Do Uk Cabin Crew need a B1 B2 visa AND a D visa for the US?
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Do Uk Cabin Crew need a B1 B2 visa AND a D visa for the US?
Do UK Cabin Crew need a B1 B2 visa AND a D visa for the US?
It is so hard to establish the facts from any of the US bodies, can anyone advise?
It is so hard to establish the facts from any of the US bodies, can anyone advise?
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Hi Tashkie
I was one of the crew recruited for Eos Airlines and finished my training the day before they declared themselves bankrupt so I had to go through the joys of the American Embassay to get my visas sorted.
I had to have both due to the length of time I stayed there for the training course so I think as crew, you are required to have both but if you have a crew job, get a letter from your employer as the embassay will then know exactly what they need to issue to you.
When I applied - I completed this application :
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/cdapply.html
And that was fine!
Good luck in whatever it is your doing!
Abby x
I was one of the crew recruited for Eos Airlines and finished my training the day before they declared themselves bankrupt so I had to go through the joys of the American Embassay to get my visas sorted.
I had to have both due to the length of time I stayed there for the training course so I think as crew, you are required to have both but if you have a crew job, get a letter from your employer as the embassay will then know exactly what they need to issue to you.
When I applied - I completed this application :
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/cdapply.html
And that was fine!
Good luck in whatever it is your doing!
Abby x
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Hi Would you be able to further clarify for me? The US embassy web site is not very user friendly.
If you have a Uk passport, the you can go into the US on the visa waiver scheme. If you are operating as crew, you have a D visa. Why would crew also need the B1 B2?
Thank you!
If you have a Uk passport, the you can go into the US on the visa waiver scheme. If you are operating as crew, you have a D visa. Why would crew also need the B1 B2?
Thank you!
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tashkie, there is no need for clarification....the US make the rules as to what you need to operate into the US of A as crew, and it has been pointed out correctly in a previous post.
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In my understanding, and in very simplified terms... Due to the strict immigration laws in the US, and the frequency that crew (N.B. whether this is cabin crew, cruise ship crew or other) visit the US, they have to have Visas which link them to the company they work for...
B1/B2 : This visa is required by any crew that will be operating into and more importantly out of the US. If you have any length of layover and are not returning back on the vessel (whether it be Aircraft or Ship) the next time is leaves the country, this Visa permits you to operate out of the US.
C1/D : This visa entitles you to enter the country with the arrival of the vessel, and states you will be residing in the accommodation agreed on your visa application. However, the condition of this Visa is that you depart the US on the next sailing/flying of the vessel you arrived on, hence needing the B1/B2...
Aircraft rarely stay on the ground in the US awaiting the arrival of the same crew to return with it. Cruise ships often dock at least overnight, and the crew leave when the ship does, hence ship crew only require a C1/D.
I think I've made that as clear as mud... sorry!
Regards
BoB
B1/B2 : This visa is required by any crew that will be operating into and more importantly out of the US. If you have any length of layover and are not returning back on the vessel (whether it be Aircraft or Ship) the next time is leaves the country, this Visa permits you to operate out of the US.
C1/D : This visa entitles you to enter the country with the arrival of the vessel, and states you will be residing in the accommodation agreed on your visa application. However, the condition of this Visa is that you depart the US on the next sailing/flying of the vessel you arrived on, hence needing the B1/B2...
Aircraft rarely stay on the ground in the US awaiting the arrival of the same crew to return with it. Cruise ships often dock at least overnight, and the crew leave when the ship does, hence ship crew only require a C1/D.
I think I've made that as clear as mud... sorry!
Regards
BoB
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Taskie
Also just to add - a couple of my co-workers didnt have the B1/B2 and they made it very difficult for them when going through immigration, having to return to the end of the queue and complete additional paperwork etc.
Best bet is to apply via. the link I included previously and get a letter from your employer to support your application, that way you can't go wrong!
Good Luck
Abby
Also just to add - a couple of my co-workers didnt have the B1/B2 and they made it very difficult for them when going through immigration, having to return to the end of the queue and complete additional paperwork etc.
Best bet is to apply via. the link I included previously and get a letter from your employer to support your application, that way you can't go wrong!
Good Luck
Abby
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I am not sure about this visas explanation . In my company everybody, pilots and CC have C1/D visas only and we don´t always depart with the next available flight. We have layovers of several days due to different A/C types flown while there are daily flights, up to 6 on the same day to the same destination. And it was the same in the company I used to work before this one. Never had a problem whatsoever at immigration. Could be a matter of agreements between countries?
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I had a quick search, and found this information
"
B1 visas:
In America, immigration on a temporary basis through the B1 class, also known as a "Visitor for Business" visa, allows a candidate to enter the USA for a typical maximum duration of 6 months; however in most cases the total validity period of the B1 period is anywhere from 1 to 10 years during which time the bearer can make multiple trips to the United States.
Whilst applicants are prohibited from working in the USA, the following business related activities are permitted:
- An applicant from a foreign branch of a US company may migrate to the USA to consult with the company.
- An applicant from a foreign-based company may come to the USA to manage sales/purchases and to negotiate contracts.
- Candidates may conduct market research, attend conferences seminars or conventions.
- Applicants may enter the US in order to make an investment or open a US branch of a foreign company. This extends to activities performed prior to starting a business, e.g. opening bank accounts and obtaining office space.
- Applicants who are professional athletes and who will not be earning a salary in the USA may enter on a B1.
As examples of the wide variety of non-immigrant USA visas, the B2 tourist/visitor visa is not intended as a route to gaining lawful permanent residence in the USA through a Permanent Resident Card or US Green Card as it more commonly known.
The B2 visa
In America, visas of this class are also referred to as "visitor for pleasure" visas, although in practice this visa service covers people entering the country for health reasons, visiting relatives, and to participate in short study courses as well as those entering as tourists.
B-2 visas are typically granted for a period of 1 to 10 years, during which time the bearer is permitted to make multiple entries into the United States in order to pursue approved B2 visa activities (tourism, visiting family or friends, health reasons etc.). Each visit to the United States will be limited to a duration not exceeding six months and B2 visa holders are not entitled to employment rights. In some case this length of stay may be extended by an additional six months however in both classes, candidates must be able to demonstrate that their visit to the USA is intended as a temporary one.
When applications are assessed considerable attention is paid to demonstrable evidence that the applicant has no intention of giving up their residence in their home country and that they have the intention and the means to support themselves during their stay and to leave before or upon the expiry of their US visa. An applicant's intention to continue residing in their home country can be supported by evidence of family ties, property ownership, employment or any evidence which suggests that an applicant is irrevocably linked to their own country"
All taken from www.globalvisas.com
Oddly enough, it doesn't have any information about the C1/D
Hope it helps
BoB
After a quick search, all the information I can see just states that the C1/D is a crewmans Visa. Allowing access to the US for up to 29 days.
"
B1 visas:
In America, immigration on a temporary basis through the B1 class, also known as a "Visitor for Business" visa, allows a candidate to enter the USA for a typical maximum duration of 6 months; however in most cases the total validity period of the B1 period is anywhere from 1 to 10 years during which time the bearer can make multiple trips to the United States.
Whilst applicants are prohibited from working in the USA, the following business related activities are permitted:
- An applicant from a foreign branch of a US company may migrate to the USA to consult with the company.
- An applicant from a foreign-based company may come to the USA to manage sales/purchases and to negotiate contracts.
- Candidates may conduct market research, attend conferences seminars or conventions.
- Applicants may enter the US in order to make an investment or open a US branch of a foreign company. This extends to activities performed prior to starting a business, e.g. opening bank accounts and obtaining office space.
- Applicants who are professional athletes and who will not be earning a salary in the USA may enter on a B1.
As examples of the wide variety of non-immigrant USA visas, the B2 tourist/visitor visa is not intended as a route to gaining lawful permanent residence in the USA through a Permanent Resident Card or US Green Card as it more commonly known.
The B2 visa
In America, visas of this class are also referred to as "visitor for pleasure" visas, although in practice this visa service covers people entering the country for health reasons, visiting relatives, and to participate in short study courses as well as those entering as tourists.
B-2 visas are typically granted for a period of 1 to 10 years, during which time the bearer is permitted to make multiple entries into the United States in order to pursue approved B2 visa activities (tourism, visiting family or friends, health reasons etc.). Each visit to the United States will be limited to a duration not exceeding six months and B2 visa holders are not entitled to employment rights. In some case this length of stay may be extended by an additional six months however in both classes, candidates must be able to demonstrate that their visit to the USA is intended as a temporary one.
When applications are assessed considerable attention is paid to demonstrable evidence that the applicant has no intention of giving up their residence in their home country and that they have the intention and the means to support themselves during their stay and to leave before or upon the expiry of their US visa. An applicant's intention to continue residing in their home country can be supported by evidence of family ties, property ownership, employment or any evidence which suggests that an applicant is irrevocably linked to their own country"
All taken from www.globalvisas.com
Oddly enough, it doesn't have any information about the C1/D
Hope it helps
BoB
After a quick search, all the information I can see just states that the C1/D is a crewmans Visa. Allowing access to the US for up to 29 days.
Last edited by BestonBoard; 23rd May 2008 at 03:59. Reason: Extra Information
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a big thankyou!
Thank you for taking the time and trouble to reply.
My experience has always been that the B1 B2 is required for Uk crew, but there doesn't seem to have been a logical reason behind this - I could only think that if some terrorism event happened and crew were stranded in the US, it would make things easier for their departure.
Thanks for the insight!
My experience has always been that the B1 B2 is required for Uk crew, but there doesn't seem to have been a logical reason behind this - I could only think that if some terrorism event happened and crew were stranded in the US, it would make things easier for their departure.
Thanks for the insight!
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Can Anyone Help? Us Visa
My C1/D Visa has expired but my B1/B2 Visa is still valid until 2010 - as Cabin Crew am I able to do longhaul to the US or do I also need a valid C1/D?
I've asked the Base Management and nobody seems to know. I'd call the Embassy but at £1.20 a minute think it's extortionate and don't know how long I'll be waiting for. Does anyone know?
I've asked the Base Management and nobody seems to know. I'd call the Embassy but at £1.20 a minute think it's extortionate and don't know how long I'll be waiting for. Does anyone know?
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C1/D Visa
First of all if it costs this much to call then why are you not calling from work? Ask your Base Manager to use the phone considering they should know they answer. As far as I am aware you do need both. The best place to check is with the Embassy.
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Would any Globespan crew care to tell us about US visas?
Their experience of operating into and out of the US without the correct visas should be warning enough as to what happens if crews try and bypass the system.
Their experience of operating into and out of the US without the correct visas should be warning enough as to what happens if crews try and bypass the system.
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I've just spent the day at the London Embassy - here's what you need to know according to the Embassy staff.
In order to operate as a crew member into, or out of the USA, you must have a C1/D Visa - a B Visa is not allowed. You will be entering on the Crewman's Landing Permit (CBP Form I-95), a copy of which is stapled inside your passport and updated by the immigration officer on each entry. This requires the presence of a C1/D Visa in the passport and is cross-referenced with the crew names on the General Declaration. If you attempt to enter on an inappropriate Visa, there is a risk of being refused entry, and/or fined and at best, an extended period of secondary inspections when the C1/D eventually comes through. The employer airline also risks being fined.
Some airlines (mine included) require Crew to have a B Visa as well as a C1/D: This is because under certain circumstances, you might enter the USA as Crew and leave as a passenger, or vice versa. I specifically asked the US Embassy if this was correct, or crew could instead enter/leave on the VWP if eligible, and was told that a B Visa was still required.
The day at the US Embassy was long and boring - However, it keeps me street legal for the next few years: The only people I'm frightened to upset in any way are those who work for US CBP and my wife. So it was worth it then...
In order to operate as a crew member into, or out of the USA, you must have a C1/D Visa - a B Visa is not allowed. You will be entering on the Crewman's Landing Permit (CBP Form I-95), a copy of which is stapled inside your passport and updated by the immigration officer on each entry. This requires the presence of a C1/D Visa in the passport and is cross-referenced with the crew names on the General Declaration. If you attempt to enter on an inappropriate Visa, there is a risk of being refused entry, and/or fined and at best, an extended period of secondary inspections when the C1/D eventually comes through. The employer airline also risks being fined.
Some airlines (mine included) require Crew to have a B Visa as well as a C1/D: This is because under certain circumstances, you might enter the USA as Crew and leave as a passenger, or vice versa. I specifically asked the US Embassy if this was correct, or crew could instead enter/leave on the VWP if eligible, and was told that a B Visa was still required.
The day at the US Embassy was long and boring - However, it keeps me street legal for the next few years: The only people I'm frightened to upset in any way are those who work for US CBP and my wife. So it was worth it then...
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Tight Slot et al,
What you have stated seems to be at odds with the latest advice from my company.... and yours I believe? (Or did you escape? )
------------------------------
"We have been advised by the US Embassy that a C1//D Visa is the only visa required by the authorities when entering the US either as operating or positioning crew. A C1/D visa also allows a crew member to ‘layover’ in the United States whilst undertaking their crew duties. A B1/B2 visa is only required for personal use (i.e. going to the US on holiday) by passport holders of a country not eligible to travel on an ESTA (formerly Visa Waiver Programme).
As many crew have been issued with a B1/B2 visa in the past these may continue to be used when entering the US for a personal visit, but will not be renewed once it expires. The US Embassy have advised that it is at the discretion of the Embassy Agent whether a B1/B2 visa is renewed in line with C1/D expiry.
You will receive an email to your work email address detailing all steps required to renew your US visa (C1/D only), and it is your responsibility to ensure all steps are followed correctly."
-------------------------
Optimistic cost driven thinking me thinks... will be interesting to see what happens in practice.
WoT
What you have stated seems to be at odds with the latest advice from my company.... and yours I believe? (Or did you escape?
) ------------------------------
"We have been advised by the US Embassy that a C1//D Visa is the only visa required by the authorities when entering the US either as operating or positioning crew. A C1/D visa also allows a crew member to ‘layover’ in the United States whilst undertaking their crew duties. A B1/B2 visa is only required for personal use (i.e. going to the US on holiday) by passport holders of a country not eligible to travel on an ESTA (formerly Visa Waiver Programme).
As many crew have been issued with a B1/B2 visa in the past these may continue to be used when entering the US for a personal visit, but will not be renewed once it expires. The US Embassy have advised that it is at the discretion of the Embassy Agent whether a B1/B2 visa is renewed in line with C1/D expiry.
You will receive an email to your work email address detailing all steps required to renew your US visa (C1/D only), and it is your responsibility to ensure all steps are followed correctly."
-------------------------
Optimistic cost driven thinking me thinks... will be interesting to see what happens in practice.
WoT
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WOT - I escaped a year ago 
I now fly LON-LAX every week.
Agreed - The embassy were quite specific when asked - the officer even went away to double check.
I now fly LON-LAX every week.
Optimistic cost driven thinking me thinks
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Thanks for all your replies I shall set the wheels in motion to update my C1/D visa. Red Eye unfortunately when I am at work I report at 0500 and finish after office opening hours. Thats a winter flying programme for you! Yes, I could ask Management to call on my behalf but from experience if you want anything doing - do it yourself!