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Older Mexican adults who plan to travel to the United States often wonder if the National Institute for Older Persons (INAPAM) credential offers any benefit to reduce the cost of the American visa. However, although this agency has numerous agreements and discounts on various services within Mexico, there is no financial support for the American visa application process.
The so-called laser visa or Border Crossing Card (BCC) is one of the most used documents by Mexicans who visit the United States for tourism, shopping, family visits, business, or even medical treatments. It is a card the size of a bank card that functions as both a border identification and a tourist visa.
In addition to containing the traveler's personal data, the card incorporates security technology that allows U.S. authorities to verify the identity and citizenship of the holder. It generally has a validity of 10 years and allows for temporary stays in U.S. territory, always subject to the conditions established by immigration agents at the point of entry.
¿Hay descuento de INAPAM para la visa láser?
No. The INAPAM credential does not grant discounts to process the American B1/B2 tourist visa, including the laser visa.
This is because immigration fees are set directly by the United States Department of State and must be paid in full by all applicants, regardless of their age. The INAPAM benefits only apply to establishments, businesses, and institutions that participate in the program's agreements within Mexico.
¿Qué es el INAPAM?
The National Institute for Older Persons is a Mexican government agency in charge of promoting the well-being and rights of people 60 years of age or older.
Through agreements with companies and public agencies, it offers discounts in areas such as:
- Transporte.
- Salud.
- Medicamentos.
- Alimentación.
- Actividades culturales.
- Pago de agua.
- Predial.
- Servicios recreativos.
However, these benefits do not include immigration procedures carried out by foreign governments.
¿Cuánto cuesta la visa láser en 2026?
The cost of the American B1/B2 tourist visa application, under which the laser visa is issued to Mexican citizens, is 185 US dollars.
This fee is mandatory, non-refundable, and non-transferable, even if the visa is denied.
¿Quién puede obtener la visa láser?
The United States Embassy notes that the Border Crossing Card can only be issued to Mexican citizens who carry out the process using a valid Mexican passport.
The process must be carried out at one of the U.S. consulates located in Mexico or at the United States Embassy in Mexico City.
¿Para qué sirve la visa láser?
The laser visa can be used for:
- Turismo.
- Compras.
- Visita a familiares y amigos.
- Asistencia a convenciones y conferencias.
- Actividades de negocios permitidas.
- Tratamientos médicos.
It is not authorized for:
- Trabajar en Estados Unidos.
- Estudiar en instituciones estadounidenses.
Ventajas de la visa láser
One of its main advantages is that it allows for crossing the land border without the need to present a passport, provided that certain geographical and temporal limits are respected.
The permitted limits are:
- 25 millas en Texas y California.
- 55 millas en Nuevo México.
- 75 millas en Arizona.
In addition, the stay must not exceed 30 days. If the trip will be longer or other areas of the country will be visited, it will be necessary to present the Mexican passport and request the corresponding I-94 permit.
¿Se puede viajar en avión con la visa láser?
Yes. The Border Crossing Card can also be used to enter the United States by air.
However, in this case, it is mandatory to present a valid Mexican passport, since the BCC functions as a traditional B1/B2 visa when accompanied by such a document.
Cómo tramitar la visa láser paso a paso
1. Completar el formulario DS-160
The first step is to fill out the electronic DS-160 application, where personal, work, family, and travel-related information is provided.
2. Registrarse en el sistema de visas
After completing the DS-160, it is necessary to create an account in the official appointment system to follow up on the process and schedule interviews.
3. Realizar el pago
The applicant must cover the 185 dollar fee using the methods authorized by the visa system.
4. Programar las citas
Once the payment is validated, you can schedule:
- Cita en el Centro de Atención al Solicitante (CAS).
- Entrevista en la Embajada o Consulado de Estados Unidos.
5. Elegir el lugar de entrega
The system will ask you to select where you wish to pick up the approved visa, either at a CAS or through a participating DHL branch.
6. Acudir al CAS y a la entrevista
At the CAS, fingerprints and a photograph are taken. Subsequently, the consular interview is conducted, during which an officer will determine whether the visa is approved or rejected.
7. Recoger la visa
If the application is approved, the document will be sent to the selected delivery point. Although times may vary, delivery usually takes place between three and four weeks after the interview.
¿Existen beneficios para adultos mayores?
Although there are no discounts on the visa payment, some older people could receive special considerations in cases related to illnesses or disabilities that make it difficult to appear in person. Each situation is evaluated individually by consular authorities, who have the final decision on any exemption or additional requirement.
For older adults who plan to visit the United States, the recommendation is to keep in mind that the cost of the visa must be paid in full, even if they have an INAPAM credential, as there is currently no official discount for this process.
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