U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL - CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO
NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS

   C & D: Transit Aliens and Crewmembers

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C Visa: Transit aliens

The C-1 visa classification applies to aliens proceeding in immediate and aliens proceeding in immediate and continuous transit through the U.S. en route to some foreign destination.

This classification is appropriate too for all aliens, official or not, whether from governments recognized or not, whose purpose for entry is to proceed directly through the U.S. to another country.

C-2 visa classification applies to aliens proceeding in immediate and continuous transit through the United States to or from the United Nations Headquarters District

C-3 visa is a classification established to provide for foreign government officials and members of their families and his or her attendants, servants or personal employees seeking merely to cross in transit through the United States.     

“Transit aliens" are not required to remain in the transit lounge at the airport; once admitted to the U.S. they can visit friends, see a show, etc., so long as they continue their journey within the authorized period of stay.

D Visa: Crewmember

Alien crewmen serving aboard a vessel or airplane which will land in the United States must obtain this visa.

Crewmen apply using a passport or a seaman's book along with a letter from the shipping company or airline confirming your employment and when you plan to arrive or dock in the United States. We normally issue crewmembers joining a ship or airplane in the United States both a transit visa and a crew visa.

Joining a vessel or aircraft in the United States:

If you are a crewmember traveling to the U.S. to meet your aircraft or ship you need a combined visa: a C-1/D Transit and Crew visa. Only one application fee will be charged.

Spouses and children:

Spouses and children accompanying a crewmember entering the U.S. as a nonimmigrant, and not performing services required for normal operation of the ship or plane, must obtain a Visitor Visa (tourist), unless the family member is entering the U.S. for another purpose (e.g. as a student) and needs a different visa.

If there is any question you may email the Non Immigrant Visa Section at CDJNIVS@state.gov or contact the call center.

Duration of stay:

Although the maximum allowable stay is 29 days, in practice the alien is usually admitted only until the next available onward transportation, and may not extend their stay.

Visa application process:

For information on the documents required to apply for a visa, please see our general application requirements.

You need to check the following recommendations before scheduling an appointment.

APPOINTMENT PROCEDURE:

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How long do I wait to get an appointment to apply for a visa, and if it is approved, how long does it take to be issued?
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For general information on non-immigrant visas, please see the Destination USA Web site.

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