Visa to the USA (B1/OCS)

B-1 OCS Visa (Outer Continental Shelf) is intended for specialists and seafarers going to work in the US Outer Continental Shelf area — for example, on drilling platforms, supply vessels, accommodation vessels, and other facilities servicing oil and gas fields in the Gulf of Mexico.

Conditions for obtaining:

• The visa is issued only based on a contract with an offshore or shipping company
• Work is permitted exclusively in the OCS zone, with no right to work on US territory
• The visa validity period is usually 3–6 months, with the possibility of reapplication
• The B-1 OCS visa does not replace the C1/D visa — it can be issued separately or in combination

Required documents:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Contract with the employer
• Invitation from the shipowner/project operator
• STCW certificates (for seafarers)
• Medical certificate (ENG1 or international standard)
• Offshore certificates: BOSIET / HUET (if required)