Apply for a C1 transit visa USA
If you are traveling through the United States on your way to another country — even if it’s just a short layover at the airport — you may be required to have a C1 visa USA. Without a valid C1 visa type, airlines may deny boarding, and U.S. immigration officers will not allow to transit — even if you never leave the airport. There are no visas issued on arrival in the U.S., so advance preparation is critical.
Our team provides professional C-1 visa support — from checking C1 visa requirements to preparing your DS-160 form,, scheduling your interview, assembling your documents, and coaching you for a successful consular appointment.
What is a C-1 transit visa and who needs it?
The C1 visa category is a short-term, nonimmigrant visa for foreign nationals who are passing through the United States on their way to another destination country. It does not allow entry for tourism or work and is required even for brief airport transfers. You need a C-1 visa if:
- You are flying to Latin America, Asia, or the Caribbean with a stop in the U.S.
- You are traveling to Canada or Mexico and your trip attaches in an U.S. city fresh York, Miami, or Chicago.
- You are returning from abroad and travelling through the U.S. en route to your home nation.
- You are a seafarer or crew member transferring between vessels at a U.S. port.
Citizens of countries without a U.S. visa waiver agreement must obtain a C-1 in advance. Even if you’re in transit for just a few hours and do not plan to exit the airport — the visa is mandatory. Knowing the C1 visa processing time is also crucial, because delays can disrupt entire travel plan.
What happens if you don’t have a C-1 visa?
Unfortunately, a valid flight itinerary and visa to your final destination are not enough. Without a C-1 visa:
— The airline may refuse to let you board the plane.
— U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will deny entry at the airport.
— You risk losing your travel plans, money, and booking reservations.
— You may be marked with a visa denial or violation in the U.S. system.
It is your obligation to have the correct visa prior to boarding. If you plan to change your immigration path later, you should also understand whether C1 visa adjustment of status is available in your case. We are below to make that procedure quickly, lawful, and worry-free.
What we do for you?
Our experienced visa consultants guide you through the entire process:
- Assess your traveling course and verify visa needs.
- Properly full and submit DS-160 kind in English.
- Produce visa profile and pay the United State consular charge.
- Help gather supporting documents: tickets, visas for destination country, financial proof.
- Arrange interview at the closest U.S. embassy or consular office.
- Prepare for the interview with individualized training.
If your trip is urgent, we can offer priority processing and help find the earliest available appointment dates.
ConclusionUnclear if you require a C-1 visa? Currently have tickets reserved and not exactly sure what to do next? Contact us today. We'll evaluate situation, detail the needed records, and help begin the procedure immediately.