Binational Programs

AB 91 Program - Programa AB 91

In Fall 2023, Southwestern College welcomed its inaugural group of students benefiting from California's Assembly Bill 91 (AB 91).

AB 91 Signing Ceremony: Held on October 21, 2024, at the SWC Chula Vista Campus, this historic event was attended by Community College Presidents from San Diego and Imperial Valley Counties, government officials from both sides of the border, and students.

El programa AB 91 en California es una iniciativa legislativa que busca facilitar el acceso a la educación superior para los estudiantes binacionales de bajos ingresos que residen cerca de la frontera entre California y México. La ley permitiría que estos estudiantes paguen la matrícula de estudiante nacional de EE.UU. en los colegios comunitarios de San Diego y el Condado Imperial, en lugar de las cuotas más altas para extranjeros, siempre que vivan dentro de un radio de 72 kilometros de la frontera. Esta medida tiene como objetivo aprovechar la ubicación estratégica de la región fronteriza y promover oportunidades educativas equitativas, al tiempo que fortalece la fuerza laboral binacional y la economía regional.

La convocatoria esta abierta y puedes aplicar usando el enlace que esta abajo.

The AB 91 program in California is a legislative initiative aimed at facilitating access to higher education for low-income binational students residing near the California-Mexico border. The law allows these students to pay in-state tuition fees at community colleges in San Diego and Imperial County, instead of non-resident tuition fees, provided they live within 45 miles (approximately 72 kilometers) of the border. This measure aims to leverage the strategic location of the border region, promote equitable educational opportunities, and strengthen the binational workforce and regional economy.

Apply Now!

Applications are open for Spring 2025. We will receive applications from October 21 to December 15, 2024. Classes start on February 3, 2025.

La convocatoria para primavera 2025 estará abierta del 21 de octubre al 15 de diciembre de 2024. El inicio de clases será el 3 de febrero de 2025.

AB 91 Application/Solicitud de Admisión More Information/Más Información

AB-91 is a 5-year pilot program to allow low-income students who have residence within 45 miles of the California-Mexico border, for at least one year immediately before enrolling, to be eligible for in-state tuition rates at Southwestern College or another San Diego and Imperial Counties Community College Association (SDICCCA) member college, located in California
The bill would require the governing boards of participating community colleges, that choose to use this exemption, to adopt one uniform policy that determines a student’s residence classification, establishes procedures for an appeal and review of the residence classification, and determines whether a student is low income. The bill would also require the governing boards of participating community colleges, as a condition of its students receiving the exemption described above, to collaborate with each other to ensure the adoption of the uniform policy.

The community colleges participating in this program have created a uniform policy for students to self-report their address, income, and residency requirements. Additionally, all colleges have a uniform appeals process.
The AB 91 program is designed for Mexican and American citizens aged 18 and older who reside in the binational region between the United States and Mexico. There is no upper age limit, allowing individuals of all ages to participate.

Students who are Mexican citizens can apply for the F-1 international student visa through the U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana. Southwestern College will provide all the necessary information and required documents for the F-1 visa application process.
The AB 91 program includes Academic ESL courses at the same cost and application process, allowing students to start with language proficiency skills before transitioning to their chosen academic major. Visit the catalog for more information about the Academic ESL Program.
For more information, please refer to the Tuition & Fees section. The estimated cost per semester is as follows:
- Tuition: $552 (for 12 credits)
- Fees: Approximately $110
- Books and Supplies: Approximately $50 to $200
- Total for the Semester: Approximately $862
Our academic year is divided into two main semesters: Fall and Spring. Please note that the Summer session is not included in this calculation. For students enrolling in more than 12 units per semester, additional tuition fees will apply at a rate of $46 per credit.

AB-91 establece un programa piloto de 5 años para permitir que los estudiantes de bajos ingresos que hayan residido dentro de 45 millas de la frontera entre California y México, durante al menos un año antes de su inscripción, sean elegibles para las tarifas de matrícula estatales en un colegio comunitario miembro de la Asociación de Colegios Comunitarios de San Diego el Valle Imperial (SDICCCA, for sus siglas en Ingles), ubicado en California.
La colaboración transfronteriza que resultaría de los cambios legislativos propuestos fortalecería la salud económica de la Mega Región CaliBaja al expandir el acceso a la educación superior y aumentar una fuerza laboral transfronteriza capacitada. Dado el importante nivel de actividad transfronteriza en la región, las relaciones fronterizas tienen un gran impacto en la economía y la fuerza laboral de la región.
El proyecto de ley requeriría que las juntas directivas de los colegios comunitarios que elijan utilizar esta exención adopten una política uniforme para determinar la clasificación de residencia de un estudiante, establezcan procedimientos para una apelación y revisión de la clasificación de residencia, y determinen si un estudiante tiene bajos ingresos. El proyecto de ley también requeriría que las juntas directivas de los colegios comunitarios que elijan utilizar esta exención, como condición para que sus estudiantes reciban la exención descrita anteriormente, colaboren entre sí para garantizar la adopción de la política uniforme.

Los colegios comunitarios que participan en este programa han creado una política uniforme para que los estudiantes autoinformen su dirección, ingresos y requisitos de residencia. Además, todos los colegios tienen un proceso de apelación uniforme.
El programa AB 91 está disponible para ciudadanos mexicanos o estadounidenses que residen en la zona binacional entre Estados Unidos y México, y que tengan 18 años o más. No hay límite de edad para participar.

Los estudiantes que son ciudadanos mexicanos pueden solicitar la visa de estudiante internacional F-1 a través del Consulado General de Estados Unidos en Tijuana. Southwestern College proporcionará toda la información necesaria, así como los documentos requeridos para el proceso de solicitud de la visa F-1.
El programa AB 91 incluye cursos de ESL académico con el mismo costo y proceso de solicitud, permitiendo a los estudiantes comenzar con habilidades de competencia lingüística antes de hacer la transición a su carrera académica elegida. Visite el catálogo para obtener más información sobre el Programa de ESL Académico.
Para obtener más información, consulte la sección de Matrícula y Costos. El costo estimado por semestre es el siguiente:
- Costo: $552 (por 12 créditos)
- Cuotas: Aproximadamente $110
- Libros y Materiales: Aproximadamente $50 a $200
- Total por Semestre: Aproximadamente $862
Nuestro año académico se divide en dos semestres principales: Otoño y Primavera. Tenga en cuenta que la sesión de Verano no está incluida en este cálculo. Para los estudiantes que se inscriban en más de 12 creditos por semestre, se aplicarán tarifas adicionales de costo a una tasa de $46 por crédito.

Application Types/Tipos de Aplicación

Students may select the appropriate application status listed below:

U.S. Citizens. This status applies to students who were born in the United States.
Mexican citizen who will apply for the F-1 Border Commuter visa. This enrollment and visa status is designed for students who commute to SWC from Mexico on class days. Students must return to Mexico each day after classes, as this visa does not permit overnight stays or residency in the U.S. It is strictly for educational purposes, typically from Monday to Friday, and cannot be used for crossing the border at night or on weekends.
Mexican citizens who will apply for the F-1 International Student visa. This enrollment and visa is intended for students who will reside in the U.S. while attending SWC. Students must maintain a full-time course load throughout their enrollment.

The documents required for each application type can be found below. Please review the list of documents carefully.

Existen tres tipos de aplicación que están listados a continuación:

Ciudadano americano: Este estado aplica a estudiantes que nacieron en EE.UU.
Ciudadano mexicano que optará por la visa F-1 como Estudiante Fronterizo: Este estatus de matricula y visa está diseñado para estudiantes que viajan diariamente desde México a SWC para asistir a clases. Los estudiantes deben regresar a México cada día después de las clases, ya que esta visa no permite pernoctar ni residir en los EE.UU. Está destinada exclusivamente para fines educativos, generalmente de lunes a viernes, y no puede usarse para cruzar la frontera por la noche o los fines de semana.
Ciudadano mexicano que optará por la visa F-1 como Estudiante Internacional: Este estatus de matricula visa está destinado a estudiantes que residirán en los EE.UU. mientras asisten a SWC. Los estudiantes deben mantener una carga completa de cursos durante toda su matrícula.

Los documentos requeridos para cada tipo de solicitud se pueden encontrar a continuación. Por favor, revise la lista de documentos cuidadosamente.

Application Requirements/Requisitos de Admisión

Documentos Académicos
- Título de bachillerato/preparatoria de México o Estados Unidos.
  - Si aún no te han entregado tu título, puedes enviar una carta de tu preparatoria que certifique que has terminado de cursar todos los semestres y que estás en proceso de obtener el título.
  - No es necesario traducir estos documentos. Aceptaremos los documentos en español o en inglés (si tu preparatoria los otorga en ese idioma).
- Certificado de notas o calificaciones de los últimos seis semestres de preparatoria en México o Estados Unidos.
  - No es necesario traducir estos documentos.
  - Aceptaremos los documentos en español o en inglés (si tu preparatoria los otorga en ese idioma).
- Examen de inglés TOEFL, Duolingo, IELTS, etc., si lo tienes disponible.
  - Este no es un requisito obligatorio; si no cuentas con este examen, puedes inscribirte en el programa de inglés académico en SWC.
  - Si terminaste la preparatoria en EE. UU. o en una preparatoria bilingüe en Baja California, quedarás eximido de este requisito.
- Copia de documento de identidad estadounidense.
- Copia del comprobante de domicilio en el área binacional aprobada para este programa.
Documentos Académicos
- Título de bachillerato/preparatoria de México o Estados Unidos.
  - Si aún no te han entregado tu título, puedes enviar una carta de tu preparatoria que certifique que has terminado de cursar todos los semestres y que estás en proceso de obtener el título.
  - No es necesario traducir estos documentos. Aceptaremos los documentos en español o en inglés (si tu preparatoria los otorga en ese idioma).
- Certificado de notas o calificaciones de los últimos seis semestres de preparatoria en México o Estados Unidos.
  - No es necesario traducir estos documentos.
  - Aceptaremos los documentos en español o en inglés (si tu preparatoria los otorga en ese idioma).
- Examen de inglés TOEFL, Duolingo, IELTS, etc., si lo tienes disponible.
  - Este no es un requisito obligatorio; si no cuentas con este examen, puedes inscribirte en el programa de inglés académico en SWC.
  - Si terminaste la preparatoria en EE. UU. o en una preparatoria bilingüe en Baja California, quedarás eximido de este requisito.
Documentos para solicitar la visa F-1 de estudiante fronterizo
- Copia de pasaporte mexicano vigente.
- Copia de comprobante de domicilio en el área binacional aprobada para este programa.
- Evidencia de solvencia económica por $2,000 dólares estadounidenses.Los estudiantes deberán comprobar capacidad financiera para pagar la matrícula en SWC.
- Este es un requisito para solicitar la visa F-1 a través del Consulado de Estados Unidos en Tijuana.
  - Se requiere un estado de cuenta bancario con un saldo mínimo de $2,000 dólares estadounidenses.
  - La cuenta puede estar a nombre del estudiante, de los padres o familiares. Se pueden combinar dos o tres estados de cuenta bancarios para alcanzar el monto de $2,000 dólares estadounidenses.
  - Solo se aceptan cuentas de ahorro o cuentas de cheques. No se aceptan cuentas de inversión y depósitos a plazo fijo.
- Comprobante de soporte financiero para solicitar la visa F-1 de estudiante fronterizoEl programa AB 91 requiere evidencia de solvencia económica por $2,000 dólares estadounidenses. Este formulario debe ser llenado por el estudiante y el patrocinador que provee el estado de cuenta bancario que comprueba los $2,000. Si el estudiante tiene múltiples patrocinadores, cada uno de los patrocinadores deberá llenar y firmar, en tinta, este formulario.
  - Descargar el formulario aquí.
Documentos Académicos
- Título de bachillerato/preparatoria de México o Estados Unidos.
  - Si aún no te han entregado tu título, puedes enviar una carta de tu preparatoria que certifique que has terminado de cursar todos los semestres y que estás en proceso de obtener el título.
  - No es necesario traducir estos documentos. Aceptaremos los documentos en español o en inglés (si tu preparatoria los otorga en ese idioma).
- Certificado de notas o calificaciones de los últimos seis semestres de preparatoria en México o Estados Unidos.
  - No es necesario traducir estos documentos.
  - Aceptaremos los documentos en español o en inglés (si tu preparatoria los otorga en ese idioma).
- Examen de inglés TOEFL, Duolingo, IELTS, etc., si lo tienes disponible.
  - Este no es un requisito obligatorio; si no cuentas con este examen, puedes inscribirte en el programa de inglés académico en SWC.
  - Si terminaste la preparatoria en EE. UU. o en una preparatoria bilingüe en Baja California, quedarás eximido de este requisito.
Documentos para solicitar la visa F-1 de estudiante internacional
- Copia de pasaporte mexicano vigente.
- Copia de comprobante de domicilio en el área binacional aprobada para este programa.
- Evidencia de solvencia económica por $20,500 dólares estadounidenses.Los estudiantes deberán comprobar capacidad financiera para pagar la matrícula en SWC y cubrir los costos de vivienda en San Diego, incluso si el estudiante vivirá con un pariente y no pagará renta u otros gastos de vivienda.
  - Este es un requisito para solicitar la visa F-1 a través del Consulado de Estados Unidos en Tijuana.
  - Se requiere un estado de cuenta bancario con un saldo mínimo de $20,500 dólares estadounidenses.
    La cuenta puede estar a nombre del estudiante, de los padres o familiares. Se pueden combinar dos o tres estados de cuenta bancarios para alcanzar el monto de $20,500 dólares estadounidenses.
- Solo se aceptan cuentas de ahorro o cuentas de cheques. No se aceptan cuentas de inversión y depósitos a plazo fijo.
- Comprobante de soporte financieroPara solicitar la visa F-1 de estudiante internacional, el programa AB 91 requiere evidencia de solvencia económica por $20,500 dólares estadounidenses. Este formulario debe ser llenado por el estudiante y el patrocinador que provee el estado de cuenta bancaria que comprueba los $20,500. Si el estudiante tiene múltiples patrocinadores, cada uno de los patrocinadores deberá llenar y firmar, en tinta, este formulario.
  - Este monto es requerido para comprobar solvencia económica para vivir y estudiar en San Diego, incluso si el estudiante vivirá con un pariente y no pagará renta u otros gastos de vivienda.
  - Descargar el formulario aqui.

Academic Documents
- High School Diploma from Mexico or the United States:
  - If you have not yet received your diploma, you can send a letter from your high school certifying that you have completed all semesters and are in the process of obtaining the diploma.
  - It is not necessary to translate these documents from Spanish into English. We will accept documents in Spanish or English (if your high school provides them in that language).
- Transcripts showing the last six semesters of High School in Mexico or the United States:
  - It is not necessary to translate these documents from Spanish into English. We will accept documents in Spanish or English (if your high school provides them in that language).
- English Proficiency Exam (TOEFL, Duolingo, IELTS, etc.), if available:
  - This is not a mandatory requirement; if you do not have this exam, you can enroll in the academic English program at SWC.
  - If you completed high school in the U.S. or at a bilingual high school in Baja California, you will be exempt from this requirement.
- Copy of U.S. Identification Document
- Copy of Proof of Residence in Tijuana
Academic Documents
- High School Diploma from Mexico or the United States:
  - If you have not yet received your diploma, you can send a letter from your high school certifying that you have completed all semesters and are in the process of obtaining the diploma.
  - It is not necessary to translate these documents from Spanish into English. We will accept documents in Spanish or English (if your high school provides them in that language).
- Transcripts showing the last six semesters of High School in Mexico or the United States:
  - It is not necessary to translate these documents from Spanish into English. We will accept documents in Spanish or English (if your high school provides them in that language).
- English Proficiency Exam (TOEFL, Duolingo, IELTS, etc.), if available:
  - This is not a mandatory requirement; if you do not have this exam, you can enroll in the academic English program at SWC.
  - If you completed high school in the U.S. or at a bilingual high school in Baja California, you will be exempt from this requirement.
Documents for the F-1 Border Commuter Visa
- Copy of valid Mexican passport
- Copy of proof of address in Tijuana
- Proof of financial support for $2,000 USD:
  - Students must demonstrate financial ability to pay tuition at SWC.
  - This is a requirement for applying for the F-1 visa through the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana.
  - A bank statement with a minimum balance of $2,000 USD is required.
  - The account can be in the name of the student, parents, or relatives. Two or three bank statements can be combined to meet the $2,000 USD amount.
  - Only savings or checking accounts are accepted. Investment accounts or fixed-term deposits are not accepted.
- Proof of Financial Support to Apply for the F-1 Border Student Visa:
  - The AB 91 program requires proof of financial solvency for $2,000 USD. This form must be filled out by the student and the sponsor providing the bank statement proving the $2,000. If the student has multiple sponsors, each sponsor must fill out and sign this form in ink.
  - Download the document here.
Academic Documents
- High School Diploma from Mexico or the United States:
  - If you have not yet received your diploma, you can send a letter from your high school certifying that you have completed all semesters and are in the process of obtaining the diploma.
  - It is not necessary to translate these documents from Spanish into English. We will accept documents in Spanish or English (if your high school provides them in that language).
- Transcripts showing the last six semesters of High School in Mexico or the United States:
  - It is not necessary to translate these documents from Spanish into English. We will accept documents in Spanish or English (if your high school provides them in that language).
- English Proficiency Exam (TOEFL, Duolingo, IELTS, etc.), if available:
  - This is not a mandatory requirement; if you do not have this exam, you can enroll in the academic English program at SWC.
  - If you completed high school in the U.S. or at a bilingual high school in Baja California, you will be exempt from this requirement.
Documents for the F-1 International Student Visa
- Copy of valid Mexican passport
- Copy of proof of address in Tijuana
- Proof of financial support for $20,500 USD:Students must demonstrate financial ability to pay tuition at SWC and living expenses in the U.S.
  - This is a requirement for applying for the F-1 visa through the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana.
  - A bank statement with a minimum balance of $20,500 USD is required.
  - The account can be in the name of the student, parents, relatives, or sponsor. Two or three bank statements can be combined to meet the $1,500 USD amount.
  - Only savings or checking accounts are accepted. Investment accounts or fixed-term deposits are not accepted.
- Proof of Financial Support to apply for the F-1 Interntional Student Visa:
  - The AB 91 program requires proof of financial solvency for $20,500 USD. This form must be filled out by the student and the sponsor providing the bank statement proving the $20,500. If the student has multiple sponsors, each sponsor must fill out and sign this form in ink.
  - This amount is required to proof the student has the means to live and study in San Diego, even if the student will leave with a family member and not pay rent or other living expenses.
  - Download the document here.

Global Entry Interview Program

Photo of SWC administrators posing alongside U.S. Custom and Border Protection Officers outside the Chula Vista campus.

In partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), SWC hosts Global Entry Interviews at our campus locations.

Photo of U.S. Custom and Border Protection Officers at the Chula Vista campus.

This pilot program allows students, faculty, administrators, and classified staff to have an expedited interview date at SWC.

In collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Southwestern College (SWC) is pleased to offer Global Entry Interviews at our Chula Vista campus. This pilot program provides students, faculty, administrators, and classified staff with the opportunity to schedule expedited interview appointments directly at SWC.

Global Entry Applications only. The following statuses will be considered:
- New Application
- Pre-Approved
- Pending Interview
- Renewal
Students:
- Must be currently enrolled in classes at SWC.
- Must be pursuing an associate's degree or certificate program.
Staff:
- Full-time or part-time faculty, administrators, and classified staff, and hourly employees with active assignments.
Each semester, our Binational and International Programs team invites students and staff to submit their applications online. Please stay attentive to emails from our department for details on application deadlines and requirements.
The Binational/International Programs (BIP) Office plays a crucial role in managing the application process for the interview program. Initially, BIP collects all necessary information from applicants interested in participating. This compiled list is then forwarded to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for review. After a thorough evaluation, CBP returns a list of applicants who meet the eligibility criteria for the interview program. BIP subsequently facilitates communication and coordinates the logistics for the interviews, which are held at the Chula Vista campus. Through collaboration, BIP and CBP ensure the seamless and efficient operation of the interview program.
Before you apply, please review the eligibility requirements above. To complete this application, you will need:
- Active Global Entry PASS ID. Sentri applications will not be accepted.
- The contact information you used on your Global Entry application
- Valid U.S. Passport book for the day of the interview
All the information you provide within the Global Entry Grant application is confidential and will only be processed directly by Binational and International Programs for the purposes of this program.
- I have a Sentri application pending. Can I have an interview on campus?
  - No, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has limited this program to Global Entry applications only.
- Can SWC or Binational/International Programs answer questions about the status of my Global Entry application?
- How are applicants selected?
  - The Binational/International Programs Office sends the list of applicants to CBP. CBP reviews each applicant and determines interview eligibility.
- Can I request an interview date/time?
  - No, CBP assigns the date and time. These cannot be changed.
- Will walk-ins be allowed?
  - We cannot accommodate walk-ins. All interviews must be scheduled ahead of time.
- Can I include a dependent such as a spouse, partner, or child in this application for an interview at SWC?
  - This program is only open to SWC students, faculty, administrators, and classified staff.
- My Global Entry application has been denied. Can I come to ask a U.S. Customs or Border Protection Officer questions?
  - No, you may not. Please get in touch with the Global Entry/Sentri Call Center.
- How will I be notified if selected for an interview? 
  - The Binational/International Programs Office will send you an e-mail to confirm your interview date and time.
- If not selected by CBP for an interview on campus, can SWC help me find out why?
  - The Binational/International Programs Office cannot access such information. Please contact the Global Entry Call Center at 619-690-7600 Option 5 or via e-mail at sentri@cbp.dhs.gov.
- I missed the deadline; may I be placed on the waitlist just in case of a cancellation?
  - There is no waitlist option for this program.
- I am an adjunct faculty member; do I qualify?
  - Yes, if you have a teaching assignment in Fall 2023.
- What documents do I need to take to the interview?
  - The Binational/International Programs Office will send you a list of documents along with your interview date confirmation.
- I have questions about including a vehicle on my application; can you help me?
  - We do not have access to that information. Please contact the Global Entry Call Center at 619-690-7600 Option 5 or via e-mail at sentri@cbp.dhs.gov.
- I really need an appointment for my spouse, partner, or child; can you make an exemption?
  - No, due to the overwhelming interest from members of the SWC Community, we will not have space for additional applicants.
- Will this opportunity be open to my dependent(s) in the future?
  - If space allows, we will notify applicants if they can include their dependents.
- If I don't make the list this time, will future opportunities exist?
  - Yes, SWC will attempt to organize this event once per semester.

First Binational/Fronterizo Commencement Ceremony in Tijuana (June 2023)

Southwestern College held its first Binational/Fronterizo Commencement Ceremony at the Lázaro Cárdenas high school in Tijuana in June 2023. The objective was to provide students with the opportunity to share this significant moment with friends and family who are unable to cross the border to the U.S.

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First Binational Conference at Centro Fox in Guanajuato, Mexico, in June 2023.

The conference brought U.S. and Mexican students together to discuss critical binational and education issues.

Binational Conference at Centro Fox in June 2023

Binational Programs

AB 91 Program - Programa AB 91

Apply Now!

Application Types/Tipos de Aplicación

Application Requirements/Requisitos de Admisión

Global Entry Interview Program

First Binational/Fronterizo Commencement Ceremony in Tijuana (June 2023)

First Binational Conference at Centro Fox in Guanajuato, Mexico, in June 2023.

Questions about our binational programs?

Jasmine Vu

Aida Mora

Joel Pilco, Ed.D.

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