Starting on September 5, 2024, the Department will begin implementing two new visa classifications for noncitizens seeking to transit the United States to join a vessel engaged in foreign trade and undertaking lightering activities for a period not to exceed 180 days.  Lightering is the ship-to-ship transfer of liquid cargo.  The new visa classification permitting transit to join a lightering vessel is the C-4 visa.  The new visa classification permitting crewmembers to perform lightering activities is the D-3 visa.  Additionally, applicants may be eligible for a combination C-4/D-3 visa.  Unlike C-1 and C-1/D visa holders whose stay in the United States cannot exceed 29 days, C-4, D-3, and C-4/D-3 visa holders are allowed to stay in the United States for a period not to exceed 180 days.