Crew Visa Program (CVP)
- Translation:
- Bahasa Indonesia
CVP REGISTRATION:
Crewing agencies that lawfully operate within Indonesia can apply to join the CVP at U.S. Embassy Jakarta and/or U.S. Consulate Surabaya. The CVP screens preregistered, reputable crewing agencies and more efficiently handles their crewmember (C1/D) visa applicants at special times. Crewing agencies submit the following documents via email to jaksea@state.gov Additionally, please drop off the hardcopy versions of these documents to the consular section, 1300-1400 any workday.
Agency Information:
- List the crew agent’s company name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and email address.
- State how long the agency has been in operation.
- Describe any current or past affiliation with any other crew agencies.
Carrier Information:
- List all carriers for whom the agency recruits crewmembers, including a contact with complete mailing address, telephone/fax numbers and email address.
- Provide the name and types of vessels for which the agency recruits crewmembers.
- List and describe the crewmembers’ positions.
(After becoming a CVP member, please update the aforementioned information if it changes.)
Authorized Agency Officer: Provide the names, dates of birth, positions, mailing addresses, telephone/fax numbers, email addresses, photographs and sample signatures for a primary contact, an alternate contact, a liaison officer, and an authorized person to sign the Verification letter.
Affiliations: For each of the agency’s executives, list any/all past or current affiliations with any other crewing agencies.
Verification Letter: List and describe security features in the agency’s letter that verifies its legitimate C1/D visa applicants. Provide a Sample Verification Letter (PDF, size 17 KB). Each cover letter must bear a unique serial number in the following format: year-xx. It must be signed by an authorized agency officer. If contacted, this agency officer must be able to confirm an applicant’s name and assignment from the serial number on the cover letter. Each applicant’s verification letter must contain:
- Port and date of Embarkation: where and when the crewmember will join the ship;
- Port and date of Entry: where and when the ship will first enter the U.S.;
License: Submit evidence of the agency’s permission to lawfully conduct business in Indonesia. The agency’s SIUP and/or notarized Akta must indicate that the company recruits crew in Indonesia.
Carrier’s Signed Contract: Submit singed contract between the carrier and the crewing agency showing relationship.
Sample Crewmember Carrier-Employment Contract: A C1/D visa applicant must be able to, upon request, show this contract to a consular officer.
Signed Certification: Please sign and return the Certification. (PDF, size 13KB)
CVP APPROVAL:
If a crewing agent passes the first step in the CVP registration process, consular staff will meet with the agency staff at the latter’s office.
Consular staff will review each CVP registration request after the agency site visit and notify the agency of our determination. We reserve the right to make the final determination of participation in the CVP.
Once a crewing agency is approved for the CVP, the agent may prepare its crewmembers for visa appointments by following the instructions under “How to apply for a C1/D Visa” below.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A C1/D VISA:
All visa applicants must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the consul that they are fully qualified under all applicable sections of U.S. law. Approved visas will generally be ready for pickup seven days after the appointment. Applications submitted under the CVP may still be subject to additional processing that may delay visa approval, as well as additional inspection by the Department of Homeland Security at U.S. ports of entry.
Crewing agents must email a Name List (PDF, size 7KB) of applicants for whom they will request appointments one week in advance to jaksea@state.gov every Monday before 12 noon.
Each agent must pay individual C-1/D visa fees at designated Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) or Permata Bank branches. Visa fee receipts for CVP applicants will contain the CVP applicant’s and not the CVP agency’s, data. Since a unique user ID and pin will be received for each applicant at the time of payment , agents will need to time C-1/D visa fee payments to a specific visa applicant’s appointment. CVP agents may pay C-1/D visa fees up to six months in advance. Each agent must use one payment slip per each C-1/D visa applicant. Please see Payment Guidance and CVP Q&A (bottom of this page) for additional guidance on visa fee payment.
Once payment is complete, agents will log on to our appointment system website at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/id/. Once agents send us their applicant list, they will receive an e-mail informing them which slots and dates they have been assigned. The Embassy will no longer be entering appointments into the system for manning agents. Each agent is now responsible for entering the names into the new appointment system into the slots that are reserved for them. All CVP members will receive a login and access code (separate from the code their seafarer’s receive) to access our new appointment system website. Payment is required in full before agents can access this new appointment system.
Agents submit crewmember visa documents on Thursdays at 10:00 am, the day after we receive the emailed Name List (PDF, size 7KB). These documents include a completed DS-160 (completed online) confirmation page, and visa fee payment receipt, for each applicant.
Crewmember appointments are usually on every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, except on American and Indonesian holidays. Applicants must arrive by their scheduled appointment time.
VISA DOCUMENTS:
All visa applicants must complete an Electronic Non-Immigrant Visa Application DS-160 online and bring the confirmation page to the Embassy. Applicants with incomplete DS-160 applications will be turned away. Either the applicant or agent can complete the forms, but if the agent completes an applicant’s forms, both the agent and the applicant must sign and verify the form’s accuracy and completeness.
Seaman’s Book: Should be valid beyond the expiration date of the employment contract and all prior seamen’s books. Crewmembers must submit official report of loss if they are unable to submit.
Verification Letter: Each applicant must have a Verification Letter (PDF, size 17KB) and an employment contract with original signatures.
School and Employment Documents: Applicants who have served on two or fewer international ships must submit school transcripts, proof of training, and verification letters from previous employers.
Training Certificates: Applicants must show proof of training relevant to being a crewman aboard an ocean-going vessel.
Job Descriptions: If taking an unusual or uncommon position, including whether the position is temporary or permanent.
Each applicant must bring the colored appointment card, and all passports and old seaman’s books.
Agents must ensure that visa applicants come prepared for their interview. Bring original contracts as well as any other documents that will make clear their situation. We expect that successful visa applicants can talk freely about their work experience and all aspects of any prior visas.
Quick Links and Downloadable Documents for Agents and Their Crewmembers:
- Sample Verification Letter (PDF, size 17KB)
- Crewmember Name List for Intake Session (PDF, size 7KB)
- Signed Certification (PDF, size 13KB)
- Step By Step Procedure of US Embassy Visa Fee Payment in English (PDF, size 308KB) or in Bahasa Indonesia (PDF, size 312KB)
- Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160)
VISA PICK UP INFORMATION:
Successful visa applicants are given instructions on when to pick up their visa from a location selected through our online appointment system. The US Embassy no longer returns visaed passports directly to applicants. Agents may pick up visaed passports for their applicants.
Unsuccessful visa applicants receive an information sheet that explains what happened and what is needed, if anything, to complete the application.
Some travelers are also subject to special registration procedures when they enter and leave the U.S. You will be told whether these procedures apply to you by the immigration inspector when you arrive. You can also find information on the special registration program.
To inquire about the status of a visa application, agents only please email jaksea@state.gov.
CVP DETAILS:
Agents must keep records on all crewmembers who have obtained U.S. visas. We may ask agents to provide information on specific visa applicants or how many currently hold valid U.S. visas, how many are currently on ships, or how many are no longer on ships.
It is important to submit applications only for trained/experienced sailors. An applicant who cannot explain the details of the visa application – including relevant experience – will be looked upon suspiciously. Agents should ensure that all personnel are listed at www.pelaut.go.id.
CVP agencies must prescreen their applicants for issues that might result in visa problems. For example, applicants who have lived or worked in the U.S. illegally or who have been deported should not apply. Such ineligible applicants waste everyone’s time and reflect badly on the reputation of their agent. If there is a potential issue related to a particular applicant, you should discuss this with us before submitting an application for that crewmember.
Applicants who before were ineligible for a U.S. visa must acknowledge it on their applications. A prior refusal does not automatically disqualify a crewmember, but neglecting to disclose/admit the prior refusal (Question 31) will disqualify him/her. Honesty, accuracy, and completeness are of utmost importance.
If a crewing agent wishes to recruit personnel for a different shipping line, the agent must amend the terms of its CVP registration before submitting these applications. Agents should submit the following information to jaksea@state.gov in order to complete the registration process for the new principal:
- Company name, telephone number, fax number, and name of contact person;
- Vessel names, flags, types and tonnages; and
- Signed agreement between agency and new principal.
Agents are responsible for keeping track of their crewmembers with U.S. visas obtained under the CVP. The moment a crewmember resigns, the agent must email jaksea@state.gov with the applicant’s name, passport number, and date of birth. The agent must present the crewmember’s passport to us for visa cancellation as soon as possible. If a crewmember has joined another crewing company, the agent should provide the following information to jaksea@state.gov in order to determine whether or not the C1/D visa needs to be cancelled and reissued: name of crewmember’s new principal; crewmember's former position; crewmember's new position; date terminated with your company; and date signed on with new company.
Every agent’s participation in the CVP is conditional. We monitor every agent’s performance and reserve the right to limit, suspend or terminate participation in the CVP. If a crewing agent does not abide by CVP guidelines, we will suspend that agent. After the suspension period, we will interview the suspended agent to determine whether or not the agency requalifies for the CVP. If we determine that the agent is no longer qualified for the CVP, the agent will be terminated from the CVP. The agent may re-apply for the CVP after a five year termination period only if new principal officers have been put in place.
VISAS:
All visa applicants should check the accuracy of all the data printed on the visa, including name, date of birth, passport number, gender, and photo. Advise us immediately of any errors.
Indonesian citizens usually qualify for multiple entry, four year C1/D visas. The visa expiration date is the last day the bearer may seek entry to the U.S. A valid visa does not guarantee entry to the U.S., it allows the traveler to apply for entry. U.S. immigration inspectors of the Department of Homeland Security determine entry, and the length and conditions of stay. Travelers must respect the terms of their entry; if not they may be denied visas and reentry in the future. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the time you plan to depart the U.S. However, travelers may use a valid visa in an expired passport with a valid passport to seek entry to the U.S.
FAQs ABOUT THE CREW VISA PROGRAM
- Can any company in Indonesia apply to participate in the Embassy’s Crew Visa Program (CVP)?
- What are the benefits of the CVP for my company?
- What types of visas can my employees apply for when they come to the Embassy as part of the CVP?
- How long will visas for my crewmembers be valid for?
- If my employees apply for visas as part of the CVP, are they more likely to be issued visas by the Embassy?
- If my crewmembers apply for visas under the CVP, will they receive expedited processing at U.S. ports of entry when they arrive in the United States?
- What happens if an employee arrives at the Embassy without having a photograph that meets requirements?
- Once our agency registers for the CVP, how often do we need to re-register for the program?
- My new hire crewmember has a valid visa that is annotated with the name of his former vessel. Must he re-apply for a visa annotated with the name of his new vessel?
- My crewmember’s visa is annotated with the name of a principal (carrier) from whom he worked last year, and he will now work for a new principal. Does he need a new visa?
- I have a visa that is still valid in my old passport, but the passport has expired. Can I still use that visa, or do I need to get it transferred to my new passport?
- How do I fill out the deposit slips for visa fee payment at SCB and Permata Bank?
- My crewmember’s visa application requires additional processing time. May he borrow his passport to join another ship? How long does he have to return with the passport after he travels?
- What does it mean if my crewmember’s visa application requires additional processing time?
- What documents should the crewing agency submit to speed up the processing time for pending visa applications that require additional administrative processing?
- Is it true that a person who has a Muslim name or who only has one name will not be granted a U.S. visa?
- May we request U.S. visas for our crewmembers if our principals require all crewmembers to have U.S. visas, even though they may not enter U.S. waters at that time?
- If our crewmembers’ visas need further administrative processing, could you please provide an estimate time for the processing to be completed?
- Can any company in Indonesia apply to participate in the Embassy’s Crew Visa Program (CVP)?
No. Companies must be registered to operate within Indonesia as crewing agencies in accordance with applicable Indonesian law.
Back to top - What are the benefits of the CVP for my company?
The CVP provides crewing agents and their crewmembers with enhanced flexibility for the filing of their visa applications and shorter waiting periods at the Embassy for their interviews. Crew visa applicants are interviewed three days a week.
Back to top - What types of visas can my employees apply for when they come to the Embassy as part of the CVP?
Applicants may apply for crew and transit (C1/D) visas.
Back to top - How long will visas for my crewmembers be valid for?
In general, Indonesian citizens found eligible for U.S. crew and transit (C1/D) visas will be issued four-year, multiple-entry visas.
Back to top - If my employees apply for visas as part of the CVP, are they more likely to be issued visas by the Embassy?
No. The CVP merely provides crewing agents and their crewmembers with the ability to expeditiously apply for visas. All applicants must still demonstrate to the satisfaction of the interviewing Consular officer that they are fully qualified under all applicable sections of U.S. law to receive a visa. Additionally, applications submitted under the CVP may also be subject to applicable additional administrative processing requirements that may delay the approval of a visa.
Back to top - If my crewmembers apply for visas under the CVP, will they receive expedited processing at U.S. ports of entry when they arrive in the United States?
No. All visa applicants are subject to additional processing by the Department of Homeland Security at U.S. borders and ports of entry. A visa is a document issued by the U.S. Department of State that permits qualified applicants to travel to the United States and apply for permission to enter. An immigration official from the Department of Homeland Security at the port of entry is solely responsible for granting admission into the United States to all non-U.S. citizens.
Back to top - What happens if an employee arrives at the Embassy without having a photograph that meets requirements?
We will reject the application and ask the crewmember’s agent to re-submit all of the documents.
Back to top - Once our agency registers for the CVP, how often do we
need to re-register for the program?
Once the Embassy has approved an application for participation from a company, that application will remain valid unless there is an issue with their vetting process. Crewing agents are required to notify the Embassy when the following occurs:
(a) the agent is working with a new principal;
(b) the status of a crewmember who holds a U.S. visa changes (e.g. jump ship,
resign, move to another company, etc)
(c) the agent changes its personnel (e.g. primary contact person, person
authorized to sign guarantee letter, authorized liaison officers, etc.)
Additionally, the Embassy may, at its sole discretion, request additional information from CVP companies as a condition of remaining within the program.
Back to top - My new hire crewmember has a valid visa that is annotated with the name of his former vessel. Must he re-apply for a visa annotated with the name of his new vessel?
The Embassy no longer annotates visas with vessels, so this should not be an issue in the future. However, if your crewmember has a visa annotated with a former vessel’s name, s/he will have to apply for a new visa that is not annotated.
Back to top - My crewmember’s visa is annotated with the name of a principal (carrier) from whom he worked last year, and he will now work for a new principal. Does he need a new visa?
The Embassy no longer annotates visas with carrier names, so this should not be an issue in the future. However, if your crewmember has a visa annotated with a former carrier’s name, s/he will have to apply for a new visa that is not annotated.
Back to top - I have a visa that is still valid in my old passport, but the passport has expired. Can I still use that visa, or do I need to get it transferred to my new passport?
You do not need to transfer it to the new passport. Indonesians, and most other nationalities, visiting the United States must present a currently valid passport issued by their own country and a valid visa issued by the United States. As long as the visa has not expired, it can continue to be used to enter the U.S., even if the visa is in an old, expired passport. In that case, the visitor must carry both the new passport and the old passport, containing the still valid visa. [Note: To enter the United States, your crewmembers’ new/current passports must have a minimum of six (6) months validity remaining.] Anyone who wants a new visa placed in their new passport must follow the normal procedure to apply for a new visa, including paying the application fee and attending a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy.
Back to top - How do I fill out the deposit slips for visa fee payment at SCB and Permata Bank?
Deposit slips for visa fee payment should be filled out before arriving at the bank. Here are some tips for filling out the deposit slip:
Today’s Date: Provide date of payment. Visa fee payments are valid for six months.
Applicant’s Passport Number: Provide CVP agency’s six digit code. Please do not use the C-1/D visa applicant’s passport number on the deposit slips.
Applicant’s Name: Provide CVP agency’s name. Please do not provide C-1/D visa applicant’s name on the deposit slips.
Payer’s Contact Number: Provide CVP agency’s phone number.
Payer’s Name: Provide CVP agency’s name.
Payer’s Address: Provide CVP agency’s address.
Payer’s Signature: CVP representative signs.
In return, the CVP agent will be issued a receipt (a bank-processed copy of the deposit slip) for each C-1/D visa application. One receipt must be attached to each C-1/D visa application before document intake. The fee payments are tied to a specific C-1/D visa applicant and not to the CVP agency, so the agency will need to plan accordingly when arranging its visa applications. Each visa fee receipt will be valid for six months.
Back to top - My crewmember’s visa application requires additional processing time. May he borrow his passport to join another ship? How long does he have to return with the passport after he travels?
Crewmembers may borrow their passports for travel purposes while their applications are being processed. Generally, visa applicants have one year from their interview date to submit their passports for visa issuance. However, to avoid further delays, applicants should attempt to submit their passports within 120 days of their interview date.
Back to top - What does it mean if my crewmember’s visa application requires additional processing time?
In a small number of cases, the visa application is provisionally/conditionally approved, but additional processing is required. In this case, a white visa pick up card and a yellow letter is given to the applicant explaining that the agent will be contacted by the U.S. Embassy when the visa can be issued. The Consular officer will give the applicant a green letter without a visa pick up card if further documents (or an additional interview) are needed.
Back to top - What documents should the crewing agency submit to speed up the processing time for pending visa applications that require additional administrative processing?
The Embassy has no way of knowing how much longer the process might take, and there is no way to expedite it. The Embassy will contact the crewing agent if additional documents are required for the administrative processing of a crewmembers’ visa application. If documents are requested, it is important to submit them in a timely fashion.
Back to top - Is it true that a person who has a Muslim name or who only has one name will not be granted a U.S. visa?
No. We do not deny visas based on applicants’ names.
Back to top - May we request U.S. visas for our crewmembers if our principals require all crewmembers to have U.S. visas, even though they may not enter U.S. waters at that time?
Crewmembers may obtain U.S. visas even if they are joining a ship that will not travel to the United States, providing that there is high probability the crewmembers will travel to the United States in the future. However, if the U.S. visa is unused for the duration of its validly, the crewmember should be prepared to answer questions at the next visa interview with a Consular officer as to why their visas were not used.
Back to top - If our crewmembers’ visas need further administrative processing, could you please provide an estimated time for the processing to be completed?
The Embassy has no way of knowing how much longer the process might take, and there is no way to expedite it. The Embassy will contact the crewing agent if additional documents are required for the administrative processing of a crewmembers’ visa application. If documents are requested, it is important to submit them in a timely fashion.
Back to top
For more information on the CVP, please send an email to: jaksea@state.gov.
