Crewmen Visa Overview

D Class Visa

The D Class Visa is granted to crew members or employees serving on a commercial ship or aircraft whose services are required for normal operation of the ship or aircraft. The D Class Visa is also suitable for individuals traveling to the United States as passengers to join a commercial ship or aircraft.

Below you'll find detailed information about the application process for a D visa. 

What You’ll Find on This Page:

  • Who Qualifies for a D Visa?
  • D visa application Process
    • Visa Application and Forms
    • Visa Application Fees
    • Restrictions on D Visas
  • Can I Bring Family Members into the Country with a D Visa?

Who Qualifies for a D Visa?

D-1 Visa: If you are a crewman serving aboard a vessel or aircraft that will land in the United States, you are eligible for the D-1 visa. The D-1 visa will allow you to remain in the United States for 29 days.

D-2 Visa: If you serve aboard a fishing vessel with a home port or base operation within the United States, you may be eligible for the D-2 visa. The D-2 visa will allow you remain in the United States for up to 6 months.

D Visa Application Process

Visa Application and Forms

The forms listed below are required in order to apply for the D visa:

  • Passport;
  • One Photograph;
  • Form DS-156 (nonimmigrant visa application form) and
  • Form DS-157 (Supplemental nonimmigrant visa application form).

You may also be asked to submit supporting documentation to verify ties to your home country. Supporting documentation may include:

  • Bank Statements;
  • Lease/Mortgage Agreement; and/or
  • Utility Bills.

If you are working aboard a vessel, you may be required to submit a comprehensive, original, signed letter from the employer on letterhead stationery addressed to the United States consulate/embassy confirming your employment with the specified company. If you are working for an airline, you may be asked to submit an original letter from the airline company.

Visa Application Fees

The immigrant visa application fee for D status is $131.00. The visa issuance fee is an additional $131.00.

Restrictions on D Visas

If you are issued a D class visa, there are a number of restrictions which apply:

  • You may not be involved in fishing (unless you have a class D-2 visa) and the ship's home port must be in the United States.
  • You must enter and exit from the same port as part of your crew duties.
  • You cannot apply for an extension of stay on the D class visa.
  • If you want to reenter the United States, you must wait and apply for the appropriate visa after six months.
  • You cannot apply for change of status or adjustment of status while you are on a D visa.
  • You are not permitted to study within the United States while you are on the D visa.
  • You may not work in any other capacity other than on your vessel while on the D visa.
  • You may not apply for a green card while using the D visa.

Can I Bring Family Members into the Country with a D Visa?

No. Your spouse and/or dependent children must obtain a class B-2 visa, unless their purposes for entering the United States would require a different classification or they qualify for the visa waiver program.

Speak to an Immigration Representative for More about the D Visa

If you are seeking to prepare a D visa application, an immigration lawyer can help you gather the required documentation, understand the fees involved and successfully complete your applications and file at the proper deadlines.

To speak with an immigration rep, simply fill out our Immigration Case Evaluation Form.