Navigating Visa Requirements: B1/B2 to C1/D for Shipboard Employment in the USA

When you're vacationing in the USA on a B1/B2 visa and have been offered a position on a ship, it can lead to a series of questions about visa requirements. This article will guide you through the processes and considerations involved in transitioning from a B1/B2 visa to a C1/D visa for shipboard employment.

Do You Need to Leave and Re-enter the USA on a C1/D Visa?

If you are currently in the USA on a B1/B2 visa and have been offered a position on a ship, you may be required to leave the country and re-enter on your C1/D crew visa. A C1/D visa is specifically designed for crew members of vessels and aircraft, allowing you to work on board.

It's essential to follow the correct procedures to avoid any complications. The steps include departing the USA to a country where you have the right to enter, then re-entering the USA using your valid C1/D visa. Bring any necessary documentation related to your shipboard position.

Key Steps:

Departure: Leave the USA to a country where you have the right to enter. Re-entry: Use your valid C1/D visa to re-enter the USA and bring documentation related to your position on the ship.

It's also a good idea to contact the U.S. consulate or an immigration attorney for advice tailored to your specific situation, as immigration rules can change and may vary based on individual circumstances.

Dependent on the Next Port of Call

The answer to whether you need to re-enter the USA on a C1/D visa depends on where the ship is going after you join the ship.

If the ship is departing from an American port and its next stop is a foreign port, there's no problem joining the ship before it departs. However, if the ship is going to another US port, you will remain in a tourist status and technically be prohibited from working on the ship. It doesn't matter if the ship enters international waters in transit; the key factor is the next port of call being domestic or foreign.

In the case of a ship going to another US port, the easiest solution is to depart the USA before starting your work on the ship, thereby concluding your B-2 visit and re-enter the US with your employment contract and C-1/D visa.

Is It Necessary to Leave?

A visa is a travel document to change status in-country, which means you would need to apply for another visa through USCIS. This process can be less straightforward and time-consuming compared to re-entering with your existing documents. Therefore, it is often more practical and quicker to leave and re-enter the USA.

Many visa authorities suggest leaving on your C1D visa and re-entering the USA. For instance, experienced officials have noted that issuing both B1/B2 and C1/D visas together to cruise or merchant mariners has never caused issues. However, since immigration rules can change, it's important to check with the relevant authorities or consult with immigration experts for the most up-to-date advice.

In conclusion, if you're seeking to join a ship while in the USA on a B1/B2 visa, you may need to transition to a C1/D visa. Always ensure you follow the proper procedures to avoid any legal or logistical issues. For personalized advice, consider contacting the U.S. consulate or an immigration attorney.