One of the most important piece of document that a seafarer must have is a valid United States Visa (C1/D) or US Visa for seafarers and airline crew. Ships and airline crew that are not an American citizen entering the United States are must have this visa.
This is one of the few requirements by shipping agencies if you have in possession of a valid US Visa. This is a big advantage to those who have a valid US Visa already but to those aspirant seafarers who want to have this also, the decision will come from your agency.
These are US Visa Application Frequently Asked Questions..
- What is C1/D Visa?
- What are the requirements of C1/D Visa?
- What are the time slots for US Visa interview?
- What should I do on the day of the interview?
- What to do if there is an error in my application?
- Is there a photo requirement?
- What are some possible reasons to get denied?
- What happens to an applicant with improper documents?
- Can a cadet or newly deployed seafarer can have US Visa?
- What are the common questions asked in the interview?
What is C1/D Visa?
“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.
D1 visa: For crewman serving aboard a vessel or aircraft in any capacity that will land in the U.S. to enter the U.S., except U.S. based fishing vessels.” – quoted from immihelp.com
There are numerous kinds of visas issued by US embassies. But a seafaring crew generally, only needs a C1/D Visa. Other type of Visa close to the C1/D Visa is the B1 Visa for Yachts (Pleasure/Business visit)
What are the requirements of C1/D Visa?
Requirements are Valid Passport, Signed Guarantee Letter (for all seafarer applicants), 2pcs 2×2 Photo
What are the time slots for US Visa interview?
The morning session of application has now been moved to 1330H (1:30pm), 1345H (1:45pm), 1400H (2pm). This timeslot is for new applicants as well as those for renewal.
What should I do on the day of the interview?
Arrive 15 mins before your scheduled interview time.
There is no waiting area for applicants who arrive early. The US embassy will allow applicants inside their premises only.
Arriving earlier than scheduled appointment will provide no advantage.
Strictly no electronic devices allowed.
What to do if there is an error in my application?
The best thing to do is to inform your manning agency about the error of application you receive from the US embassy. They are the one who filed your application and should know the reason of the error.
Is there a photo requirement?
YES! Absolutely. This is one of the essential requirements of the visa application. Your photo should meet the specifications set by the embassy to avoid delay of your visa application process.
The embassy recommends that the applicant should use a professional visa photo service to ensure that your photo will meet the required photo requirement. Low quality photos from vending machines, mobile phones, etc are not acceptable.
The applicant should have this photo:
They further suggest that the applicant staple the 2 pcs 2×2 photo at the back of the passport.
What are some possible reasons to get denied?
Unacceptable Photos
Problematic application or application error
Wrong time slot schedule
These are some of the reasons but it all lands on the discretion of the staff doing the interview. Please do appear confident in all manners.
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What happens to an applicant with improper documents?
He/She will not be granted a US C1/D Visa. The agency has to reschedule the applicant after 30 days. Since getting an appointment is difficult, so your agency must make sure that you have a complete and proper documents.
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Can a cadet or newly deployed seafarer can have US Visa?
YES. But the embassy does not guarantee to have all applicants pass the US Visa application.
What are the common questions asked in the interview?
The scope of the subject is wide. It is up to the interviewer on what the questions are. So better be ready. However, questions always are related to you, about you, your profession, your experience, etc.
Once you pass the application and granted US Visa, you can go back to your office (or call them) that you pass the US Visa application. Your passport together with the US Visa will be given back to your agency. I hope this helps, goodluck!
The author credits all the photos to the owner (KMA, Inc.) All information credits to US Embassy Seafaring Team.