C1 / D Visas

The "C1 / D" Crew member / Transit Visa is a non-immigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States as a passenger to join a vessel or aircraft. In determining whether the services of a person are required for normal operation and service on board a vessel, the consular officer shall take into account the alien’s responsibilities and activities on the ship. For example, a beautician or a lifeguard employed on board a luxury liner, an electrician employed on board a cable ship, or a chemist employed on board a whaling boat is classifiable as a crewman.

HOW TO QUALIFY FOR A "C1 / D" VISA

Applicants for Crew member / Transit visas must show that they qualify under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The presumption in the law is that every visa applicant is an intending immigrant. Therefore, applicants for Crew member / Transit visas must overcome this presumption by demonstration that:

• The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for crew-related business or transit;
• They plan to remain for a specific period;
• They have a residence outside of the U.S. as well as other binding obligations which will insure their return abroad at the conclusion of their trip.

FAMILY MEMBERS

A spouse or child accompanying a crewman entering the United States, and not performing services required for normal operation of the vessel or aircraft, must obtain a B-2 visa, unless such dependent is planning to enter the United States for a purpose that would necessitate a different classification or qualifies under the Visa Waiver Program.

RECIPROCITY ISSUES

In some cases, reciprocity does not allow for a combined C1 / D visa to be issued. The consular officer may issue a crewman a combined C1 / D visa when the reciprocity schedule lists the same number of applications and period of validity for both C-1 and D visas.
When the reciprocity schedules for C-1 and D visas differ with regard to the number of applications or period of validity permitted in each category, the consular officer shall issue separate C-1 and D visas, and an application and fee must be collected for both visas.

TO PROCESS YOUR CREW MEMBER / TRANSIT VISA (C1 / D) YOU MUST PRESENT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

• BNL receipt of payment of the non-refundable Machine Readable Visa application fee.
• The completed visa application form DS-156 and DS-157 (when applicable).
• A passport valid for travel to the United States. If more than one person is included in the passport, each individual desiring a visa must make a separate application;
• One passport size photo for each visa applicant, including infants (see the "Photo Requirements" webpage).
• A comprehensive letter, or contract from the employer on the employer’s letterhead (original) identifying the crew member and describing in detail the nature and function of the crew member’s position.