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C-1 Visa (Transit Visa)
The C-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa category for individuals traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States to a final destination in another foreign country. Its sole purpose is to facilitate brief layovers when the traveler is passing through the U.S. en route elsewhere.
What is a C-1 Visa?
The C-1 Visa allows a foreign citizen to enter the U.S. temporarily and must be used strictly for the purpose of transiting to another country. It is not intended for tourism, visiting friends, or any other activity beyond the necessary connection.
It is often issued in combination with the D Visa as a C-1/D Visa for crew members (pilots, flight attendants, ship personnel) who need to enter the U.S. temporarily while working on an aircraft or vessel.
Key Features of the C-1 Visa
Single Purpose: The only permissible reason for travel on a C-1 visa is to transit to another country.
Immediate and Continuous: The travel through the U.S. must be “immediate and continuous,” meaning the layover or stop must be reasonable and necessary for the connection, without any unrelated layover privileges.
Duration of Stay: Admission is limited to the time required to complete the transit, with a maximum stay usually capped at 29 days.
No Work or Study: C-1 visa holders are generally not authorized to work or enroll in a course of study in the U.S.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a C-1 Visa, the applicant must demonstrate:
Intention to Transit: The purpose of entering the U.S. is solely to pass through en route to another foreign destination.
Onward Travel: Possession of a ticket or other arrangements proving immediate and continuous onward travel to the final destination.
Final Entry Permission: Permission to enter the final destination country (e.g., a visa or travel authorization).
Ties Abroad: Sufficient funds for the transit period and strong ties to their home country to ensure their departure from the U.S. after the brief transit.
Dependents
The C-1 visa category does not have a formal dependent visa classification. Spouses and children of a traveler or a crew member would typically need to apply for their own separate visa, such as a B-2 (Visitor for Pleasure) visa, if they intend to enter the U.S. for any purpose.