Coordinated Access Program (CAP)
UC San Diego students who regularly cross the U.S.–Mexico border for educational purposes may be eligible to participate in the Coordinated Access Program (CAP), a cost-free pilot initiative managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
CAP establishes a designated pedestrian lane at select ports of entry for verified and authorized students who regularly cross the U.S.–Mexico border for their education.
Review all details below to determine your eligibility, register and to begin using CAP. However, as this pilot initiative is managed by CBP and not UC San Diego, program details and procedures may change or continue to be refined. Check this webpage often for the latest information.
Program Overview:
This program is only available to currently enrolled students. Faculty, staff, and UC San Diego Health personnel are not eligible for CAP at this time.
To be eligible for CAP, applicants must:
- Be verified as a currently enrolled student at UC San Diego during the term in which they are traveling;
- Be crossing the U.S.–Mexico border for educational purposes, including in-person classes, research or service projects; AND
- Have valid travel and immigration documents.
Eligibility and final approval are determined by CBP, and CAP participation is not guaranteed.
Participation in CAP requires approval through the CBP application process. Incomplete applications may delay or prevent access.
- Prior to applying for CAP, eligible students must request an authorization code from Global Initiatives.
- Download and log into the CBP Link mobile application.
- Use the authorization code provided by Global Initiatives on your application.
- Provide required biographical and document information.
- Submit the application for review by CBP.
After submission:
- Applicants will be notified via email confirming receipt of their application.
- A follow-up email will indicate approval or denial.
Once CAP is operational at a port of entry, approved students may use the designated CAP pedestrian lane when entering the United States. Currently approved ports of entry include San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, and Calexico.
Each time a CAP-approved student approaches the International Boundary Line, they must present:
- A valid Department of Homeland Security-compliant entry document (passport, I-551 or F-1 visa);
- A current and valid UC San Diego student identification card; AND
- Proof of an approved CAP application.
Students will then proceed into the pedestrian facility and follow signs to the designated CAP pedestrian lane, where they will be processed by a CBP primary officer. Follow all posted signage and instructions at the port of entry. Failure to comply with program requirements may result in loss of CAP access.
For additional information on days and times the designated CAP pedestrian lane will be open, please visit the CBP Link Mobile App.
- CAP is an optional, cost-free program for students and is for educational purposes only (such as in-person classes, research and service).
- CAP cannot be used for social or personal travel purposes.
- CAP does not change your immigration status.
- Ensure all documents are current and readily accessible to facilitate a smoother entry process.
- Students should also ensure compliance with all stated policies, rules and regulations that govern their current immigration status.
- For program hours of operation, check the CBP Link Mobile App.
- CAP does not apply to vehicle passenger lanes under any circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions:
CAP is a no-cost U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pilot program offering eligible students at three higher education institutions in San Diego access to a designated pedestrian lane when entering the United States.
Currently enrolled students at UC San Diego, San Diego State University and Southwestern College who cross the border for in-person academic purposes, including classes, research and service projects are eligible. CAP cannot be used for personal purposes not connected to UC San Diego educational activities.
No. While designed to reduce wait times, all travelers remain subject to CBP inspection and processing.
The CAP application is already available through the CBP Link Mobile App, available through Apple App Store and Google Play. Students will receive email notifications confirming submission and final status from CBP after they apply. There is no cost to students for the program.
Approved students may begin using the lane once operational in late April.
The code is provided by UC San Diego Global Initiatives. To request the code, please email global@ucsd.edu.
Basic biographical details and travel document information is required.
Students will be required to show the officer at the International Boundary Line their Department of Homeland Security-compliant entry document (passport, I-551, F1 visa, etc.), a valid and current student ID, and an approved CAP application.
Initial locations include San Ysidro, Calexico and Otay Mesa pedestrian crossings.
No. The program is strictly for educational commuting.
Yes. Failure to comply with program requirements may result in loss of access.
No. It does not alter immigration status or legal requirements.
No. Final approval is determined by CBP.
There is no fee for applying to CAP.
This web content was drafted in collaboration with San Diego State University and Southwestern College.
Commitment to Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination
In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories.