O-1, crewmember or B-1 for an Australian > USA

[auscitizen 0]

I’m an Australian Citizen, who has been asked to do independant contract work for a USA company.

 

I have been asked to travel to the USA for a week at a time, 4-5 times per year.

The contract work wouldn’t be conducted IN the USA, but rather as it’s on board a cruise ship, it’s technically off USA soil (Bahamas)

 

I have explored possibility of a Crewmember visa? as well as an ESTA (which doesn’t allow any remuneration for business trips) and an O-1 Visa, but this seems difficult and is reserved for very specialised aliens.

I’m not sure which pathway to follow, or who to speak to and understand my unique situation and provide advice.

 

Thank you!

 

Resources:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/crewmember-visa.html

[Boiler 45,651]

VWP

[auscitizen 0]

@Boiler VWP is for business trips that are not receiving remuneration.

[Boiler 45,651]

1 hour ago, auscitizen said:

The contract work wouldn’t be conducted IN the USA, but rather as it’s on board a cruise ship,

Just answering the question

[auscitizen 0]

so even though it's transit through USA to get to an international work location, you think it's valid? 

Appreciate your response

[SalishSea 17,916]

22 minutes ago, auscitizen said:

so even though it's transit through USA to get to an international work location, you think it's valid? 

Appreciate your response

Why not?  If you’re not working in a U.S. state or territory, why should it matter?   You’d want to research the work visa requirements for the country you’d be in while working.

[SalishSea 17,916]

Surprised the cruise ship company is not advising you, as this is so common.  Most cruise ships are staffed internationally.

Edited August 31, 2023 by SalishSea

[JeanneAdil 6,539]

if US vessel the visa would be a D for crew

O 1 is for persons of extrordinary ability in sciences, etc

 

u will travel from Bermuda ,  UK port,  u need to check what visa for work on the ship  and any ports u may disembark