Crewman (Immigration): Legal Insights and Definitions Explained

Definition & Meaning

A crewman is a foreign national who works on a vessel or aircraft, performing essential duties for its operation. Crewmen are allowed to enter the United States for a maximum of twenty-nine days, with no option for extensions. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), there are two main categories of crewmen:

  • D1: Crewmen who depart the United States with the same vessel or aircraft they arrived on, or with another vessel or aircraft.
  • D2: Crewmen who leave Guam with the vessel they arrived on.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A crewman arrives in the U.S. on a cruise ship to assist with operations. They are allowed to stay for twenty-nine days and must leave with the ship when it departs.

Example 2: A crewman working on a cargo plane arrives in Guam and must leave with the same aircraft after completing their duties. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Description Difference
Passenger A person traveling on a vessel or aircraft who is not part of the crew. Passengers do not perform operational duties and have different immigration requirements.
Seaman A member of the crew of a ship. Seamen may have different legal statuses and rights compared to crewmen under immigration law.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are a crewman entering the U.S., ensure you understand your classification and the duration of your stay. It is advisable to keep all necessary documentation ready for inspection. If you need assistance with immigration forms or procedures, consider using US Legal Forms for reliable legal templates. For complex situations, seeking professional legal advice is recommended.

Quick facts

  • Typical stay: Twenty-nine days
  • Categories: D1 and D2
  • Legal reference: Immigration and Nationality Act

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

The maximum stay is twenty-nine days.