The C1/D Visa is a non-immigrant combined transit and crew visa issued by the US for seafarers and airline crew entering US ports or transiting through the US. It is the most operationally critical visa in maritime because approximately 90% of global shipping companies now require a valid C1/D as a standard employment condition — even for vessels that never call at US ports. Over 10,600 C1/D applications were refused in FY2024 alone. Getting it right requires consulate-specific knowledge and precise documentation that generic agencies cannot provide.
Processing times vary significantly by consulate location and applicant nationality, typically ranging from 2 weeks to 3 months. The US Embassy in Greece, where we operate, has specific scheduling timelines. We include expedited appointment requests for all our applications at no additional cost. We recommend beginning the process at least 60–90 days before the seafarer’s deployment date.
The China Crew Visa (C Visa) is required for foreign seafarers entering China to join or leave a vessel at Chinese ports (Shanghai, Guangzhou, Dalian, Tianjin). It requires an invitation letter from a Chinese port agent’s Foreign Affairs Office and is valid for a single entry up to 90 days. Crucially, it must be secured before arrival in China. We manage the entire process including coordinating with Chinese port agents and securing the required landing permits.
Yes. Beyond our core expertise in US C1/D, Chinese C-Type, and Schengen visas, we process crew permits and visas for Australia, Canada, South Korea, UAE, Japan, Singapore, India, Philippines, and other jurisdictions. Contact us with your specific requirements and we will advise on the process, timeline, and documentation needed.
Requirements vary by jurisdiction, but core documents for most crew visas include: valid passport (6+ months remaining validity), seaman’s book / CDC, employment contract or letter from the shipping company, vessel itinerary and company letter specifying role/salary/duration, and recent passport-style photos. For US C1/D specifically, the DS-160 form must be completed with absolute accuracy. We guide applicants through every step and review all documents before submission.