Visa Services

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I renew my visa?

All applicants from age 14 through age 79 must appear in person at the US Embassy to renew the visa. 

The following documentation is required:

• Funds in the amount of $100 (in either all Bahamian or all U.S. currency, or certified check or money order) for each application.  For certain types of visas, there is an additional reciprocity fee.
• A visa application form (DS-156) for each applicant. You may go to: http://evisaforms.state.gov for an online form.  (Be sure to carefully follow the directions on the bottom of page 2 of the form to get a proper print out.  Bring all 3 pages with you.)
• A DS-157 application for males from age 16 through 45 and applicants born in or citizens of Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Sudan, Syria and Libya.
• A valid passport, generally valid for a minimum of 6 months after the expected date of entry into the U.S.
• One recent photograph (taken within the past 6 months) with no eye glasses, no headwear, no hair on forehead and both ears visible.
• A current Police Certificate for applicants from the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos, dated within past 6 months. 
• Documentation to support your visa application in the form of a job letter, business license, residence or work permits, bank statements, etc.
• For H1/B visa:  Also bring the original notice of action or approved petition from INS (I-797 or I-129)
• For a Blanket L visa:   Also bring Form I-797 C (a photocopy is accepted ) and Form I-129-S, a resume and copy of diplomas.
• For F1, M1 or J visas:  On the Nassau Embassy website, under Non-Immigrant Visa, under General Information, go to section on Student/Exchange Visitor Visa section of “What Documents Support My Visa Application.”

My child is under the age of -14; can I bring his/her application with me to the interview?

Yes, we will accept your child’s application.  There is no requirement that he or she appear in person if under the age of 14.  Bring birth certificates and both parents’ passports with the application, photo and fee. 

May I send my child’s passport and application with my friend to apply for my child’s visa?  

Yes, if the child is under the age of 14.  The person who comes to the Embassy to do the application must bring the child’s birth certificate and the parent’s passports, along with a completed application form, child’s photo, and fee.  The child need not appear in person.  

I am raising my grandchild/niece/nephew; can I bring his/her application with me to the interview?

Yes, but bring a notarized letter from the child’s parent or the court indicating you have permission to travel with the child. 

I have a letter from the bank; is that what you require for financial documentation?

No, we specifically require itemized back accounts for at least the last three months.

How long can I expect to be at the Embassy?

The consular section is being renovated.  You can expect to be in the Embassy approximately one hour. 

How should I pay the fee?  

Please be prepared to pay your fee either with cash, certified check or a money order (no personal checks).  Cash must be in the exact amount and must be in one currency (either all Bahamian or all U.S. currency).   

Do I Need a Visa to Transit through the United States?

Yes, you need a visa to transit the United States on the way to another country.   Usually the visa given for transit purposes is the B1/B2 visa. 

Do you have a questions about the Department of Homeland Security's watch list?
Travelers can now seek redress and resolve possible watch list misidentification issues with any of the department’s component agencies with DHS TRIP (Traveler Redress Inquiry Program), an easy to use web site.

Can I complete the visa application online on a computer?

Yes.  Please follow the following directions.

1. Go to:  http://evisaforms.state.gov 
2. Enter the information requested into the appropriate spaces on the form.  Please answer all questions. Your answers must be in English.
3. Review the information you entered for accuracy.
4. Press the Continue button at the bottom of Page 2.  Press it only once, then wait patiently for it to process. 
5. When you see the completed forms appear on your screen in Adobe Acrobat format, you may print the form.
6. The barcode that prints on the 3rd page contains the information you entered and will help us process your application more quickly.
7. Bring all three printed pages with you when you come in for your interview. Please do not fold the printed application form.