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D-1 — Crewmember (Individual)
VisasUnited StatesD-1 — Crewmember (Individual)
United StatesUnited States•North America
Open

D-1 — Crewmember (Individual)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

7-30 days

Application Fee

185 USD

Stay Duration

29 days

Renewable

No

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$51,000
Quality of Life
186/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

For individuals serving in good faith for normal operations aboard a commercial sea vessel or international airline in the United States.

The D-1 is a US crewmember visa for individuals employed on commercial sea vessels or international airlines. It permits temporary entry to perform duties required for normal vessel or flight operations, with no pathway to permanent residence.

Entry is limited to 29 days, by which time the holder must depart on the same or another qualifying vessel. There is no dependent visa category — spouses and children must independently qualify for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. The visa does not allow other employment.

This visa is ideal for active maritime sailors and airline crew who need routine US port or airport access as part of their regular commercial service duties.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant29 days

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be employed on a commercial vessel or airline

Performing services required for normal operation

Intend to depart on the same or another vessel within 29 days

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport

Employment letter or contract

DS-160 confirmation page

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Facilitates international transit for crew
  • Standardized application process

Worth Knowing

  • Strict 29-day limit
  • Dependents cannot accompany on this visa
  • Lack of employment on a commercial vessel/airline
  • Intent to stay beyond 29 days

Application Process

1

Complete Form DS-160

2

Pay MRV fee

3

Schedule interview

4

Attend interview with required documents

Application Forms

DS-160
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Fill online

Verified Claims (22)

Last verified May 30, 2026
Application StepsComplete Form DS-160; Pay MRV fee; Schedule interview; Attend interview with required documentstravel.state.gov
Dependent VisaB-1/B-2travel.state.gov
Fee BreakdownMRV Application Fee: 185 USDtravel.state.gov
FeesUSD 185 (MRV fee)travel.state.gov
FormsDS-160travel.state.gov
Forms · DS-160 · descriptionOnline Nonimmigrant Visa Applicationtravel.state.gov
Job Offer Requiredtruetravel.state.gov
Official Infohttps://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/crewmember-visa.htmltravel.state.gov

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