▷ US transit visa - Type C - Complete guide【2026】| Lluis Law

Foreign nationals transiting through the US must have a transit C visa, even if they only plan to make a stopover in the country.

This visa allows temporary entry into the United States only during a stopover while traveling to another country.

Some foreigners do not require this visa. For example, those with a B-1 visa or an ESTA permit.

To determine this accurately, it is best to consult with our immigration lawyers in Los Angeles.

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Table of Contents

How to get a US C transit visa in 2026?

To obtain a type C transit visa for the United States, you must follow these steps:

Determine if the C visa is the most appropriate type of US visa for you. That is, if you will only be stopping over in the US and don’t plan to stay longer, you can apply for it.
Complete Form DS-160 online .
Pay the corresponding fee for your application.
Schedule an appointment with the US embassy or consulate in your home country.
Gather all necessary documentation and requirements.
Attend the interview.

What types of C visas exist in the United States?

There are 3 categories of C visas, which vary depending on the reason for transit:

C-1 Visa: For foreigners making a brief stopover in the United States while traveling to another country. This is the most common transit visa.
C-2 Visa: For those transiting through the US en route to or from the United Nations Headquarters District, under the terms of the agreement with the UN. Transit is limited to the vicinity of New York City.
C-3 Visa: For foreign officials and their companions transiting through the United States on official government business.

Note: If you are an official or diplomat of a foreign government, you may also qualify for a diplomatic visa.

Who is eligible for a Type C transit visa to the US?

Foreigners eligible for a Type C transit visa include:

Individuals making a brief stopover in the US to connect to another country.
Passengers on cruise ships or other vessels temporarily stopping in the U.S. with no intention of disembarking.
Crew members traveling as passengers to join a vessel or aircraft (also require a type D visa).
Crew members who must join an international trade vessel with operations of up to 180 days.
Foreigners in transit to or from the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Who is not eligible to apply for a C transit visa?

The following are not eligible for a C visa:

Those planning to do sightseeing or personal visits during the stopover (must apply for a US tourist visa ).
Officers of foreign vessels whose vessel does not remain in US waters for more than 29 days.
Crew members of private yachts who will be staying in US waters for more than 29 days.
Employees of designated international organizations who must use a G-4 visa if assigned to the US.

If you are inadmissible to the US and are not eligible for this visa, you may be able to apply for an immigration waiver of inadmissibility. Our attorneys will help you assess your situation, file the application, and guide you through the entire process.

Other transit visa restrictions

Please note that foreigners holding any category of visa type C will not be able to do the following:

Staying in the United States longer than permitted.
Travel or study within the country.
Work as an employee in the United States.
It is also not a type of visa that allows for extension like tourist and business visas.
Apply for adjustment of status or obtain a Green Card.

What documentation is required to apply for a Type C transit visa in the US?

Among the documents you need to apply for a Type C transit visa in the United States are:

Medical letter if you have any relevant health conditions.
Police certificate if you have been arrested, warned or convicted.
Proof of legal status in the country where you are applying.
Confirmation of the appointment for the interview.
Documents explaining whether you have been deported, removed, or denied entry to the US in the past.
Recent color photograph measuring 5 x 5 cm taken within the last six months.
Information about previous US visas, if any.
Printed DS-160 confirmation page.
Valid passport, with at least six months’ validity after transit through the US and one blank page.

How long does it take to process a C visa in the US?

Approved C visa applications are typically processed within a few days, but processing times may vary depending on the case:

Standard processing: 3 to 5 business days, plus an additional 2 to 3 days for passport delivery.
Interview Waiver Program: Approximately 10 business days from receipt of application.
Additional administrative procedures: This may take at least 60 days or even more than 6 months.
Ineligibility Waiver: The process can take up to 8 months.

Important tips about the C transit visa

Prepare in advance: The consulate may request additional documents. Bring proof that your entry is for transit only.
Demonstrate ties to your country: Include evidence of employment, family, or residence.
Prove financial solvency: Show that you can cover expenses during the stopover or who will cover them.
Don’t buy tickets yet: Wait until you have your visa before making final plans.
Carry both passports: If your visa is in an expired passport, travel with that one and your new valid one.

How long can I get a US transit visa?

The US transit visa is generally issued for a maximum period of 29 days and only allows for one stopover.

As a result, it is not designed for additional activities or a longer stay than necessary to continue your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About the US Type C Transit Visa

Visa of passage through the United States

How much does a transit visa to the United States cost?

The cost to apply for a transit visa to the United States is $185.

What can I do if my C-1 visa application was denied?

If your previous application for a C-1 transit visa in the US was denied, you will need to re-apply for a new interview.

Generally When a visa application is denied, it is usually because you did not demonstrate to the consular officer that you qualify for a nonimmigrant visa.

Do I need a visa to transit through the US.?

In certain cases, you may be able to transit through the US without a C visa. For example, citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require one.

What is the difference between a C-1 visa and a D visa?

The C-1 visa allows transit through the US, while the D visa is intended for crew members working on ships or airplanes.

However, sometimes when transiting through the US is required to join the crew, a combined C1/D visa is issued, provided the applicant’s country allows it.

Contact our Los Angeles, California immigration attorneys today to apply for a C type transit visa.

Now that you know which visa you need for a stopover in the United States, you should keep in mind that applying for one can be as complex as applying for any other visa.

Therefore, we recommend that you contact our Los Angeles immigration attorneys at Lluis Law for a personalized consultation.

We’re here to guide you through the process and maximize your chances of having your application successfully approved.