BorderProofBorderProof
ExploreCompareCountriesJobsUS onlyInsightsOur MissionFind A Visa Sign In
ExploreCompareCountriesJobsUS onlyInsightsOur Mission
Sign InFind A Visa
BorderProof

Discover the world's visas in one place.

Platform

  • Browse Visas
  • Match Finder
  • Compare Options
  • Global Insights
  • Our Mission
  • Contact Us

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Not Legal Advice
© 2026 BorderProof™. All rights reserved. Images by Unsplash/Picsum.
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

1 week – 1 month

Estimated Cost

$185 USD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

29 days

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote 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.

United States

Curious about life in the United States?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant29 days

Requirements

PUBLISHED 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

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 Steps
Complete Form DS-160; Pay MRV fee; Schedule interview; Attend interview with required documents
travel.state.gov
Dependent Visa
B-1/B-2
travel.state.gov
Fee Breakdown
MRV Application Fee: 185 USD
travel.state.gov
Fees
USD 185 (MRV fee)
travel.state.gov
Forms
DS-160
travel.state.gov
Forms · DS-160 · description
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
travel.state.gov
Job Offer Required
true
travel.state.gov
Official Info
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/crewmember-visa.html
travel.state.gov
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

Ready to see if the D-1 — Crewmember (Individual) is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free trial.

Start Visa Discovery