Gettin My Feet Wet In The Us

[AuzzieAdrift]

Howdy folks!! So glad I came across this forum! BOY oh BOY have I fallin in love with boats/sailing, the ocean and everything in it! I'm a little Aussie sprout from Brisbane and went over to Whistler for an adventure on the ski fields. After battling the powder for a season I landed a job on a private yacht sailing around the Gulf and San Juan Islands. OH MY GOD! Kiss that law career GOOD BYE!

I have already got another working holiday visa for Canada but I have recently scored a job (as crew on a private yacht) in Seattle, Washington. The boat will be based in Seattle and will make its way up to the Queen Charlottes during the summer and then back to Seattle to refresh a few months and then we will be heading to Mexico for the winter.

My question is one of visa in nature. From the immigration websites I understand i'll need a crew visa?? I only have 5 weeks left in Australia can I apply for the visa in the States or in Canada?

I get so lost on the immigration websites. Thank you so much for any information!

I can't wait to play on this forum! Also, is anyone into the Geocaches would love to hear your stories!

Lotsa luv n sunshine!

[MMNETSEA]

Hi,

New Rules

Beginning January 12, 2009, all nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, including Australia, will need authorization to travel to the United States prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship. This authorization may be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Click Here for the most recent information.

In any event it is recommended that advice is always sought directly from the Government authority dealing with visas, as you will see above.

Good Luck

Richard

[Lighthouse]

Welcome aboard and good luck with your visa.

[JeanneP]

I assume that you're being paid as crew. If so, that's a different story from a tourist visa. Generally, you need to be outside the US to apply for any US visa, so I would recommend that you go to the closest US embassy or consulate (the bigger the city, the better) in Canada and talk to the people there.

You will need your offer of a job on the boat as verification of a job. You will need to obtain a social security number. There is a lot to do, and you should not delay. It can't be done over the internet and it will not be a quick process, so get going. Go very early in the morning and bring a book and be prepared for some long waits. Nothing is going to be accomplished over the Christmas holidays, so get going.

[AuzzieAdrift]

Awesome thank you for your help! I'm on it! I'm on it!