Announcement of the Creation of a Lightering Visa Classification

State Department, Sept. 5, 2024

"Starting on September 5, 2024, the Department will begin implementing two new visa classifications for noncitizens seeking to transit the United States to join a vessel engaged in foreign trade and undertaking lightering activities for a period not to exceed 180 days.  Lightering is the ship-to-ship transfer of liquid cargo.  The new visa classification permitting transit to join a lightering vessel is the C-4 visa.  The new visa classification permitting crewmembers to perform lightering activities is the D-3 visa.  Additionally, applicants may be eligible for a combination C-4/D-3 visa.  Unlike C-1 and C-1/D visa holders whose stay in the United States cannot exceed 29 days, C-4, D-3, and C-4/D-3 visa holders are allowed to stay in the United States for a period not to exceed 180 days."