Nonimmigrant visas are available in the United States for a variety of reasons. Depending on the purpose of their stay, foreign visitors to the United States will require a visa. The crewmember or D visa is one of them. 

The C-1/D visa allows crew members or personnel of international airlines or cruise ships to visit the United States for a temporary stay as part of their work. People who work on commercial sea vessels or international airlines that pass through the United States are eligible for the visa. Sea vessels and aircraft must pass through the United States and make brief stops in order to maintain normal operations. 

What are the C1/D Visa’s Requirements?

There are a few criteria to meet in order to obtain a D visa. The most important is that you must be working on a vessel or aircraft that is merely going through the United States. If you work in one of the following jobs, you are eligible for the D visa:

• On a commercial airliner, flight attendant or pilot
• A ship’s captain, crew member, or engineer
• On board a training vessel, a trainee
• On cruise ships, lifeguards, waiters, cooks, and other support crew

How to Apply for the Crewmember Visa?

To apply for a crewmember visa, you must either complete the following steps:

Step 1: File Form DS-160

Step 2: Pay the visa fees

Step 3: Prepare your supporting documents

Step 4: Schedule and attend your visa interview

How long does it take to get a Crewmember Visa?

The visa is handled quickly if you have all of the required paperwork and a good interview. The decision of the US Embassy will take 3 to 5 business days or up to 2 weeks to arrive.

What is the duration of the crewmember visa?

The crewmember visa is only valid for 29 days, as previously stated. You must leave the US within that time frame or face legal consequences. Authorities may deport or arrest you if you remain in the country illegally.  A D visa cannot be renewed or extended. You can apply for the visa again six months after your last D visa expires.