Crewmember visas are nonimmigrant visas for people who work on commercial sea vessels or international airlines that go through the US. It allows the crews to go through the US and stay for a maximum of 29 days.
C1/D Visa Restrictions
That is why it has many restrictions such as:
- You are not allowed to extend your stay;
- You are not allowed to work for another company except the vessel or airline you were in;
- You are not allowed to enroll in a study program;
- You are not allowed to apply for a change in status;
- You are not allowed to apply for a Green Card;
- You must enter and leave the US in the same dock or airport;
- If you want to enter the US again after leaving, you can only apply for the visa after 6 months;
- You are not allowed to do long shore work on a D visa;
C1/D Visa Requirements
You qualify for the C1/D visa if you are in these job positions:
- Flight attendant or pilot on a commercial airplane;
- Captain, deckhand, or engineer on a sea vessel;
- Lifeguard, waiter, cook, or other supporting staff on cruise ships;
- Trainee on board of a training vessel;
You cannot get a C1/D visa if you are going to perform the following duties:
- You are performing dry dock duties such as repairs while the boat is docked on a US port;
- You are on a fishing vessel which has an operating base or home port in the US;
- You are a substitute coasting officer;
- You are working on a private yacht which will be docked in the US for more than 29 days;
- You are a crewmember on a vessel going to the Outer Continental Shelf;
Supporting Documents for a Crewmember Visa Application
The file should include:
- Your valid passport;
- A photo that meets the Photograph Requirements for a USA visa;
- The Form DS-160 confirmation page;
- Receipts that you have paid all the fees;
- The interview confirmation page and one copy;
- Letter which describes the purpose of your trip from your company or employer
- Proof of ties to your home country such as family documents, job contract, lease, or property deed, which prove you do not intend to stay in the US longer than 29 days;
- Letter from your employer with these details:
- Name of the vessel;
- Period of time you will be in the US.
- Date and port of entry;
- Date and port of exit;
- Your job position with description of duties;
- Your salary while in the US.
- Copies of employer work records from your employer;
- The Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC);
- Travel authorization from your company;
- Certificates and diplomas verifying your qualifications;
- Criminal records or letter from authorities stating that you do not have prior convictions.
How to Apply for the Crewmember Visa?
To apply for the crewmember visa, you must go through several steps, as outlined below:
Step 1: File Form DS-160
Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application is the main form to apply in this case. You can find it online and fill it out. It will have basic background questions and reasons for wanting the visa. When you submit it, you will get a confirmation page which you need to save for later.
”Step
Step 3: Prepare your supporting documents
To strengthen your case, you must have a file with supporting documents. You will take the documents at the interview.
This list is not exhaustive, so the US Embassy might ask for additional documents. You must be prepared to have any document they might need to make your visa application stronger.
Step 4: Schedule and attend your visa interview
You must schedule the interview with the US Embassy in your home country. When you schedule the interview, you will get an interview confirmation letter. It will have the date, time, and location of your interview.
They will ask questions on your background and application. You must bring all supporting documents at the interview.
What is the Processing Time for the Crewmember Visa?
It will take 3 to 5 business days or up to 2 weeks for you to receive the decision of the US Embassy.
If you were approved, you will receive your passport in the mail within 1 or 2 weeks. If your visa was denied by the Embassy, they will send you a letter telling you why.
Can I Bring my Family to the US With a Crewmember Visa?
Unfortunately, the C1/D visa is not for family members. The spouse and children of the crewmember need different visas. If the family is doing important work on the vessel or airline that you are also in, then they can apply for the C1/D visa. Otherwise, they must have valid B visas.