C Visa or Transit Visa is issued to foreign nationals in transit through the US. For example, if you’re traveling to a foreign country and must stop in the US, you will require a transit Visa.
Just like other US non-immigrant visas, the C Visa has eligibility requirements and Application procedures, which will be discussed in this article.
What is US Transit Visa?
C Visa is a non-immigrant US visa for foreign nationals traveling continuously through the US on a stopover while in transit to a foreign destination.
Most foreign nationals need a transit visa for a layover in the US, aside from citizens of some countries who do not need a visa to enter the US.
The C Visa only permits you for a short stay in the US before you make a move to your next destination.
As a traveler, if you decide to visit a friend or go for an excursion in the US, you are required to apply for other visas like B1 or B2 visas—C visas don’t grant such privileges.
Which Countries Require Transit Visa
Citizens of foreign countries that do not belong to the following categories will most likely require a Transit Visa for a stopover in the US.
- The 38 countries under the US Visa Waiver Program. Refer to this article for the full list.
- Mexico and Canada (for NAFTA Professional Workers)
- Bermuda and Canada
However, if you hold another valid US Visa type, you are not required to have a C visa for a layover in the US because the Visa already permits you to enter the US.
C Visa Requirements
To be eligible for a U.S. C visa, you must meet one of the following requirements.
- You must be a foreign national in transit to your final destination. The US cannot be your final destination
- A foreign government official in transit through the US for a work-related function.
- You must be a United Nations official in transit to the United Nations headquarters in New York City.
Types of C Visa in the US
The following are the types of C visas in the US:
1. C1 Visa
The C1 Visa is a general Transit Visa issued to foreigners passing through the US to their final destination.
2. C2 Visa
The C2 Visa is a Transit Visa issued to United Nations officials traveling to the UN headquarters in New York City.
3. C3 Visa
A C3 visa is a Transit Visa issued to foreign government officials in transit through the US.
To be eligible for the C3 transit Visa, holders must be travelling for work-related purposes.
How To Get C Visa
To get a C visa, you must first apply by following these easy steps:
1. Complete Form DS-160
Ensure you correctly fill out Form DS-160 with your personal information.
After completing the form, you’re required to print out the confirmation page.
If you need help filling out the Form, you can contact a trusted third-party immigration expert like immigly.com.
2. Pay for Your Transit Visa
You are required to pay the nonrefundable transit Visa fee of $160.
There might be extra charges depending on the type of C Visa you’re applying for.
Keep your receipt after making payment.
3. Schedule an Interview
You might be required to attend an interview with the US Embassy.
It is advisable to schedule an interview early enough to avoid delay.
4. Compile the Required Documents
You’re required to compile the following documents before your Transit Visa Interview.
- Form DS-160 Confirmation page
- Your Valid Passport
- 2 photographs by the US Visa photo requirements
- Travel itinerary
- Travel Visa fee receipt
- Your social media handles
- Proof that you’re permitted to enter the country of your final destination
- Travelers who are HIV positive are required to present a medical report showing their health condition
- Evidence showing that you will not exceed the time limit of your C visa.
5. Go for Your Transit Visa Interview
You’re required to attend a Transit Visa Interview with the US Embassy.
Ensure you go with the required documents listed above.
How Long Does it take to process a Transit Visa?
It could take up to 5 working days to process a Transit Visa.
However, it all depends on the workload of the US embassy where you applied.
If you don’t get your C visa after 5 working days, do not panic.
You will be contacted by the US Embassy as soon as your C visa is ready.
How Long Am I Permitted to Stay in the US With a Transit Visa?
You are only permitted to stay for 29 days or until the departure date in your ticket, whichever comes first.
Can I Bring my Family with the US Transit Visa
If you intend to bring your family while in transit through the US, they must also have their C Visas.
Dependents of a C Visa holder are not issued a different Visa.
Can I Change the US C Visa Status
No, you cannot change the US C Visa status to a green card or other non-immigrant visa.
Conclusion
The US Transit Visa is usually for a short period. It is only for those transiting through the US.
Therefore, you cannot visit friends, study, or work with a US Transit Visa.
However, there are other Visa types that give you such privileges.
You can check them out in our previous article on US Visa types
