9(c) — Seaman/Crew List Visa (9(c))

The 9(c) Seaman/Crew List Visa is a specialized non-immigrant visa issued to foreign crew members who arrive at a Philippine port aboard a vessel or aircraft and are employed in any capacity on board. This visa is essential for seafarers and airmen who are in the country solely in pursuit of their professional calling and intend to depart with their vessel or aircraft. It ensures that maritime and aviation personnel are properly documented for entry and admission while maintaining the integrity of the vessel's crew manifest. The visa can be issued as an individual 9(c) visa or as part of a collective Crew List Visa for the entire crew.

To obtain this visa, applicants must typically provide documentation including a valid passport, their Seaman's Book or maritime credentials, and a formal letter from their shipping company or employer detailing the vessel's arrival and the crew member's assignment. For a Crew List Visa, the ship's master or authorized agent must submit detailed information about the vessel, including its registration, and a comprehensive list of all foreign crew members. The application process emphasizes the temporary nature of the stay, requiring proof that the crew member will depart the Philippines as scheduled with their vessel or aircraft, thereby adhering to immigration regulations governing maritime and aviation personnel.