US D Crewmember Visa

The D visa, also known as the Crewmember visa, is a non-immigrant visa issued by the US government for individuals who work on commercial sea vessels or international airlines that pass through the US.

The D visa allows these crew members to enter the US and stay in the country for a maximum of 29 days while they are in transit. To be eligible for a D visa-

• An individual must be working on a vessel or airline that is only passing through the US and must hold one of the following positions: flight attendant or pilot on a commercial airplane, captain, deckhand, or engineer on a sea vessel, lifeguard, waiter, cook, or other supporting staff on cruise ships, or trainee on board of a training vessel.
• Individuals who perform dry dock duties, work on a fishing vessel with an operating base or home port in the US, serve as substitute coasting officers, or work on a private yacht that will be docked in the US for more than 29 days are not eligible for a D visa.
• The processing time for a D visa can range from 3 to 5 days up to 2 weeks, depending on the workload at the US embassy where the application is being made.

To apply for a D visa, also known as a Crewmember visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

• A completed DS-160 application form
• Your passport with at least one blank page to affix the visa
• One photograph that meets the requirements set by the US authorities
• Proof of payment of the transit visa fees
• The interview confirmation page and a copy of it
• A letter from your company or employer describing the purpose of your trip
• Proof of ties to your home country, such as family documents, a job contract, a lease, or a property deed, to show that you do not plan to stay in the US for more than 29 days
• A letter from your employer with the following information: the name of the vessel, the period of time you will be in the US, the date and port of entry, the date and port of exit, your job position and a description of your duties, your salary while in the US, and copies of your employer's work records
• The Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC)
• Travel authorization from your company
• Certificates and diplomas verifying your qualifications
• Criminal records or a letter from authorities stating that you do not have any prior convictions