Yes, and there are many types of visas, depending on the ship you get assigned and its itinerary.

Unless you are American or Canadian, you will need a C1/D Visa (crew member/transit visa) if your home port is in the USA OR if your ship will at anytime during your contract be docking in the USA.

It will cost minimum USD$185, depending on your citizenship it may cost more to double, if they charge one fee for C1 category and one fee for D category.

Keep the receipts: your employer will reimburse ANY visa fees you paid for once you get onboard.

You will only be reimbursed if you have the original receipt.

You will fill out an online application (D-160 form), pay the fee DIRECTLY to the embassy, and schedule your appointment only once you get the job offer, meet the conditions of the job offer (Police Background Check and Medical Fit for Duty), and receive your LOE (letter of employment). If you apply for a Visa without a VALID LOE, you will get declined your visa application. Most US embassies can verify with the employer for any LOE; this is to avoid fraudulent activities. If you get your visa declined, it is harder to get it approved for a period of 5 (five) years.

The availability for an interview may vary from country to country, so we will advise you when to go ahead and book your interview. Once approved, it may take 3 to 15 business days for your passport release, depending on your country.

Exceptions may occur because they need additional time to process investigations, which may be delayed.

If you ever over-stayed a visa in the USA, such as B1/B2 or any other type of visa, and they see it in their system, you may get your visa declined. Also if any direct family member has committed the same, it may affect your visa application.

If your ship stops in Canada, you will need a transit, tourist, or eTA (electronic travel authorization) to enter Canada, in addition to the C1/D Visa.

If your ship departs from or stops in Australia, you may need an MCV and transit visa to Australia.

For some countries, you may also be required a SCHENGEN visa (for some European countries) or other country visas, depending (once again) on your ship’s itinerary.

We will guide you through it once it’s the time!

If you already have a visa, it must be valid for at least the entire contract duration + 3 months. The same applies to your passport.