U.S Visa

[shifty]

Hi guy's,

Yesterday I got my Maersk contract through the post which I was pleased with.

For some reason I have to sort out my own visa for the USA which includes an interview at the U.S Embassy in London.

I have worked overseas before in other industries and never had to do this.

Is this normal in the MN ?

What can I expect ?

Any hints, tips or advice would be fandabydozy

[Chiefy]

Re: U.S Visa

Have you read the letter correctly? Normally they send you the paperwork and the proofs you require. They cannt organise anything because of the way the yanks are now dishing out Visa's.

Your need a C1/D to be a seafarer with Maersk for 2 reasons, they use it as an informal security check and if they send you to a ship running to the states YOU HAVE to have a Visa BEFORE you arrive, if you are sent to join in the States YOU HAVE to have the visa to get into the country and join a ship.

I would give Newcastle a call and talk to....I cant remeber her name, but the cadet training officer, she will help and guide you. Dont worry the interview is easy, last time I went the asked me if I was "a bit young to be a Chief Engineer" I was 35 at the time!!!!

[shifty]

Re: U.S Visa

Thank's Chiefy

Just got a reply e-mail from HR saying that they are waiting for a response from the yanks as to what to put on the on line application.

In other words, on the application there are things that us new cadets simply don't know:

Address in the U.S
Contact in the U.S
Address of Contact in the U.S
Length of stay
date of arrival.

obviously with official documents like visa applications, any sections which are not filled in correctly will lead to a failed application, which nobody wants.

Also, on my Discharge Book application form they have entered my first trip vessel as the Maersk Gateshead which is the same vessel as the cadets boarded in the documentary on Scottish TV.

Is this a coincidence or all the Maersk Cadets to go on the Gateshead for thier first voyage.

I have heard whispers on here of that, but when I asked HR they said it would not be decided until closer to the time

[Chiefy]

Re: U.S Visa

Nope they just pick a ship, it's just so that Cardiff know you are actually employed by Maersk (Seafarers Documentation Department.... erm Register of Seamen)

You'll go where there is a space and coincidental port call nearer the time of the trip, ie first trip due next week you could come to the Kinloss with me

Some ships are better suited to cadets than others ie more accomodation etc, and some senior officers are more "cadet friendly" than others, all these things get factored in, as first trip you might be sent with another cadet either one more senior (ie not first trip) or with another first tripper to keep you company so you go throught he same things together

I forgot it was on-line now, we used to just send them on paper with the passport, then go for the interview (which takes all day-------but only cos of the waiting around not an interview taking all day )

Then they send it back a few days later, Visa is valid for 10 years so not great hardship

/me goes to check his is still valid now you mention it!!!!!!!!!

[size4riggerboots]

Re: U.S Visa

Ahh Visa Day, I remember that... hint, don't get really hammered the night before, it makes the whole process soo much more painful!!

We had to get a C1/D "just in case" we got sent to America, when I got mine I had no idea what ships I'd be going on or where I was going, so, with regard to what to put on the online form... I put..

Address in the U.S - Holland America Line, Onboard ship, (Chiltern have vauge affiliations with Viking, in the end I was on the QM2 with Cunard, so I guess it really doesn't matter)
Contact in the U.S - Holland America line, (no address, no phone number, just the name)
Address of Contact in the U.S- blank
Length of stay - blank
date of arrival. - blank

So, basicly, if you're with Maersk, put Maersk!!

Other bits..
Present occupation - Trainee Deck Officer
What is the purpose of your trip? - On-ship training, to gain sea experience/
Who will pay for your trip? - Holland America Line!

And remember, when they ask

Do you seek to enter the US to engage in export control violations, subversive or terrorist activities, or any other unlawful purpose? Are you a member or representative of a terrorist organisation as currently designated by the US secretary of State? Have you ever participated in persecutions directed by the Nazi Government of Germany; or have you ever participated in genocide?

say no!!!!

The interview is pretty short, but as Cheify said, the waiting is interminable, take a good book! One bluner I made was to take a photo that had been printed by a computer, big no no, I got sent to the photo booth (cue spending far too muchmoney on the worst photo of me ever (massive hangover)). So take a proper photo in the first place!!

Enjoy!!!!

[shifty]

Re: U.S Visa

Thank's size 4,

The forms are online only now which is a bit odd.

And as is the case with on line forms you have to put answers in certain sections before they let you move on to the following section. Which means I can not get to the end of the damn thing.

Anyway The Borg are currently in talks with the U.S Embassy with regard's of what to put in certain situations.

Got plenty time so it should not be an issue. I just like to get things done ASAP.

[size4riggerboots]

Re: U.S Visa

Yeah, I did the form online... just write unknown if it demands an answer.

[GuinnessMan]

Re: U.S Visa

Ours was fairly easy.

We filled in all the forms, sent them and passport off to Clyde Marine who arranged everything for us. Sent us all down to London in a bus for our interview. Was fairly easy, they just ask how long you've been a cadet for, how its all going, etc.

Out of curiosity, which company is known as "the Borg"?

[Chiefy]

Re: U.S Visa

c.

Out of curiosity, which company is known as "the Borg"?

Seven
white
points
star


arrange to fit

[size4riggerboots]

Re: U.S Visa

You really can't bring yourself to say it can you!?!

Scuba- The name has been mentioned on this thread already...

[CharlieDelta]

Re: U.S Visa

REKAMS, again arrange to fit.

Why are we being so cryptic then?

[Malim Sahib]

Re: U.S Visa

It's a bit like actors refusing to refer to "the Scottish play" by name - if you do then bad things will probably happen!

[dawg]

Re: U.S Visa

c.

Out of curiosity, which company is known as "the Borg"?

Seven
white
points
star


arrange to fit

A risky haiku

[GuinnessMan]

Re: U.S Visa

Im a bit dim sorry, at least I know now!

[WillB a-e]

Re: U.S Visa

Does everyone need a US Visa?
In my joining instructions from Anglo-Eastern, in the 'cadet personal profile' it has a place to put a US Visa number. However there is no other mention of it, I'm sailing with PIL (UK) Ltd which is mostly based in Asia and Africa I believe.
Should I get 1, or do I wait and see what the voyage is for my 1st sea phase and only get 1 if I need it??

Many thanks for useful info,
Will