US transit visa (C-1) and crew visa (C-1/D)

Every passenger landing at a US airport goes through CBP inspection, even when the next flight leaves for a third country a few hours later. Citizens of the 42 Visa Waiver Program countries transit with an approved ESTA. Everyone else needs either a C-1 transit visa or a valid B-1/B-2 visa, which also covers transit. Cruise passengers need a visa too if the ship calls at a US port, because the call counts as an entry.

You qualify when you intend to pass through in immediate and continuous transit on a prearranged itinerary, hold an onward ticket, have enough money for the journey and are allowed to enter the next country, for example with its visa or your residence permit there. If you want to leave the airport to sightsee or visit people during the stopover, you need a B visa instead. Crew bring an employer letter on letterhead confirming the job and the period in the United States; seafarers add their contract and seaman’s book. Section 214(b) and the general inadmissibility grounds apply to C-1 and C-1/D applicants too.

Complete the DS-160, choosing transit (C-1) or crew (C-1/D), create a profile on the official appointment service of the US embassy or consulate where you apply, pay the $185 non-refundable fee and book an interview with the same DS-160 barcode. If you fly via the United States often, a B-1/B-2 visa costs the same and allows visits as well. At the airport, CBP decides admission and records a stay of no more than 29 days on the I-94.

USCIS does not accept extension requests from people admitted in transit (C) or as crew (D), and neither group can change to another nonimmigrant status inside the country, apart from T or U applications. If plans change, you have to leave and apply for the right visa abroad.

Most refusals fall under section 214(b): the officer was not satisfied that the trip is a genuine transit or that you will continue on. There is no appeal. You may reapply with a new DS-160 and a new fee once your circumstances have changed or you can document the itinerary more clearly.