United States•North America

Open

C-1/D — Combined Transit / Crew

Tourist

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 day – 3 months

Estimated Cost

USD $185

Stay Duration

29 days

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$52,000

Quality of Life

185/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Combined visa for crew members of vessels or aircraft transiting through the U.S. or serving on ships/planes.

The C-1/D Combined Transit/Crew visa is a US non-immigrant visa that serves dual purposes: the C-1 component permits foreign nationals to transit the US to join a vessel or aircraft, while the D component authorizes them to serve as crewmembers on commercial sea vessels or international airlines calling at US ports.

Holders are admitted for up to 29 days and must depart on their vessel or aircraft; the visa carries no PR pathway and dual intent is not permitted. No dependent or spouse work rights attach. Applicants apply via Form DS-160 and an employer letter at a US consulate — no formal petition is required.

This visa is ideal for pilots, flight attendants, ship officers, deckhands, and cruise ship staff who enter or transit the US to join and operate commercial vessels or aircraft.

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Stay & Extensions

Initial grant	29 days
Extension increments	29 days

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Applicant must be a crew member serving on board a commercial sea vessel or international airline.

Applicant must intend to transit through the U.S. or join a vessel/aircraft to perform duties.

Applicant must depart on the same or another vessel/aircraft within 29 days.

Must have a valid passport and provide evidence of intent to depart.

Must not intend to abandon foreign residence.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

DS-160 confirmation page

Visa application fee payment receipt

Photo (uploaded with DS-160)

Evidence of intent to depart the U.S.

Evidence of employment or transit purpose (e.g., letter from employer/agent)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows crew members to join their vessels or aircraft in the United States.
Facilitates transit for individuals whose travel involves immediate and continuous passage through the U.S.
Combines two necessary visa functions (transit and crew) into a single visa application process.

Worth Knowing

Does not authorize employment in the United States other than for the duties of the crew member on the vessel or aircraft.
Maximum stay is generally limited to 29 days for crew activities.
Does not guarantee entry into the United States; final admission is determined by Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry.