Coordinated Access Program (CAP)

Program Rules and Guidelines

 

Participants must follow all CAP requirements at all times: 

• CAP access is limited to pedestrian lanes only at the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa ports of entry. 
• Program hours are Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
• CAP does not apply to vehicle passenger lanes under any circumstances. 
• Access is limited to Southwestern College students enrolled in the current academic semester. 
• All participants must carry valid travel and immigration documents and comply with CBP procedures at all times.
• This program does not change immigration status or inspection requirements. 

Eligibility 

 

You may be eligible to participate in CAP if you meet all of the following criteria: 
Citizenship or Immigration Status 

• U.S. Citizen with a valid U.S. passport or passport card 
• U.S. Permanent Resident with a valid I-551 Permanent Resident Card 
• F-1 International Student or F-1 Border Commuter Student with a valid passport, F-1 visa, and Form I-20 issued by Southwestern College 

Enrollment 
You are currently enrolled at Southwestern College during the academic term 

• Cross-Border Commuter Status 
• You regularly cross the U.S.–Mexico border to attend in-person or hybrid classes 

Course Requirement 

• You are enrolled in at least one in-person or hybrid class that requires physical attendance on campus.
• Students enrolled in 100% online courses do not meet the requirements

Important Considerations 

 

• Ensure all required documents are current and readily accessible each time you cross the border 
• Maintain full compliance with all applicable laws, policies, and regulations governing your immigration status, including lawful permanent resident requirements, if applicable 
• Participation in CAP is strictly limited to travel for educational purposes related to your enrollment at Southwestern College 
• Misuse of the program may result in removal from CAP and loss of eligibility for future participation 

Step 1: Request your SWC Student ID 

 

All participating students must have a valid SWC Student ID. If you do not already have a SWC Student ID, submit your request online through Southwestern College. Processing time is 2-3 business days, after which you will be able to pick up your physical card as instructed in the email confirmation you will receive from the Office of Student Activities. 

How to Obtain Your Semester Sticker 
You must visit the Student Activities Office (Building 67) at the Chula Vista campus or any Southwestern College Higher Education Center to request your current semester sticker in person. This sticker, placed on the back of your SWC Student ID, serves as official verification that you are actively enrolled in the current semester. Please ensure you have paid the Student Activity Sticker Fee ($16). 

You are required to present your SWC Student ID each time you use CAP. IDs without a valid current semester sticker will not be accepted. 

To request your SWC ID, go to the Student ID Request Form 

Helpful videos: 
How to request your SWC Student ID (English) 
How to request your SWC Student ID (Spanish) 

Step 2: Request your SWC Binational Enrollment Verification Letter 

 

Request an official SWC Binational Student Enrollment Verification Letter. Processing time is 1-2 business days, after which you will receive the letter by e-mail. 

Only letters issued by Southwestern College for this purpose will be accepted.

 The letter will include a unique authorization code required to apply for CAP. 

Use this link to request your letter:  
SWC Binational Student Enrollment Verification Letter Request 

Step 3: Apply through the CBP Link App 

 

To participate in CAP, students must apply through the CBP Link app, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. The application requires basic personal and document information, along with the authorization code provided in your SWC enrollment verification letter. 

After submitting your application, you will receive email updates confirming whether you have been approved. Students who are approved may begin using the expedited student lane in late April. 

Download the CBP Link App

CBP Link (Apple Store) 
CBP Link (Google Play) 

Additional information about the CBP Link Mobile Application

Register for CA

For step-by-step instructions, visit: 
Coordinated Access Program Application Guide. 

Hours of Operation

 

CAP lanes operate Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM at participating ports of entry.

Students must use the CAP lane only during these hours. Use outside of designated operating times may result in suspension or cancellation of CAP approval.

Important Reminders
You must follow all posted instructions and present all required documentation each time you cross. Failure to do so may result in delays or removal from the program.

Signage and Access in Mexico

 

Clear signage will be posted on the Mexico side of participating ports of entry to guide students to the designated CAP pedestrian lane. Students should follow all posted signs directing them to the CAP access point before reaching the International Boundary Line. 
Please check this page for updated information on the exact location of the CAP lane. 

Entry Process

 

Required Documents
Each time you use the CAP lane, you must present the following:

Proof of Immigration Status

• U.S. Citizens: Valid U.S. passport or passport card
• U.S. Permanent Residents: Valid I-551 Permanent Resident Card
• F-1 International or Border Commuter Students: Valid passport, F-1 visa, and Form I-20 issued by Southwestern College

Additional Required Documents

• SWC Student ID with current semester sticker
• SWC Binational Student Enrollment Verification Letter
• Proof of CAP approval through the CBP Link app

Crossing Process

 

Once approved for CAP, follow these steps each time you cross:

• Arrive at the port of entry and follow posted signage in Mexico directing you to the CAP lane
• At the International Boundary Line, present all required documents to the CBP officer
• After initial verification, proceed into the pedestrian facility
• Follow signs to the designated CAP lane
• Complete inspection with a primary CBP officer