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Work & skilled workersEffectiveMedium impactVerified

Regulatory Changes for C and D Nonimmigrant Classifications to Include Lightering Operations

🇺🇸 United StatesEntry Rules1 recorded versionLast change 11 Aug 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

The rule establishes C-4 for foreign nationals transiting the United States to join or depart a vessel on which they perform, or have performed, ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfers. It also establishes D-3 for crewmen temporarily landing in the United States solely to perform lightering duties. Qualifying C-4 and D-3 workers may be admitted or granted temporary landing privileges for up to 180 days. Lightering operations are also expressly treated as not constituting domestic vessel employment for immigration purposes.

Overview

Effective 11 August 2026, the Department of Homeland Security has updated its regulations to incorporate provisions of the Energy Security and Lightering Independence Act of 2022. This change specifically broadens the scope of C (transit) and D (crewmen) nonimmigrant visas to cover individuals involved in ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfer operations, allowing for stays of up to 180 days. This regulatory amendment ensures alignment with the new statutory requirements.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Foreign crew performing ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfers
  • Crew travelling through the U.S. to join or leave lightering ships
  • Crew landing in the U.S. for a short time to do lightering work
  • Ship operators who employ lightering crew
  • Maritime employers and shipping companies

What changed in the latest version

Before

Before these rule changes, the C and D classifications did not clearly cover lightering crew. Standard C-1 and D classifications usually allowed stays of up to 29 days. So, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could use parole for lightering workers. Parole is when someone is allowed into the country on a case-by-case basis. They used this for workers who needed to stay longer.

After

The new rule creates C-4 for foreign nationals. These are people who travel through the United States to join a ship or leave a ship. On that ship, they perform or have performed transfers of liquid cargo from one ship to another. This is called lightering. The rule also creates D-3 for crewmen. These are people who land temporarily in the United States only to do lightering work. These C-4 and D-3 workers can enter the country or get temporary landing permission. They can stay for up to 180 days. Lightering work is also clearly stated as not being domestic vessel employment. This is for immigration purposes.

This change makes the immigration status clearer. It also makes entry steps clearer for people doing important maritime lightering work. Lightering is the transfer of liquid cargo from one ship to another. This ensures the rules follow the Energy Security and Lightering Independence Act of 2022. It gives these workers a specific way to enter the United States. They can then do their jobs for a longer time. This is important for energy security and trade by sea.

Explained simply

Imagine you're on a ship that helps move oil from one big ship to another in the ocean. Before, it wasn't clear what kind of special pass you needed to enter the U.S. if you did this job. Now, the government has made a new rule that says if you do this 'lightering' work, you can use the same special passes as other ship workers or people just passing through the U.S., and you can stay for up to 180 days. This makes it official and easier for these specific sailors to do their job related to U.S. trade.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v3Effective 11 Aug 2026EffectiveMedium impact
    Regulatory Changes for C and D Nonimmigrant Classifications to Include Lightering Operations

    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has changed its rules. These changes follow the Energy Security and Lightering Independence Act of 2022. This means that C (transit) and D (crewmen) nonimmigrant classifications now include people who transfer liquid cargo from one ship to another. This is called lightering. These people can now ask to enter the country or get temporary landing permits. They can stay for up to 180 days.

Timeline

  1. Takes effect

    11 Aug 2026

    The C (transit) and D (crewmen) nonimmigrant classifications now include individuals who perform ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfer operations (lightering) to or from another vessel engaged in foreign trade. Qualifying aliens performing lightering operations are authorised to seek admission to the United States or request temporary landing permits for a period not to exceed 180 days under these cl

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