D Visas (Crew Members)

The D visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa that is specifically designed for individuals who will be working on board commercial sea vessels or international airlines in the United States. This visa is intended for crewmembers who will be performing duties related to the operation of the vessel or airline, such as pilots, flight attendants, and ship captains.

To be eligible for a D visa, an individual must have a job offer from a sea vessel or international airline that is operating in the United States. They must also provide evidence of their employment, such as a letter from the vessel or airline stating the nature of their duties and the length of their employment.

In addition to providing evidence of their employment, individuals applying for a D visa must also meet other requirements, such as demonstrating that they have the necessary skills and qualifications for their job, and that they will be able to support themselves financially while in the United States.

Once approved, a D visa allows the individual to travel to the United States to begin their employment as a crewmember. The visa is typically valid for the length of the employment contract, up to a maximum of three years. However, it is important to note that a D visa does not allow the holder to work in any other capacity while in the United States.

It is also important to note that individuals with a D visa are generally not eligible to apply for a green card while in the United States. However, they may be able to apply for a different type of visa, such as an H-1B visa, if they wish to change employers or seek permanent residence in the United States.