D-1 VISA

D-1 Visa is open to the foreign crewmen who serve an aboard vessels. This category may cover vessel's personnel such as crewmen, stewards, technicians, chefs and musicians. However, such applicants must show a good faith in charging their duties to the normal operation of the vessel. D-1 Visas may be issued for individuals or for an entire crew.

The applicant may temporarily remain in the U.S. in performing his or her crewmen duties. The vessel's home port must be in the U.S. Note, crewmen in a vessel involved in commercial fishing are not qualified .

Procedures

Application for a D visa must be filed at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in the applicant's home or residence country. The application should be made in person with all necessary supporting documents. The applicant will be photographed and fingerprinted. The process is to prove that the applicant is admissible under all relevant immigration laws and he or she is entitled to landing privileges in the U.S.

Forms and Documents

The U.S. Consulate or Embassy may require the applicant to provide copies of employer work records or other similar information. In the situation when there is a labor strike or lockout, the applicant will need to prove the following evidence:

He or she has worked for the employer for at least one year longer than the beginning of the strike/lockout.
During this one year period, he or she worked as a crewman for the employer at least once in three different months.
The applicant expects to continue working for the employer at this level.
Other information as the immigration officer may require.