Statistics indicate that North America accounts for most of the world’s cruise ship passengers. Many itineraries start from ports in the US and cruise ship crews often begin and end their contracts in US ports. It is therefore imperative for all joining a vessel to have a valid US visa, which can be daunting for a first-time cruise ship job holder. We’re here with basic information to make this process smoother and less stressful.
VISA TYPE
Crew members have special visas. American D visas are non-immigrant visas offered to those working on commercial sea vessels or international airlines in the US, and intending to depart within 29 days. In addition, cruise ship crew members will also require a C-1 visa, which is a transit visa offered to crew members travelling to the US to join a ship or aircraft.
The C-1/D visa you will need to join a cruise ship will require you to fill in an application form and schedule an interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate.
APPLICATION FORM
The first step in getting a US C-1//D visa is to fill in the DS-160 form which you will find on the US Department of State Consular Electronic Application Center website. Before you do this, it might be helpful to view a sample form to get an idea of the steps ahead. Remember to note down your application number so you can easily retrieve a form you are in the process of filling.
The form includes requests for personal information such as your name and residence, travel information including date of arrival and departure in the US, information about the company sponsoring you, the purpose of your trip, whether you have travelled to the US before, residential address, passport details, contact person in the US, family information, your educational qualifications and work, medical and security information, financial information, information about the recruitment or manning agency and your vessel.
Remember to always be truthful in your application form and hit save at the end of every page.
DOCUMENTATION
It’s important to upload all documents requested in the visa application. The better they corroborate the information you have provided, the easier it is to get your visa. These will include a valid passport that is valid for at least six months, application fee payment confirmation, application form confirmation, interview confirmation letter, a visa photo in the correct dimensions, qualification certificates, employment letter, salary or funding documents, continuous discharge certificate (CDC), proof of residence, and criminal records if any.
INTERVIEW
Once your DS-160 application form is complete, it will prompt you to book and pay for an interview at a visa application centre where you will have to get your biometrics taken, show your original documents and answer a few questions from the consular officer.
Select a date on which you know for sure you can visit the visa application centre. Print out your appointment schedule and take note of the time. It is wise to dress decently (business formals are appropriate), cross-check that all your documents and papers are in order before the interview, and arrive well in time. Have a clear understanding of your shipboard duties and experience so far, the date and port of joining written in your employment letter, and information about your qualifications.
The centre will send you an email and SMS letting you know if your visa has been approved and information on collection or delivery of your passport.