Do You Have to Be a U.S. Citizen to Get a Captain’s License?

Over my years running Mariners Learning System, I’ve talked with thousands of aspiring captains from all walks of life. One of the questions I encounter repeatedly is, Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to get my captain’s license?

The answer isn’t quite a straightforward “yes” or “no,” since the Coast Guard’s specific immigration and citizenship requirements vary depending on which type of license you’re pursuing.

Let’s clear up the confusion so you can move forward with confidence.

Immigration and Citizenship Requirements for OUPV/Six-Pack Captain’s Licenses

If you’re interested in pursuing an OUPV/Six-Pack license, I have good news for you: You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen to get your captain’s license.

However — and this is non-negotiable — you must have either a green card or a valid work visa for the United States. There’s no way around this requirement. You must be legal to work in the U.S.

I hear from Canadians all the time who say, “But I have a home in Florida, and I come down every winter.” Seasonal residence won’t help you get around the immigration and citizenship requirements for a captain’s license. You’ll still need a green card or work visa.

Now you might ask, as some have asked me, “But what if I don’t plan to use my license for work?” The fact is that in the Coast Guard’s eyes, the only reason to have a captain’s license is to use it commercially. 

Consider that if you don’t have a green card or work visa, you don’t have a Social Security number. And without a Social Security number, the government can’t tax you for the services you’re rendering as a paid captain. So a major reason for this requirement involves ensuring commercial operators are properly documented in the U.S. tax system.

Immigration and Citizenship Requirements for Master’s Captain’s Licenses

The citizenship requirements for captain’s licenses get stricter when you step up to the Master’s level.

For a Master captain’s license, you must be a U.S. citizen. Period. A green card or work visa won’t qualify you for this higher-level credential.

However, I’ve worked with plenty of students who started as resident aliens with green cards. They earned their Six-Pack licenses first, then went through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens. Once they had their citizenship, they were able to upgrade to their Master’s licenses.

Getting a lower-level license doesn’t create a one-and-done situation. If you aren’t yet a U.S. citizen and want to begin operating commercially, you can start by pursuing the Six-Pack option. The option to upgrade to a Master’s later remains open to you as long as you meet all the requirements. 

Language Requirements for Captain’s Licenses

One requirement for both OUPV/Six-Pack and Master’s licenses that may affect some mariners coming to the U.S. is the need for English language proficiency. 

The Coast Guard requires all captain’s license applicants to be able to speak and understand English. This makes sense when you think about it. You need to communicate clearly on the radio during emergencies, understand navigation instructions, and read charts and regulatory materials.

Other Captain’s License Requirements

Immigration status is just one piece of the puzzle. To earn your captain’s license — whether a Six-Pack or Master’s — you’ll also need to meet these basic requirements:

• Age: 18+ for Six-Pack, 19+ for Master’s
• Boating experience: Minimum of 360 days on the water (90 within the last three years)
• Physical exam and drug test: Physical exam required; drug test must be DOT-approved
• TWIC card: Background check through the TSA
• Disclose any prior convictions: Use form CG-719C, and be thorough
• CPR and First Aid certification: Adult CPR and basic first aid
• Coast Guard-approved course and exam: Or pass the USCG exam directly

At Mariners Learning System, we’ve helped students from all backgrounds navigate these requirements successfully. Our online courses make it easy to study on your own schedule, wherever you are, and our Coast Guard-approved course and exam have a 98.7% pass rate.

Do I Have to Be a U.S. Citizen to Get a Captain’s License? Final Thoughts

If you’re a green card holder or have a work visa, don’t let citizenship concerns stop you from pursuing your Six-Pack license. It’s an excellent stepping stone that opens doors to commercial opportunities in the maritime industry. 

And if you’re working toward U.S. citizenship, keep that Master’s license in your sights. Once you complete the naturalization process, you’ll be ready to upgrade and expand your capabilities as a licensed captain.

The path to becoming a captain looks different for everyone. The key is understanding which requirements apply to your situation and taking it one step at a time.

If you have specific questions about how your immigration or citizenship status affects your captain’s license journey, I highly recommend reaching out to the National Maritime Center for guidance. They have the ultimate word on how the details of immigration or citizenship status affect captain’s license applications (and remember to get their advice in writing for your records!).