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U.S. Immigration requirements for crew

Discussion in 'Yacht Crews' started by goplay, Mar 26, 2008.

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  1. goplay, Mar 26, 2008
    #1
    goplay

    goplay Senior Member

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    What are the immigration requirements for foreign nationals of a US flagged vessel that enters the US?

    Other than the general requirements, do they need to have a working visa since they are employed by the vessel? To keep it simple, assume the foreign national is from a EU or Commonwealth country (CDA, Australia, etc). Assume also, that the crew are being paid directly by vessel owners who are US nationals.

    If no special visa is required, I assume they are allowed in the country for a maximum amount time, 6 months?

    Would it make any difference if the crew were paid by a foreign company instead of the US flagged/owned vessel?
  2. Garry Hartshorn, Mar 26, 2008
    #2
    Garry Hartshorn

    Garry Hartshorn Senior Member

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    To work on a US flagged vessel in US waters you must be a US citizen or hold a green card, if in command of vessel you must be a citizen.
  3. Marmot, Mar 26, 2008
    #3
    Marmot

    Marmot Senior Member

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    To work on a US flagged vessel in ANY waters 75 percent of the crew must be U.S. citizens or hold a green card. All licensed officers must be U.S. citizens unless the vessel is an uninspected passenger vessel of less than 5 tons.
  4. goplay, Mar 26, 2008
    #4
    goplay

    goplay Senior Member

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    Thanks... I suspected the Jones Act would have a bearing on this.