Visa Services
How to Apply for a Visa
Please note that enhanced border security measures now require a personal appearance at the visa interview for all persons 14 to 79 years of age. Those under 14 or over 79 may send their applications and required documentation to the Embassy by courier, or another person may bring them on their behalf, without making an appointment for a personal interview.
Persons wishing to apply for a visa for travel to the United States must first schedule an interview appointment through the Embassy's Visa Information Service (VIS) before applying at the Visa Section of the U.S. Embassy in Nassau. Non-immigrant visa applicants may contact the VIS by calling 1-800-763-6812 from the Bahamas or the United States, or 1-877-709-1892 from the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Callers to the Visa Information Service will need to obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access the service. Applicants can purchase a PIN at a local distribution center, listed at http://www.usvisascratchcards.info/, or by charging the $14 fee to a Mastercard or Visa at the commencement of the call.
Visa Information Service operators will provide information on the visa application process and its requirements. Callers will also be able to schedule an appointment for their visa interview, working with the operator to find the most convenient time for an appointment.
Upon arriving in the Visa Section, applicants will be asked to give their documents to a Visa Section employee who will organize the papers, attach their photograph and supporting documentation, as required. The applicant will then proceed to the Cashier’s window to pay his or her fee. After the data is entered into the computer system, the applicants will be called to a window for an interview and digital scan of their fingerprints. This process typically takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on the number of applicants on any given day.
Embassy Nassau does not guarantee same day service for Non-Immigrant Visa Applications. Our policy is to return passports with the approved visa between 2:30 and 3:30pm on the day following the interview, or between 1:00 and 2:00pm on Friday for applicants interviewed on Thursdays. All applicants should ensure that they have made adequate provision for the possibility of delays in receiving their visas, since occasionally there is a delay in the processing of printing of the visas that is beyond the Embassy's control and the visa may not be ready on the specified day. Requests for same day service will only be entertained in cases of urgent travel, and then only from residents of The Bahamas or the Turks and Caicos Islands (or from non-residents for medical or dire family emergency). Although we will attempt to process these emergency requests as quickly as possible, please be aware that all visas are subject to certain administrative processing requirements, and the visa section cannot guarantee same day pick-up.
Expedited Appointment Requests
Under certain circumstances, applicants who cannot wait for a normal visa interview appointment may request an expedited appointment. Valid reasons for interview expedition may include emergency medical treatment, family emergencies, student whose initial start date (on their I-20) is before the date of their appointment and other urgent travel.
Applicants wishing to make an expedited appointment should first contact the Visa Information Call Center to make a regular interview appointment. After obtaining a specific appointment from the Visa Information Service, request an expedite appointment in writing by an email to visa nassau @state.gov with the subject line. The email must include the following:
1) Subject Line "Expedited Appointment Request"
2) Your appointment number (confirmation number) and date of your appointment provided by the Visa Information Service
3) Your anticipated date of travel and your reason for travel
4) Your personal contact information ( telephone contact)
An expedited interview appointment does not improve an applicant's chances of obtaining a U.S. visa; it simply results in an earlier appointment date for the visa interview. Emergencies are not grounds for the issuance of a U.S. visa; applicants applying for a non-immigrant visa must still prove they meet the requirements of the visa class in question.
Non-immigrant Visa Hours: Open to the public 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday to Thursday (except holidays).
Documentary Requirements for Visa Applicants
Whether the application is presented in person or by courier, all visa applicants must present:
- A valid passport, with at least six months validity remaining, and any previous passports you have held which are still in your possession. A report is required for any lost/stolen passports.
- A fully completed and signed application form DS-156 (and DS-157 to be completed by all male applicants from age 16 through 45.) All forms must be completed online at http://evisaforms.state.gov/ and then printed out and signed. The DS-157 form can also be found at http://foia.state.gov/FORMS/visa/ds0157.pdf.
- A passport-size photograph taken within the past six months; plain white background, no head coverings. Hair should be pushed away from the face. (Glasses may be worn if there is no glare and eyes are clearly visible.) See photo specifications at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1287.html.
- $100.00 in exact change (all Bahamian or all U.S. -- no mixed currencies). Payment is by cash, postal money order or certified check only.
- Each applicant must also present evidence of his or her ties to the Bahamas or another country outside the United States to which he or she will return after the visit. Because each individual’s circumstances are unique, it is impossible to specify what documents will satisfy this requirement. The deciding factor is not the number or kind of documents presented, but the individual circumstances of each applicant. Most applicants who are employed present a letter from their employer, or a business license for self- employed persons. Retired persons receiving pension payments should submit a letter, from the institution that pays the pension benefits, stating the benefit amount.
- Work/resident permits for those who are residents, but not citizens, of the Bahamas or Turks and Caicos Islands
- When applying for visas for minor children, the above documents are required, including parents’ employment letters. For those under age 14, please include parents’ passports and the child’s birth certificate.
- For applications for special visas (student visas, work visas, crew visas, etc), please see “Types of Visas” for additional information. Please refer to http://www.travel.state.gov/ for information on visa types not discussed on our website.
- Additional documentation or information may be requested from the applicant during the interview, if determined necessary by the interviewing consular officer.
Should you have further questions, please contact the visa section by e-mailing visanassau@state.gov. Emailing is the most efficient way to get your information. Most emails are answered in 24-48 hours.