myCSUSM
What is the Coordinated Access Program?
The Coordinated Access Program (CAP) is a new pilot effort from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that can improve commute times for eligible students who cross the U.S.-Mexico border for educational purposes. California State University San Marcos is one of several institutions in San Diego County participating in the program, including Southwestern College.
Dedicated pedestrian lane for approved students
Approval valid for a full academic year
No cost, no immigration status impact
Through CAP, approved students can use dedicated pedestrian lanes at three major ports
of entry, reducing wait times and making the daily commutes to campus more predictable
during the academic term. The free program is intended exclusively for academic activities,
such as classes, labs and research projects.
The program is open to CSUSM students attending classes at any of our locations: San Marcos, Temecula or CSUSM at Southwestern College in Chula Vista — particularly relevant given its proximity to the border. Regardless of location, a more consistent crossing experience can make it easier to get to class on time, or meet with faculty and classmates.
Connect With Us
Do you have additional questions? Reach out to our CAP coordinators for more information.
CSUSM Extended Learning
(619) 421-6700 x5152
chulavista@csusm.edu
Who Can Participate
To qualify for CAP, you must meet all the following criteria:
- Be currently enrolled at CSUSM, including through CSUSM at Southwestern College
- Have verified enrollment for the academic year in which you are traveling (approval lasts 12 months, so you’ll need to renew your information with CAP each year)
- Be crossing the border specifically for academic purposes, including in-person classes, research or service projects
- Carry valid, up-to-date travel and immigration documents
CBP determines eligibility and approval; CSUSM does not influence this process, and CAP participation is not guaranteed.
How to Apply
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you should apply to CAP through the CBP Link mobile app.
- Prior to starting your application, request an authorization code from CSUSM by filling out this form.
In the CBP Link app, you’ll need to:
- Enter the Authorization Code issued to you by CSUSM
- Fill in the required personal and document information
- Submit your completed application for CBP’s review
Once you’ve submitted your CAP application:
- You’ll get an email confirming CBP received it
- A subsequent email will let you know whether you’ve been approved or denied
Using CAP at a Border Crossing
Once approved, you can use the designated CAP lane for pedestrians at any of the program’s three participating crossings: San Ysidro, Otay Mesa and Calexico.
Every time you cross, you must have these three items with you:
- A valid entry document that meets Department of Homeland Security standards (passport, I-551 green card or F-1 visa)
- Your current CSUSM student ID
- Proof of your approved CAP status
Head into the pedestrian crossing facility and follow signs to the CAP lane, where a CBP officer will process your entry. Pay attention to posted instructions at the port of entry. Failure to follow program rules can result in losing CAP access.
FAQ
- What is the Coordinated Access Program (CAP)?
CAP is a pilot program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that offers qualifying students at San Diego-area colleges and universities a faster pedestrian lane for entering the U.S. CAP is a CBP initiative, not a CSUSM one; CSUSM students are simply eligible to take part.
- Who qualifies to participate?You’re eligible if you’re a current Cal State San Marcos student traveling from Mexico during the applicable academic term, you’re crossing the border for academic reasons (classes, research or service projects), and you have valid immigration and travel documents.
- Do I have to be enrolled in a course to participate in CAP?Yes. You must be enrolled in at least one class that requires your physical attendance on campus (fully in-person or hybrid).
- Are CSUSM faculty and staff eligible for CAP?No, the Coordinated Access Program is open only to currently enrolled students, not employees.
- Does CAP affect my immigration status?No. CAP does not alter your immigration status or legal requirements in any way, nor does it change the CBP standard inspection requirements.
- Does CAP guarantee a faster border crossing?No. The lane is designed to reduce wait times, but all travelers remain subject to CBP screening and processing.
- If I’m eligible, am I guaranteed participation in CAP?No. CBP alone determines who gets approved, and CSUSM has no say in that process.
- Is there a fee to apply?No, CAP is completely free.
- When is the CAP lane open?Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Attempting to use the CAP lane outside these hours could risk your access being revoked. It is strongly recommended to verify lane hours in the CBP Link app, as they may change.
- How do I find the CAP lane?Follow posted signs at one of the participating Mexican ports of entry directing you to the CAP pedestrian lane. There is no vehicle lane option.
- Can I use CAP if I’m driving across the border?No. CAP is available only in the pedestrian lanes at San Ysidro, Otay Mesa and Calexico ports of entry.
900 Otay Lakes Rd. Chula Vista, CA 91910-7297
