The D-1 visa is intended for seafarers and crew members who wish to enter the U.S. to perform their professional duties on ships, aircraft, or other transportation vehicles engaged in international or commercial flights and voyages. This visa allows holders to enter the country for a limited period, provided they are crew members working on a transportation vehicle recognized by U.S. authorities.

Seafarers or crew traveling on a D-1 visa are not permitted to engage in other professional activities in the U.S. beyond their work related to their ship or aircraft. The duration of stay with this visa is limited and depends on the length of the mission or voyage, generally not exceeding 29 days.

The D-1 visa permits holders to remain temporarily in the U.S. and stay for the required time, following legal procedures applicable to ship and aircraft crews. After their stay in the U.S., seafarers or crew members are required to depart and return to their work outside the U.S. or travel to other countries.

The D-1 visa does not allow holders to undertake any other employment in the U.S. besides their duties as crew members. Spouses and children of D-1 visa holders can travel with them on a D-2 visa, a dependent visa for crew family members, but they are also not permitted to work in the U.S.