LAW OFFICES OF

Back

Crew Members (D Visas)
     The D non-immigrant visa classification allows alien crewmembers to work on their vessels in a United States port, provided the work has a direct relationship to the normal operation of the vessel, and to take temporary shore leave. Admission is limited to a maximum of 29 days.A crewmember traveling to the United States as a passenger to join a vessel or aircraft is classifiable as a C-1. See section discussing C visa.
       D visa holders cannot be engaged in long shore work unless there is no collective bargaining agreement in effect and crewmembers have traditionally been permitted to perform the work of loading and/or unloading vessels at the specific United States port (the "prevailing practice" rule.) The U.S. Department of Labor has enforcement authority over the use of the prevailing practice rule.
     A crewmember in possession of a D visa is admissible at the port of entry provided s/he:

• Holds an unexpired passport or Seamen's document, book identity card (Form I-184) or other officially issued documents; and
• Is listed on the vessel's manifest or crew list.
  
  Back