C-1 Visa, Transit/Foreign Travelers Through the U.S.

This is a specific visa for foreign nationals in transit or traveling through the U.S. en route to another foreign destination. The visa is obtained at the home country U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Requirements include:

• A passport valid for 6 months beyond the intended U.S. visit
• Proof of travel tickets
• Photographs
• Proof that required visa fees have been bank paid
• Visa or other proof that entry into the country of final destination has been authorized
• Proof of funds for the cost of the trip
• Non-refundable application fee of $45
• Form OF-156 obtainable at any home country U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Some U.S. Embassies and Consulates have special rules about what days you can enter, entry procedures and entry fees. Check with your home country U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A visa issuance fee will also be owing upon approval. Interviews are required for those between the ages of 14 and 79.

Visa Waiver Pilot Program

Currently, 37 countries participate in a U.S. Visa Waiver Pilot (VWP) program that does not require a visa to enter our country for short term travel and tourism. Participants can only stay a maximum of 90 days and cannot work, study nor change their immigration status to another category upon arrival. The participating countries now are; Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

Finally, please remember that the DHS, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have absolute discretion and authority to admit or deny any traveler requesting admission into the U.S. should they believe or determine that the traveler poses a threat to the U.S. or its entry visa paperwork is not in order. Just because you have obtained a valid visa from your home country U.S. Embassy or Consulate processing does not guarantee your entry. Border review is the final step. Inadmissibility can be for the commission of fraud, drug trafficking, smuggling, overstay on a previous visa, fraudulent document submission, criminal record or terrorism.

If this occurs to you, the CBP can detain you and put you on the next flight home, allow you remain in the airports secured area or allow you a temporary exit for a limited time to consult with an attorney. By all means seek legal consultation to explore your options for a Waiver of Inadmissibility.

We can provide such legal consultation. Contact us now!