{
    "schema": "amendsignal.record/1",
    "generated_on": "2026-11-03",
    "publisher": {
        "name": "AmendSignal",
        "url": "https://amendsignal.com/"
    },
    "notice": "Coverage is limited, so a missing record does not mean nothing changed. General information, not legal advice. Check the official source. Please cite the record's url.",
    "change": {
        "id": 34,
        "url": "https://amendsignal.com/changes/department-of-homeland-security-adds-180-day-entry-categories-for-foreign-crew-who-transfer-liquid/",
        "title": "Department of Homeland Security adds 180-day entry categories for foreign crew who transfer liquid cargo between ships",
        "change_type": "final_rule",
        "change_type_label": "Final rule",
        "status": "effective",
        "status_label": "In effect",
        "status_statement": "As of our last check on November 3, 2026, this is in effect, since August 11, 2026.",
        "significance": "No new requirements",
        "jurisdiction": {
            "code": "US",
            "name": "United States"
        },
        "authority": {
            "name": "Department of Homeland Security",
            "short_name": "DHS"
        },
        "identifiers": [
            {
                "type": "fr_document_number",
                "label": "FR document",
                "value": "2026-16319"
            },
            {
                "type": "fr_citation",
                "label": "Citation",
                "value": "91 FR 51549"
            },
            {
                "type": "rin",
                "label": "RIN",
                "value": "1651-AB62"
            },
            {
                "type": "docket_id",
                "label": "Docket",
                "value": "CBP Dec. 26-08"
            },
            {
                "type": "cfr_citation",
                "label": "CFR",
                "value": "8 CFR 214"
            },
            {
                "type": "cfr_citation",
                "label": "CFR",
                "value": "8 CFR 252"
            }
        ],
        "dates": [
            {
                "type": "publication",
                "label": "Published",
                "value": "2026-08-11",
                "precision": "day"
            },
            {
                "type": "effective",
                "label": "Effective",
                "value": "2026-08-11",
                "precision": "day"
            }
        ],
        "in_short": {
            "what_changed": "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) added two categories, C-4 (transit) and D-3 (crew landing), for foreign crew who perform ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfers, with stays of up to 180 days and no extensions. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will admit these crew under the new categories instead of paroling them case by case.",
            "whos_affected": "Foreign crew members who do lightering, and the vessel operators that use them, mainly in shipping of crude oil and natural gas. Other foreign crew keep the existing 29-day limits.",
            "what_to_do": "This rule creates no new duties for employers. Companies that crew lightering vessels may want to plan crew rotations around the 180-day limit and stop relying on parole for these workers."
        },
        "summary": "The Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule, effective August 11, 2026, that writes into its regulations a 2022 law letting foreign crew who perform ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfers (lightering) enter or land in the United States for up to 180 days under two new categories, C-4 and D-3. The rule also states that this lightering work is not employment in the United States for immigration purposes. It regulates individual crew members and creates no new duties for employers.",
        "business_functions": {
            "state": "limited",
            "functions": [
                {
                    "slug": "legal-and-compliance",
                    "name": "Legal and compliance"
                },
                {
                    "slug": "operations",
                    "name": "Operations"
                }
            ]
        },
        "added_on": "2026-11-03",
        "updated_on": null,
        "updates_in_progress": null,
        "last_checked": "2026-11-03",
        "record_url": "https://amendsignal.com/changes/department-of-homeland-security-adds-180-day-entry-categories-for-foreign-crew-who-transfer-liquid/record.json",
        "what_changed": [
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "The rule updates DHS immigration regulations to match the Energy Security and Lightering Independence Act of 2022, which added foreign crew who perform ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfers (lightering) to the transit and crew categories.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "SUMMARY",
                        "excerpt": "The Energy Security and Lightering Independence Act of 2022 amended the nonimmigrant classifications for aliens in transit (C) and for aliens serving as crewmen (D) to include individuals who perform ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfer operations to or from another vessel engaged in foreign trade (lightering)."
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "SUMMARY",
                        "excerpt": "This rule amends Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations to conform to these statutory changes and make related technical amendments."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "Lightering crew in transit are designated C-4, and lightering crew granted temporary landing are designated D-3.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "II.A.1. Amendments to 8 CFR 214.1 To Include New Subclassifications",
                        "excerpt": "A nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(C)(iii) of the INA is designated as a C-4 nonimmigrant, and a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(D)(iii) of the INA is designated as a D-3 nonimmigrant."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "C-4 and D-3 crew may stay up to 180 days. All other crew keep the 29-day period.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "8 CFR 214.2(c)(4)",
                        "excerpt": "An alien of the class defined in section 101(a)(15)(C)(iii) of the Act may be admitted for a period not to exceed 180 days."
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "8 CFR 252.1(d)(3)",
                        "excerpt": "A period of up to 180 days if the crewman intends to depart, within the period for which the crewman is permitted to land, on the same vessel or on a vessel or aircraft other than the vessel on which the crewman arrived"
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "III.B, Table 1",
                        "excerpt": "All other crew will retain the 29-day period."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "C-4 and D-3 crew cannot extend their stay beyond the 180-day maximum.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "II.A.1. Amendments to 8 CFR 214.1 To Include New Subclassifications",
                        "excerpt": "the period of admission for these classifications is limited to the maximum of 180 days, and aliens in these classifications are not eligible for extension of stay."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "Lightering work by C-4 or D-3 crew is not, for immigration purposes, services, work, labor or employment within the United States.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "8 CFR 214.1(e)(3)",
                        "excerpt": "A crewman, admitted in transit in the C-4 class or granted temporary landing in the D-3 class, who is performing ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfer operations ... is not, for immigration purposes, performing services, work, labor, or employment within the United States."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "D-3 crew may leave on their arrival vessel or on another vessel or aircraft without filing Form I-408.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "8 CFR 252.1(f)",
                        "excerpt": "A crewman granted temporary landing privileges under paragraph (d)(3) of this section ... does not require an application on Form I-408 to do so."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "CBP previously let lightering crew in through case-by-case parole. It will no longer use parole for them.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "I.B. Treatment of Lightering Crewmen Prior to ESLIA",
                        "excerpt": "CBP historically exercised its discretionary parole authority on a case-by-case basis to permit certain lightering crewmen to enter the United States."
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "III.B. Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 14192",
                        "excerpt": "will no longer use the process of parole to allow lightering crew to enter the United States."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "The rule also fixes three outdated cross-references in the crew regulations.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "II.B. Technical Amendments",
                        "excerpt": "This rule also makes three technical amendments to DHS's regulations relating to crewmen to correct inaccurate cross-references."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "DHS issued the rule without a prior public comment period and made it effective immediately instead of after 30 days.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "III.A. Administrative Procedure Act",
                        "excerpt": "DHS finds that prior notice and comment are unnecessary under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B)."
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "III.A. Administrative Procedure Act",
                        "excerpt": "DHS finds good cause to waive the 30-day delayed effective date requirement under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3)."
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "who_is_affected": [
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "The rule directly regulates individual crew members, not businesses.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "III.C. Regulatory Flexibility Act",
                        "excerpt": "In addition, the rule directly regulates individuals rather than small entities."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "Foreign crew who do not perform lightering continue to use the existing C-1 transit and D crew categories.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "Footnote 4",
                        "excerpt": "Pursuant to ESLIA, non-lightering alien crewmen may continue to seek admission as a C-1 transit nonimmigrant or temporary landing privileges as a D crewman nonimmigrant"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "text": "The employers with an interest are vessel operators that use foreign crew for lightering, mainly in moving petroleum and liquid natural gas.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "III.B. Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 14192",
                        "excerpt": "as lightering is a vital industry and relies on foreign workers"
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "I.B. Treatment of Lightering Crewmen Prior to ESLIA",
                        "excerpt": "particularly those involving the movement of liquid petroleum and natural gas"
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "business_implications": [
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "DHS says the changes bring no time savings or costs to the public and involve no information collection.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "III.B. Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 14192",
                        "excerpt": "These amendments will have no time savings or costs to the public."
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "III.D. Paperwork Reduction Act",
                        "excerpt": "There is no information collection associated with this final rule, so the provisions of the PRA do not apply."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "text": "Day-to-day practice may change little: CBP already began admitting lightering crew as C-4 or D-3 when the law took effect, and the rule writes that practice into the regulations.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "III.B. Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 14192",
                        "excerpt": "When the statute entered into effect, CBP amended its policy and now admits lightering crew into a C-4 class (or grants temporary landing in the D-3 class) when applicable."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "text": "Since parole is no longer used, lightering crew need the right visa from the Department of State (or a visa exemption) before arrival, and their stays must fit within 180 days with no extension.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "I.C. The Energy Security and Lightering Independence Act of 2022 (ESLIA)",
                        "excerpt": "after obtaining the appropriate visa from the Department of State (or qualifying for a visa exemption), may seek admission or temporary landing privileges for a period of up to 180 days"
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "II.A.1. Amendments to 8 CFR 214.1 To Include New Subclassifications",
                        "excerpt": "imposing penalties on any crewman who willfully remains in the United States in excess of the number of days allowed"
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "required_actions": [],
        "recommended_actions": [
            {
                "kind": "recommendation",
                "kind_label": "Our suggestion",
                "text": "Consider planning lightering crew rotations so each crew member leaves within 180 days, since C-4 and D-3 stays cannot be extended.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "II.A.1. Amendments to 8 CFR 214.1 To Include New Subclassifications",
                        "excerpt": "the period of admission for these classifications is limited to the maximum of 180 days, and aliens in these classifications are not eligible for extension of stay."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "recommendation",
                "kind_label": "Our suggestion",
                "text": "Consider updating any internal crewing or immigration procedures that still assume lightering crew enter through parole.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "III.B. Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 14192",
                        "excerpt": "will no longer use the process of parole to allow lightering crew to enter the United States."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "recommendation",
                "kind_label": "Our suggestion",
                "text": "Consider telling crew managers that D-3 crew leaving on a different vessel or aircraft no longer need a Form I-408 application.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "8 CFR 252.1(f)",
                        "excerpt": "A crewman granted temporary landing privileges under paragraph (d)(3) of this section ... does not require an application on Form I-408 to do so."
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "required_actions_assessment": {
            "state": "assessed",
            "text": "The rule creates no new requirements for employers. It sets entry and landing terms for individual crew members, and DHS says the changes do not impose new obligations."
        },
        "applicability": [
            {
                "criterion": "where",
                "label": "Where",
                "answer": "United States, nationwide",
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "evidence": []
            },
            {
                "criterion": "employer_type",
                "label": "Employers",
                "answer": "No employer is regulated directly; the rule matters to vessel operators that use foreign crew for lightering.",
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "III.C. Regulatory Flexibility Act",
                        "excerpt": "In addition, the rule directly regulates individuals rather than small entities."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "criterion": "size",
                "label": "Size",
                "answer": "The rule sets no size threshold, because it regulates individual crew members.",
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "III.C. Regulatory Flexibility Act",
                        "excerpt": "In addition, the rule directly regulates individuals rather than small entities."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "criterion": "industries",
                "label": "Industries",
                "answer": "Maritime shipping, especially moving crude oil and natural gas between vessels.",
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "I.B. Treatment of Lightering Crewmen Prior to ESLIA",
                        "excerpt": "particularly those involving the movement of liquid petroleum and natural gas"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "criterion": "functions",
                "label": "Functions",
                "answer": "Legal and compliance teams handling immigration, and operations teams managing crews.",
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "List of Subjects, 8 CFR Part 252",
                        "excerpt": "Aliens, Maritime carriers, Seamen."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "criterion": "applies_if",
                "label": "Applies if",
                "answer": "You use foreign crew who perform ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfers to or from a vessel engaged in foreign trade.",
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "SUMMARY",
                        "excerpt": "The Energy Security and Lightering Independence Act of 2022 amended the nonimmigrant classifications for aliens in transit (C) and for aliens serving as crewmen (D) to include individuals who perform ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfer operations to or from another vessel engaged in foreign trade (lightering)."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "criterion": "action",
                "label": "Action",
                "answer": "No required action; consider planning crew stays around the 180-day limit.",
                "kind": "recommendation",
                "kind_label": "Our suggestion",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                        "locator": "8 CFR 214.2(c)(4)",
                        "excerpt": "An alien of the class defined in section 101(a)(15)(C)(iii) of the Act may be admitted for a period not to exceed 180 days."
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "open_questions": [
            {
                "question": "Does the rule change any employment eligibility verification steps for employers of C-4 or D-3 lightering crew?",
                "context": "The rule says lightering by these crew is not employment in the United States for immigration purposes, but it does not discuss employer paperwork."
            },
            {
                "question": "Does the statement that lightering is not employment within the United States apply outside immigration law, such as for tax or wage purposes?",
                "context": "The rule limits that statement to immigration purposes and says nothing about other laws."
            }
        ],
        "events": [
            {
                "event_type": "originating_action",
                "label": "Issued",
                "occurred_on": "2026-08-11",
                "summary": "Regulatory Changes Required by the Energy Security and Lightering Independence Act of 2022",
                "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022"
            }
        ],
        "corrections": [],
        "sources": [
            {
                "label": "Regulatory Changes Required by the Energy Security and Lightering Independence Act of 2022, 91 FR 51549 (August 11, 2026)",
                "publisher": "Federal Register",
                "role": "primary",
                "url": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/11/2026-16319/regulatory-changes-required-by-the-energy-security-and-lightering-independence-act-of-2022",
                "pdf_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-08-11/pdf/2026-16319.pdf"
            }
        ]
    }
}