Crew Visas (C1/D)

An alien employed on board a non-military ship or aircraft coming to the United States must obtain a D visa. A crewperson traveling to the United States as a passenger to join a vessel or aircraft has to apply for a C1/D visa.

A "Letter of Employment" confirming the employment and requesting a crew visa is required with the application. Merchant sailors should present their seaman's book.

A dependent accompanying a crewperson entering the United States as a nonimmigrant, and not performing services required for normal operation of the ship or plane, must obtain a visitor visa (tourist), unless such dependent is entering the U.S. for another purpose (e.g. as a student) and needs a different visa.

Approved visas require one day for processing. Visa recipients can pick up their passport with visa at 16:00 the next business day after the day of their interview, unless otherwise notified.

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