The D visa is specifically designed for crew members serving on sea vessels or international airlines traveling to the United States. This visa allows crew members to enter the U.S. temporarily for their work duties. It is not intended for long-term stays or permanent residence.
Key Features
- Purpose: To allow crew members to enter the U.S. for the duration of their service on a vessel or aircraft.
- Duration: Typically valid for up to 29 days in the U.S.
- Multiple Entries: Often issued as a multiple-entry visa, allowing for repeated entries into the U.S. during its validity period.
Eligibility Criteria
General Eligibility
- Employment: Must be employed as a crew member on a vessel or aircraft that travels to the U.S.
- Temporary Stay: Intend to enter the U.S. temporarily for the purpose of performing work as a crew member.
- Home-Country Residence: Must demonstrate intent to return to their home country after completing their duties in the U.S.
- Nonimmigrant Intent: Must prove that they do not intend to immigrate to the U.S.
Specific Eligibility for Certain Categories
- Sea Vessel Crew Members: Includes crew serving on cargo ships, cruise ships, tankers, fishing vessels, and private yachts.
- Airline Crew Members: Includes pilots, flight attendants, engineers, and other essential crew members on international flights.
- Combination C-1/D Visa: If the crew member needs to enter the U.S. for a short period before joining their vessel or aircraft, they may be issued a combination C-1/D transit/crewmember visa.
Required Documents
- Form DS-160: Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form.
- Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay in the U.S.
- Photograph: A recent photograph meeting U.S. visa requirements.
- Employment Letter: A letter from the employer or shipping company verifying employment and detailing the nature and duration of duties.
- Seafarer’s Identification (if applicable): For sea vessel crew members, a seafarer’s book or other proof of maritime employment.
- Previous U.S. Visas (if applicable): Copies of any previous U.S. visas held.
- Itinerary: Travel itinerary detailing the ship or aircraft schedule, including dates and ports of entry and departure.
- Visa Fee Payment Receipt: Proof of payment of the visa application fee.
Application Process
- Complete Form DS-160: Fill out and submit the DS-160 form online.
- Pay Visa Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee.
- Schedule Visa Interview: Schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents, including passport, photograph, employment letter, seafarer’s identification, and travel itinerary.
- Attend Visa Interview: Attend the visa interview and answer questions about your employment and travel plans.
- Visa Decision: The consular officer will make a decision based on the interview and submitted documents.
- Receive Visa: If approved, receive your visa and prepare for your trip to the U.S.
Costs
| Expense | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | $185 |
Visa Processing Time
- Processing Time: Typically varies from a few days to several weeks, depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate and the applicant’s circumstances.
Key Points to Remember
- Temporary Stay: The D visa is intended for temporary stays related to the performance of duties as a crew member.
- Multiple Entries: Often issued as a multiple-entry visa, allowing for repeated entries during its validity period.
- Nonimmigrant Intent: Must demonstrate nonimmigrant intent and strong ties to the home country.
- Compliance: Follow all visa regulations to maintain status and avoid violations that could affect future U.S. visa applications.
Conclusion
The D Crewmember Visa facilitates the entry of crew members into the United States for the purpose of performing their work duties on sea vessels or international airlines. By meeting the general and specific eligibility criteria, providing the required documentation, and carefully following the application process, crew members can obtain this visa and fulfill their employment responsibilities while in the U.S.
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