number. This is your identification number, much like US citizens have a Social Security number. Typically, the visa number has 8 numbers, without any letters or characters. In some cases, though, there is one letter preceding the (7) digits.
How do I find my travel document number?
You will be able to find your travel document number in the top right-hand corner of the document. For the passport card, this number will simply be located on the front side. If you have a Passport Book, you can locate it on the second page displaying your personal information.
Where can I find visa number?
Visa StampYour A-Number is identified as the Registration Number on your visa stamp. If your A-Number is fewer than 9 digits, insert a zero after the “A” and before the first digit to create a 9-digit number. ... Your DOS Case ID is identified as the IV Case Number on your visa stamp.
Is visa number same as passport number?
U.S. Passport and Visa Number Entry While most U.S. Passport numbers are nine digits and most U.S. visa numbers are eight digits, some are not.
What is visa reference number?
Once the applicant submits the application for a visa along with the relevant details at the consulates or any outsourcing and technology services provider, an acknowledgement receipt number is provided. This acknowledgement receipt number is also known as the reference number or file number.
Is the visa number the control number?
Nonimmigrant Visa FAQ The control number on your nonimmigrant visa is located at the top of the visa and isn't the same as the visa number. The control number has more letters and digits in it. This is the number used to track visas.
What is a BCC card?
January 8, 2021. A border crossing card (BCC) is a U.S. immigration identification card which serves as a B-1/B-2 visa for Mexican citizens. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) issues a border crossing card to Mexican citizens to enter the United States for temporary purposes.
How long is a BCC card good for?
The BCC is generally valid for a period of 10 years, except in the cases of some children. The BCC has a photo and machine-readable biometric information. The card even has a built-in RFID chip and Integrated Contactless Circuit. The format makes it easy for immigration officials at the border to scan and admit visitors at a port of entry.
How long is a border crossing card valid?
The border crossing card is valid for an unlimited number of U.S. entries during the 10-year period. However, the cardholder may only stay in the U.S. for a period 30 days and travel only within a certain area (generally no more than 25 miles from the border).
Can a foreigner get a green card?
In order to apply for a green card, a foreign national must be eligible. If the applicant has a valid family-based immigration relationship, he or she must also have a lawful entry. Entering with a valid border crossing card counts as a lawful entry.
B1 Business Visitor Visa
A B1 ‘Visitor for Business’ Visa allows business travellers to enter the United States. These visas are typically provided as a combination of a B-1 business visit visa and a B2 ‘Visitor for Pleasure’ (i.e. tourist) visa. As a result of this approach, an old B1 B2 visa issued for a vacation trip may be valid for a scheduled business trip.
B2 Tourist Visitor Visa
If the purpose of the planned travel is purely recreational, such as tourism, visiting friends or family or is related to medical treatment, fraternal, social, or service activities, or amateur participation in musical, sporting, or similar events or contests, a B2 Visitor Visa would be the appropriate type of visa for you.
What Information is Contained on the Card?
The Border Crossing Card will have a photo of the cardholder, their name, date of birth, nationality, gender, date of issuance, and expiration date. It also contains machine-readable biometric information. This allows US immigration officers to quickly scan the Border Crossing Card at the port of entry.
US Border Crossing Card Privileges and Restrictions
While the BCC does allow for an unlimited number of entries for 10 years, there are restrictions for cardholders. They are only allowed to stay in the US for up to 30 days at one time, and are limited to a certain geographic area which is typically no farther than 25 miles from the US/Mexico border.
What if I Want to Stay in the US Longer?
At the port of entry, you can request a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record from the immigration officer. The I-94 can allow you to stay in the US for up to six months, and travel anywhere within the United States.
Who Qualifies for a Border Crossing Card?
If you want to apply for a BCC, you will need to meet the following requirements:
Border Crossing Card Application Procedure
Contact the US embassy in Mexico City, or the US consulate closest to you. Visit this website for more specific contact information.
What are B1 and B2 Visas?
B1 visas are visas issued for temporary travel to the US for Business purposes only. These are short-term visas, typically lasting about 6 months.
Conclusion
We hope this article has been useful for you and that it has answered all your questions about using your B1 or B1/B2 visa to enter the United States for travel.
What are the requirements for a B1 visa?
the applicant must meet all the eligibility standards for B1/B2 visas, including:#N#have enough finances to cover their stay in the US#N#possess a criminal records or letter from authorities stating that they do not have prior convictions 1 have enough finances to cover their stay in the US 2 possess a criminal records or letter from authorities stating that they do not have prior convictions
What is a BCC card?
The Border Crossing Card (BCC) is a document introduced by the US Department of State in May 1998 for Mexican citizens . Following in this article, you can learn everything you need to know about a BCC, who needs it, what it serves for, and how it can be obtained.
How long is a BCC card good for?
All cards issued after October 1, 2008 are valid for a period of ten years. BCC for children under 15 expire after ten years or when they become 15, whichever comes first. On the other hand, cards issued prior to this date, are valid until the expiration date that can be found in the front of the card.
How long can a BCC stay in the US?
However, it does not permit them to work, or stay more than 3 days (72 hours).
When was the BCC issued?
It is issued in the form of a card, with enhanced graphics and technology. It was first issued in 1998 in a technologically simpler version and was known as a “laser visa”, until September 2008. From then on started the second generation of the B1/B2 visa/BCC, which is more advanced than the previous. A BCC gives the opportunity to its bearer ...
Who can apply for a Border Crossing Card?
There are specific qualifications that must be met by a person, in order for him / her to be eligible to obtain a Border Crossing Card. These qualifications are as following:
What is a BCC card?
A BCC comes in the form of a laminated card designed with advanced technology and graphics. When first issued in the year 1988, Border Crossing Cards were designed with basic technology. However, the latest version of a BCC is technologically sophisticated.
What is a BCC?
The US Department of State introduced the Border Crossing Card (BCC) in 1988. It is an identity document as well as a B1/B2 visa that entitles Mexican citizens to enter the United States. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 provide the legal basis for the issuance of BCC. Previously known as the “laser visa”, ...
How much does it cost to get a BCC?
You need to gather all the relevant and required documents. The standard fee for a BCC is $160. Mexican citizens under the age of 15 have to pay $17 if their guardian or parents are also applying for a BCC.
How long is a BCC card valid?
A BCC card usually remains valid for ten years. It’s important to understand that the ten-year validity is the time period during which you can cross the border; it doesn’t mean you can stay in the United States for 10 years on a BCC. As mentioned earlier, a BCC allows you to stay in the US for three days. If you live in the country ...
How far can you travel on a border crossing card?
You can travel up to 25 miles beyond the border into Texas and California. However, in New Mexico, you can go as far as 55 miles from the border and 75 miles into Arizona.
What Does a Border Crossing Card Look Like?
Take a look at the following image which is the front of the updated version of a BCC:
What is a visa for a foreigner?
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website.
Where to schedule a visa interview?
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
What happens after a visa interview?
After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this required.
How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).
Can a visa be voided?
Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.
Do you need an interview for a visa?
Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.
Can a B1 visa be used for employment?
An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
