How to apply for a United States Visa Laser | iVisa

How to apply for a United States Visa Laser

Updated: May 2024

Travel by air, land, or sea with the Visa Laser and cross the United States border like a local.

What is the Visa Laser?

The Visa Laser, also known as Mexico Border Crossing Card, is an exclusive identification available only for Mexicans that functions as a crossing permit and tourist visa to travel to the United States.

It is also one of the most requested visas in Mexico to visit the United States, especially for those that travel continuously to the US by car.

With the Visa Laser, you can travel for tourism, pleasure, medical treatments, and even do business in the country. You can also participate in business meetings, events, congresses, fairs, or scientific, educational, or professional conventions.

Which states of the US can you visit with the Visa Laser?

With the Visa Laser you can only visit the states that border Mexico which are:

• California
• Arizona
• New Mexico
• Texas

What you can do with the Visa Laser?

• Tourism
• Shopping
• Buy goods or real estate
• Visit friends or family
• Take a short recreational course (not for credit)
• Participate in fairs
• Participate in congresses as a listener or as a speaker (without charging fees)
• Medical treatments
• Consultations with an American doctor
• Signing of contracts
• Business meetings

What you CAN NOT do with the Visa Laser?

• You can not work
• You can not study temporarily
• You can not reside permanently in the country
• You can not get a driver's license
• You can not authorize a child to study in a public school in the country.

What is the time of validity of the Visa Laser?

The Visa Laser is valid for 10 years from its issuance. With this type of visa, you can stay in the US for periods of no more than 30 days, and for a specific purpose.

How to apply for the Visa Laser?

Applying for a Visa Laser involves several steps. Here’s a streamlined overview of the process:

1. Check eligibility: Make sure you qualify for the Visa Laser, designed for short stays (up to 30 days) in the U.S.

2. Fill out application: Complete the required form with your personal and travel details.

3. Submit documents: Provide necessary documents, such as proof of finances and employment.

4. Schedule interview: Book an interview with the Department of Homeland Security. Expect long wait times, sometimes over a year.

5. Attend interview: Go to your interview where they'll review your application and ask questions.

6. Wait for visa: If approved, your Visa Laser will be processed and issued within about 4 weeks.

7. Receive visa: You’ll receive your visa, which lets you travel by land, air, or sea to specified areas in the U.S.

Note: We currently don't offer this visa, but you can find more information on the United States government site.

How long does it take to receive my Visa Laser?

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will list the available dates for your interview appointment.

Keep in mind that given the high demand for applications, the waitlist could be of more than 12 months.

After your interview, it typically takes about 4 weeks for your Visa Laser to be processed and issued.

We recommend applying several months before your intended trip to the United States.

What are the differences between the Visa Laser and the B1/B2 Visa?

The Visa Laser is an exclusive document that only Mexican citizens can apply for, unlike the B1/B2 Visa that citizens from all over Latin America, Asia, and Africa can apply for as well.

On the other hand, although the Visa Laser costs the same as the B1/B2 Visa ($160 USD), one of the benefits that only the Visa Laser has is that applicants under 15 years old will only have to pay $15 USD for the Visa Laser, while those under 15 years old applying for the B1/B2 must pay the full MRV fee, which is the usual $160 USD.

In addition, with the Laser Visa, Mexicans can easily cross the border with the United States, without having to present their passport. However, with the B1/B2 Visa, Mexicans can travel throughout all the states of the United States, while with the Laser Visa Mexicans can only travel through the border states.

Read our B1/B2 Visa Guide to learn more. You can also apply for your B1/B2 Visa with us now!