C-1 Transit Visa — United States

The C-1 transit visa allows you to pass through the United States while traveling to another country. Your entry must be brief and tied directly to an immediate and continuous trip abroad.

Who this visa covers

You qualify for a C-1 transit visa if your only purpose for entering the United States is transit to another country.

This visa is for foreign citizens who:

• Have a final destination outside the United States
• Plan a short layover in the United States
• Intend to continue their trip without delay

Your stop must connect directly to onward travel. You can't use this visa for tourism or to remain in the country beyond what's needed for transit.

The U.S. Department of State manages visa applications and interviews. You'll need to complete Form DS-160 and follow Department of State procedures.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not issue transit visas. Visa issuance happens through a U.S. embassy or consulate.

What transit entry permits

A C-1 visa permits you to enter the United States solely to continue travel to another country.

It allows:

• Entry for a short layover
• Travel directly connected to your onward international trip
• Presence in the United States only as long as necessary for immediate transit

It does not allow you to:

• Stay for tourism or personal visits
• Change your purpose to a Visitor/Tourist stay
• Remain in the United States beyond your transit period

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determines your admission at the port of entry and confirms that your purpose matches transit only.

You must pay a fixed application fee and plan for consular processing times, which vary by location and visa category. Processing can range from a few weeks to many months, depending on where you apply.

Application fees

The $185 nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV) applies to a C‑1 transit visa. This covers review of your DS‑160 and your visa interview with the U.S. Department of State.

You pay this fee through the U.S. Department of State’s visa appointment system. USCIS does not process C‑1 visa applications unless a separate petition-based classification applies.

The MRV fee is required whether you apply for a C‑1 transit visa alone or a combined C‑1/D crew visa.

Typical processing windows

Processing time includes two main stages:

1. DS‑160 and interview appointment availability

Visa issuance after your interview

For the Crew and Transit (C, D, C1/D) category, published processing estimates range from about 0.5 months to 14 months as of February

1. Actual timing depends on the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.

After visa approval, many applicants receive their passport with the visa within 2 to 8 weeks, depending on local courier and consular workload.

Processing times change frequently. Always verify current estimates directly with the U.S. Department of State for your specific consulate before making travel plans.

You must meet specific documentary and procedural requirements before a consular officer can issue a C-1 transit visa. You also need to follow the correct application steps through the U.S. Department of State and review official guidance from USCIS.

Who can apply

You may apply for a C-1 transit visa if you're seeking to pass through the United States in transit and you qualify under a nonimmigrant visa category processed through Form DS-160.

At minimum, you need:

• A completed Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
• A passport valid for travel to the United States
• Compliance with the specific instructions for your visa category

All nonimmigrant applicants, including those applying for K visa classifications, must submit Form DS-160.

The U.S. Department of State handles visa interviews and issuance. USCIS provides official forms and category-specific instructions. Download the current C-1 form and review the instructions directly from the USCIS website before you begin.

Follow official instructions

You must follow the official instructions for your eligibility category before completing any forms. Avoid using outdated versions or third-party summaries.

Take these steps:

1. Download the current C-1 form and instructions from the USCIS website.

2. Review the eligibility requirements for your specific classification.

3. Complete Form DS-160 accurately and in full.

The U.S. Department of State manages consular processing, including the visa interview. Always verify procedural updates directly with the Department of State and USCIS to ensure you use the correct forms and follow the current requirements.

You apply for a C-1 transit visa by submitting an online application and attending an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

You must complete Form DS-160 accurately and participate in the U.S. Department of State’s interview process.

Complete the online application

Start with the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160). This form collects your biographic information, travel plans, and background details.

Submit the form electronically. Save and print the confirmation page—you’ll need it for your interview.

Follow these steps:

1. Access the DS-160 through the U.S. Department of State’s platform.

2. Answer every question truthfully and completely.

3. Review your entries carefully before submitting.

Save your application ID as soon as you begin. The system lets you retrieve your form for a limited time, but finishing it in one session helps avoid errors or lost data.

If you encounter technical issues or need clarification on the form, refer to the U.S. Department of State’s official guidance.

Interview scheduling and submission

After submitting Form DS-160, schedule a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Bring the required documents to your appointment, including:

• DS-160 confirmation page
• Appointment confirmation
• Any supporting evidence requested by the consulate

Each embassy or consulate may have specific document requirements and procedures. For fee details, refer to the U.S. Department of State’s published fee information.

Attend the interview in person. A consular officer will review your application and decide whether to issue the C-1 transit visa.

Admission to the United States is still subject to inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry.

A consular officer from the U.S. Department of State reviews your Form DS-160, supporting documents, and interview responses for accuracy and consistency.

Even small errors can delay or end your application.

What consular officers evaluate

The officer compares every detail in your DS-160 to your passport and supporting records.

Names, birth dates, passport numbers, and travel details must match exactly.

You must answer all security and background questions completely. Leaving sections blank or providing partial answers can result in a request for more evidence or a denial.

Officers also check that your stated purpose aligns with a C-1 transit visa, not a Visitor/tourist classification. Your answers must show you intend to transit through the United States.

They look for internal consistency across documents and statements.

If you previously filed any applications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), make sure the information remains consistent with your current DS-160.

Consequences of inconsistencies

Inconsistent information raises credibility concerns. Officers may pause processing to review discrepancies.

Common issues include:

• Misspelled names or reversed digits in passport numbers
• Different travel dates listed on documents
• Incomplete security disclosures

Even minor differences can lead to refusal if you can’t resolve them.

Failure to answer all background questions fully can trigger a request for more evidence or result in denial. You carry the burden of providing accurate and complete information the first time.

Before submitting the DS-160 and attending your interview, verify that every detail matches your passport and supporting documents.