C1 Transit Visa Information:
Transit visa is also called as the C1 visa. If you fail to obtain a transit visa (C1 Visa) and do not produce one when required, you may not be allowed to board the airline. Therefore, make sure you have the proper travel documents. There are three types of transit visas (C1 Visa) :
- C1 Visa, which is the General Transit visa,
- C1 Transit Visa, and
- C3 Visa, which is the Foreign Government travel visa.
How to Apply For C1 Transit Visa:
You have to fill the USCIS Form DS-156 (non-immigrant visa application form), DS – 157 (Supplemental non-immigrant visa application form) and submit it along with your visa fees, photograph, evidence of residence abroad and other documents. You also need to submit a passport valid for travel to America and it should have validity of at least 6 months beyond the period you intend to stay.
If you don’t need a visa, then show evidence that you do not require a visa. You also have to show your flight or ship ticket or proof of your transport arrangement to your intended destination. You also need to show financial documents to prove your capacity to meet the cost of transit.
Certain additional documents may be necessary in the case of the following people:
- HIV positive persons
- Persons who have been prior arrested or convicted in the US.
Eligibility For C1 Transit Visa:
If any foreign national is travelling to another foreign country via the USA, he/she is eligible for this C1 Transit Visa.
Length of Stay and Extension For C1 Transit Visa Holders:
You cannot extend the stay beyond the time permitted in the C1 Transit Visa. If you want to extend your stay, apply for the appropriate B-1 or B-2 Visa.
C1 Transit Visa Holders Whether Qualified to Apply for other Visas & Citizenship:
You cannot apply for dependent visa on a C1 Transit Visa. Each person in the family has to apply for a separate C visa. You cannot do any of the following things on a C1 Transit Visa:
- Work or study
- Visit friends or tour the country
- Apply for greencard or adjustment of status
- Change to any other non-immigrant status
Also this is a single entry visa. So, if you leave the country and want to re-enter again for the purpose of transit, you have to apply for the C1 Transit Visa again.
In which case your C1 Transit Visa Application will be Rejected:
If you are transiting through US because you have been deported by another country, you will not be a transit without a visa whether you are with or without an escort. You may be paroled for the same.
Conclusion on C1 Transit Visa:
There is always a heavy demand for US Visas. So apply well in advance for your C1 Transit Visa as the processing times differ in different countries. In some places like India, you have to wait for several months before you get C1 Transit Visa. |
