If you are a non-U.S. resident and you are working on a yacht that navigates the United States waters, you need to have a B1/B2 visa. This visa allows non-U.S. yacht crew to work safely aboard a yacht and comply with the U.S. laws.
B visa is one of a category of non-immigrant visas issued by the United States government to foreign nationals seeking entry for a temporary period.
The B-1 visa is issued to those who seek entry for business purposes such as:
Consult with business associates
Attend a scientific, educational, professional, business convention or conference
Settle an estate
Negociate a contract
The B-2 visa is issued to those who seek entry for tourism or other non-business purposes such as:
Tourism
Vacation
Visit with friends or relatives
Medical treatment
Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
Participation by amateurs in musical, sports or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating.
Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree.
The Yacht Crew will generally receive a combination of B1 and B2 visa.
Requirements for the B1/B2 Visa:
Own a valid passport
Stay in the US for less than 180 days
Can’t work in the USA
Won’t immigrate to the USA
You already have a permanent residence in your home country
Validity period and duration of stay
A B-1/B-2 visa has a validity period (from 1 month to 10 years), allowing for multiple entries into the U.S., and elicits a period of stay (maximum 6 months).
* All information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or do not guarantee most up-to-date information either. For further information please contact the U.S. Embassy.