Anyone transiting to another country through the United States requires a transit visa, or a C visa. Foreign dignitaries must also apply for visas to enter the country. With a C3 visa, government officials and their entourages can pass through the US en route to another country.
At Remitly, we understand the importance of accurate information for families, travel planners, and legal representatives assisting with the US visa process. So, we’ve prepared an up-to-date C3 transit visa guide. We’ll highlight timelines and costs, how to navigate complex government processes, and tips to avoid delays or rejections.
What is a C3 Visa?
The C3 visa is a non-immigrant transit visa specifically designed for foreign nationals engaged in “immediate and continuous” travel through the US on official business. It also covers travelers heading to and from the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the same purpose.
This transit visa only applies to short-term travel needs, and it allows maximum stays of 29 days.
Who is eligible for a C3 visa?
The C3 visa accommodates government officials from various foreign nations outside the US. All accompanying persons must also apply for this transit authorization, including immediate family members, attendants, and employees, such as personal assistants.
The C3 visa also applies to other groups of individuals, namely business travelers, tourists, or those with temporary layovers.
Restricted activities under the C3 visa
If your C3 visa application is successful, you’re legally prohibited from doing certain things:
- You can’t stay in the US for more than 29 days
- You aren’t allowed to change your visa status while in the country
- You are also restricted from engaging in activities beyond official business or short-term transit purposes, like working or tourism
Following these rules will ensure a smooth, stress-free experience as you transit through the US.
C3 transit visa changes 2025
At the time of writing, the US has adopted stricter immigration policies overall, and the C3 visa application process is no exception. Here are some important changes to keep in mind:
- New visa services system: Every applicant, including children, must create a unique profile tied to their own email address. Existing users can log in with their registered email address to claim payment receipts and recover future appointments.
- Interview waiver: The US State Department upgraded the categories of individuals who are exempt from non-immigrant visa interviews to include C3 visa applicants. However, consular officials hold the final say about each waiver.
- Visa interview timelines: That said, these waivers don’t cover the attendants or personal staff of foreign government officials. According to the new changes, these individuals should submit their DS-160 application form at least two days before the scheduled interview.
- Application form: Applicants should ensure the confirmation number on their DS-160 form matches the one used to book their visa interview. Otherwise, the appointment will be rescheduled.
Applicants may also be required to provide details about their visa history, travel record, and social media profile on a case-by-case basis. Confirm the requirements to avoid inconveniences or delays.
How to apply for a C3 visa
With the right documentation, the C3 visa application process is fast and simple, wherever you’re coming from in the world.
Step-by-step application guide
So, what are the C3 visa requirements? It only takes six steps from start to finish:
Step 1: Complete form DS-160 through the online nonimmigrant visa application portal. It only takes about 90 minutes. Provide the correct details about your:
- Personal information, including full name, nationality, marital status, and national identity number
- Passport information, such as passport number, country of issuance, and expiry date
- Travel information, including the purpose of your visit and specific travel plans, like flight details
- US point of contact and how you’re related
- Work and education particulars, such as names of current and former employers and their contact information
- Security and background information, like your medical history, criminal record, and past immigration violations, if any
- Digital passport photo that meets official requirements
After providing every requirement, review and sign your application. Take this step seriously and double-check your information to confirm that all details are accurate and honest.
Then, submit your application through the online portal. Afterward, you’ll receive a DS-160 confirmation page with an application ID and barcode.
Step 2: Pay the visa application fee. In this case, you won’t be required to make a payment as the US government exempts anyone who qualifies for an official visa from visa fees.
Step 3: Schedule an interview at the embassy or consulate in your country. Immigration officers usually interview applicants aged between 14 and 79 years. Applicants aged 13 and below, and adults aged 80 and older, are typically exempt from these interviews, unless an official requests one.
Step 4: Prepare supporting documents that you’ll present at your visa interview. These include:
- A valid passport, with six months’ validity beyond your stay in the US
- The DS-160 confirmation page
- Visa payment receipt, if applicable
- Passport photos that meet visa application requirements
- Proof of official government business
- Your resume and travel itinerary
- Proof of funds to support the transit. Most people will convert this information and present it in US dollars.
- An entry permit or visa for the destination country to prove you’re just passing through the United States
- Information about your international travel history over the past five years, if requested
- Dates of previous visits to the US if this isn’t your first time
- Proof of residence in your home country to prove you have strong ties back home
Step 5: Attend the visa interview, where the immigration officers will assess your application and documents, and then ask a few questions.
Expect these common interview questions for C3 visa applicants:
- Why are you traveling to the US?
- What’s your final destination?
- What’s your official job or title in your government?
- Do you have a diplomatic or official passport?
- Are you traveling alone or with others?
- Will you leave the US within 29 days?
- Do you have permission to enter your destination country?
Step 6: Track the status of your application online.
Typical processing timelines
The C3 visa process typically takes five to 12 working days, depending on the country of origin and specific embassies involved. However, the number of applications and the availability of consulate staff might cause fluctuations.
Some embassies may offer express processing, which can also reduce the time required.
Tips to avoid delays
Remember to save your online application as you proceed to avoid losing your progress.
If you don’t have the full 90 minutes to spare, consider writing down your application ID to retrieve the application later, and then save the progress.
Also, print the confirmation page and present it during your visa interview. Ensure the barcode on your DS-160 confirmation page matches that on your visa interview booking so you don’t have to reschedule the appointment..
Common mistakes to avoid when applying
The C3 visa currently has one of the lowest refusal rates in the US. In 2024, America received 3,824 applications for this visa, but only denied 78.
Despite these positive results, C3 visa applicants still face some common challenges. Consider these strategies to avoid rejections or delays.
- Misunderstanding the purpose of the visa: The C3 visa is strictly for transit on official government business. You’re not allowed to visit friends and family, or even tour the US. For such purposes, consider other options like a tourist visa.
- Incomplete or inaccurate DS-160 form: Counter-check the application form before submitting it to confirm that all details are accurate.
- Missing supporting documents: Ensure you have all supporting documents. Create a checklist to ensure you provide all required documents.
- Lack of proof of transit itinerary: Include a confirmed travel itinerary, such as fixed entry and exit dates and flight reservations within the visa validity period.
- Lack of clarity on the roles of the members of an entourage: Clearly demonstrate the role of all individuals accompanying you.
- Applying too close to the travel date: C3 visa processing times vary depending on the embassy or consulate. Apply on time to avoid delays or rejection.
- Assuming that family members are automatically covered: All individuals accompanying you, including your spouse and children, must apply for their own C3 visas.
- Inadequate interview preparation: Prepare for common questions and avoid giving vague answers during the interview.
- Ignoring local-specific information: Different embassies or consulates have specific requirements for applying for C3 visas. Consider researching location-specific information before applying to adhere to all rules.
Generally, be truthful and straightforward during your visa interview. Bring all necessary supporting documents, and clearly demonstrate the nature of your visit to the US.
Safe, smooth transit ahead
The US government has updated the C3 visa requirements, so keeping up with the changes is crucial to meet the set rules. Eligible applicants can apply for this visa easily and quickly, and some may even qualify for visa interview exemptions, making the process that much faster.
Fortunately, there are no visa application fees. And although refusal rates are low, ensure you review your application to enjoy a smooth process.
FAQs
How long is the C3 visa valid for?
For successful applicants, the C3 visa is valid for a maximum of 29 days.
Can I extend my C3 visa?
No. Generally, you cannot extend your C3 visa. If you’d like to stay longer in the US, you must apply for a different visa category.
Are family members covered under my C3 visa application?
No. Anyone accompanying a C3 visa holder must apply for their own C3 visa.
What does it mean when my visa is undergoing administrative processing?
Some visa applications could undergo Administrative Processing after rejection. The immigration officer will notify you if your application needs this process after the interview. It takes 180 days, so the earlier you submit the required additional documents, the better.
What do I do when my passport with my visa stamp is stolen?
If your passport is lost or stolen, you must replace it immediately. The US Department of State offers some guidelines for this process.