Immigrant Visa Information

First time applications

To qualify for an immigrant visa, an individual must normally be the beneficiary of an approved petition filed by a relative who is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States or the beneficiary of a petition filed by a US employer requiring the individual’s professional services.  For further information, go to:www.travel.state.gov, click on “Visas”, then read the text in the links under the title “Permanent Immigrants to the U.S.”

Diversity visas—visa lottery

A limited number of immigrant visas worldwide are available each year through the Diversity Visa Lottery program.  No petition is required.  As soon as the next registration has been announced by the Department of State, that information will be available on the Embassy Nassau website at: http://nassau.usembassy.gov or http://www.dvlottery.state.gov.

Filing petitions

American citizens wanting information on filing a petition for a spouse or child residing in the Bahamas, may file these petitions in the United States. Most immigrant visa petitions, including those for K1, K3 and V visas, must be filed with the Department of Homeland Security Department in the US.  For further assistance, please call the closest office of the Department of Homeland Security (formerly the INS) in the US. The website:     www.uscis.gov will provide contact information. For specific questions, you may contact us by email at visanassau@state.gov

Replacement of Immigrant Visa Card (Green Cards)

The Embassy is unable to issue a replacement when a green card is lost or stolen.  Permanent resident green cards can only be issued or replaced by the Immigration Section of the Department of Homeland Security in the United States.  For details on applying for a replacement card, you may check the website www.uscis.gov. 

(Returning Resident)

If you are an immigrant visa (green card holder who has been outside the US for more than one year, you need to file an application to determine returning resident status.  Please email to:visanassau@state.gov, to set an appointment.  Bring your passport and green card, and any documents that will help you to establish that your long stay outside the United States was caused by reasons beyond your control and for which you are not responsible.  Also bring proof of your ties to the U.S. and documents that will help you establish your intent to return to the U.S.  

To ask about Case Status, Priority Dates or Affidavits of Support, or to Reschedule Appointments, and for Immigrant Visa Information:

The most efficient way to contact our office is to email us at visanassau@state.gov.  Valuable information about immigrant visas is available on the following websites:  www.travel.state.gov and www.uscis.gov.