work as cabin crew It may seem like a dream for many, as it allows them to travel the world and discover new destinations. especially when the destination is the United Statesone of the most visited countries. However, to enter and work on international flights to this country, a specific visa.
Cabin crew, such as flight attendants or pilots, face the need to obtain a visa that allows them to enter and leave the United States without problems. Despite being workers in transit, they must comply with certain immigration regulations, which are key to continuing their work legally.
What is the Crew Visa for the United States?
The United States is known for its strict immigration policies, and one of the groups that must meet specific requirements are flight crew members. The country requires anyone who is part of the crew of an international airline, such as pilots or flight attendants, to obtain a special visa to enter.
The most common visa for this purpose is the Crew Visa, known as type D visa. This visa is mandatory for all people who work on international flights to the United States and is issued to those who provide essential services for the operation of the aircraft. Additionally, this visa is a non-immigrant visa, which means that the crew members cannot remain in the country indefinitely.
It is important to mention that not all countries need a visa to enter the United States. Citizens of nations that are part of the Visa Waiver Program They can enter the country for a limited time without needing a visa, although this program does not apply to crew workers.
Among the cities most visited by tourists in the United States are New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Las Vegas, which are also key destinations for international airlines. Among the airlines that operate the most flights to Uncle Sam’s country are American Airlines, Delta, United and LATAM, all complying with the crew requirements demanded by the country.
What are the disadvantages of the Crew Visa
Although the Crew Visa allows airline workers to enter the United States to perform their duties, it has some disadvantages that crew members should be aware of. One of the main ones is that this type of visa does not allow them to carry out tourism activities or visit friends and family during your stay.
Another drawback is that this visa has a temporary validity. Crew members can only stay in the country for a maximum period of 29 days, limiting any possibility of an extended stay in the United States. Additionally, they cannot change their immigration status or seek other types of employment during their time in the country.
Finally, if a crew member wishes to spend time in North America for a purpose other than work, such as enjoying a vacation, they must apply for an additional visa, such as Visitor Visa (B), which implies more procedures and costs.
How to process your crew member visa
To obtain the Crew Visa (D), applicants must complete the Form DS-160 online, which is the official application for US nonimmigrant visas. This form requires personal information, employment details and employer details, which must be properly documented to avoid mishaps.
Once the form is completed, applicants must pay the corresponding visa fees and schedule a interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate. At the interview, it is essential to present a letter from the employer confirming that the person works as part of the crew of a commercial airline.
Finally, applicants must demonstrate that their stay in the country will be brief and that they have no intention of immigrating. The visa, once approved, will allow them to enter as workers in transit, guaranteeing their compliance with United States immigration laws.
Source: Ambito
