Coordinated Access Program (CAP)

Who Can Participate?

 

The Coordinated Access Program may be available to:

• 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 

Students enrolled exclusively in online courses are not eligible to participate in CAP.  You must be enrolled in at least one in-person or hybrid class that requires physical attendance on campus.

Participation in the program remains subject to approval by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Eligible Ports of Entry

 

CAP currently operates through designated pedestrian lanes at the following Ports of Entry:

San Ysidro Port of Entry

• Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Otay Mesa Port of Entry

• Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Required Documents

 

Students participating in CAP must carry all required documentation each time they cross the border.

Required documents include:

• Valid passport or passport card (if applicable)
• Permanent Resident Card (if applicable)
• Valid F-1 visa and Form I-20 issued by Southwestern College (for F-1 students)
• Southwestern College Student ID with current semester validation sticker
• Southwestern College Enrollment Verification Letter for CAP participation
• Proof of approval through the CBP Link App

Failure to present all required documentation may result in denial of access to the CAP lane.

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. 

Use this link to request your  SWC ID:

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 CAP

For step-by-step instructions, visit: 

Coordinated Access Program Application Guide. 

Hours of Operation

 

San Ysidro Port of Entry

• The CAP pedestrian lane is located adjacent to the SENTRI pedestrian entrance.
• Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Otay Mesa Port of Entry

• The CAP pedestrian lane is located near the pedestrian SENTRI access area.
• Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

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. 

Otay Mesa:

San Ysidro:

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 Student ID Sample
• 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