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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE — BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS
Travel.State.Gov > U.S. Visas > U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country > Bahamas

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U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

Travel.State.Gov > U.S. Visas > U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country > Bahamas

Bahamas

Bahamas
Commonwealth of The Bahamas

Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

Visa Classifications

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V
 
Visa
Classification		 Fee Number
of Entries		 Validity
Period
A-1 None Multiple 24 Months
A-2 None Multiple 24 Months
A-3 1 None Multiple 12 Months
B-1 None Multiple 120 Months
B-2 None Multiple 120 Months
B-1/B-2 None Multiple 120 Months
C-1 None Multiple 60 Months
C-1/D None Multiple 60 Months
C-2 None Multiple 12 Months
C-3 None Multiple 60 Months
CW-1 11 None Multiple 12 Months
CW-2 11 None Multiple 12 Months
D None Multiple 60 Months
E-1 2 No Treaty N/A N/A
E-2 2 No Treaty N/A N/A
E-2C 12 None Multiple 12 Months
F-1 None Multiple 60 Months
F-2 None Multiple 60 Months
G-1 None Multiple 24 Months
G-2 None Multiple 24 Months
G-3 None Multiple 24 Months
G-4 None Multiple 24 Months
G-5 1 None Multiple 12 Months
H-1B $400.00 Multiple 12 Months 3
H-1C $400.00 Multiple 12 Months 3
H-2A $300.00 N/A N/A3
H-2B $300.00 N/A N/A3
H-2R $300.00 Multiple 12 Months 3
H-3 None Multiple 12 Months 3
H-4 $20.00 Multiple 12 Months 3
I None Multiple 60 Months
J-1 4 None Multiple 60 Months
J-2 4 None Multiple 60 Months
K-1 None One 6 Months
K-2 None One 6 Months
K-3 None Multiple 24 Months
K-4 None Multiple 24 Months
L-1 $500.00 Multiple 12 Months
L-2 $20.00 Multiple 12 Months
M-1 None Multiple 60 Months
M-2 None Multiple 60 Months
N-8 None Multiple 24 Months
N-9 None Multiple 24 Months
NATO 1-7 N/A N/A N/A
O-1 $400.00 Multiple 12 Months 3
O-2 $400.00 Multiple 12 Months 3
O-3 $400.00 Multiple 12 Months 3
P-1 $400.00 Multiple 12 Months 3
P-2 $400.00 Multiple 12 Months 3
P-3 $400.00 Multiple 12 Months 3
P-4 $400.00 Multiple 12 Months 3
Q-1 6 $400.00 Multiple 12 Months 3
R-1 $400.00 Multiple 12 Months
R-2 $400.00 Multiple 12 Months
S-5 7 None One 1 Month
S-6 7 None One 1 Month
S-7 7 None One 1 Month
T-1 9 N/A N/A N/A
T-2 None One 6 Months
T-3 None One 6 Months
T-4 None One 6 Months
T-5 None One 6 Months
T-6 None One 6 Months
TD 5 N/A N/A N/A
U-1 None Multiple 48 Months
U-2 None Multiple 48 Months
U-3 None Multiple 48 Months
U-4 None Multiple 48 Months
U-5 None Multiple 48 Months
V-1 None Multiple 120 Months
V-2 None Multiple 120 Months 8
V-3 None Multiple 120 Months 8
ALL / ALL /

Country Specific Footnotes

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

ALL /

Visa Category Footnotes

  1. The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

    • A-1
    • A-2
    • G-1 through G-4
    • NATO 1 through NATO 6

  2. An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident. The spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status following the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principle alien’s country of nationality.  

    Example: John Doe is a national of the country of Z that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. His wife and child are nationals of the country of Y which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as Mr. Doe, the principal visa holder.  

  3. The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

    Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.  

    Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

  4. There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

    Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

    In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

    However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

  5. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

    Canadian Nationals

    Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

    Mexican Nationals

    Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

    Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

  6. Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

  7. No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

  8. V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

  9. Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

    • T-2 (spouse)
    • T-3 (child)
    • T-4 (parent)

  10. The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

  11. The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

  12. The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

 

 

ALL / ALL /

General Documents

Note: Aliens who have permanent resident or refugee status in the Bahamas may be accorded Bahamian reciprocity, but only if the alien applies in the Bahamas. Aliens with permanent resident or refugee status in the Bahamas, but who apply outside of the country of residence (Bahamas), must be accorded the reciprocity of their country of nationality.

Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality who have permanent resident or refugee status in the Bahamas may not be accorded Bahamian reciprocity, even when applying in the Bahamas.

Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Birth

Available

Fees:  A bank draft or money order payable to "Registrar General of The Bahamas." For list of fees, applicants should check with the Bahamian consular office nearest their place of residence, or email Regbirth@bahamas.gov.bs, or the more general address registrargeneral@bahamas.gov.bs.

Document Name:  Registration of Birth

Issuing Authority: Registrar General's Department of The Bahamas in Nassau for birth on any island.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Birth Certificates are issued in the form of a certified copy of entry in the Register of Births at the Registrar General's Office, and show the birth in the District for the quarter year in which the birth occurred.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Birth Certificates are signed by the Registrar General or his Deputy, and bear the seal of his office. Former residents may obtain certificates by mail addressed to: Registrar General of The Bahamas, P.O. Box N-532, Nassau

Registration Criteria: Birth records have been maintained in The Bahamas since 1850, and all births must be registered by the time the child is two years of age. If the parents are unmarried but want both of their names to appear on the child's birth certificate, they must first obtain a sworn affidavit from a local notary swearing that they are the parents, before they seek to register the child with the Registrar General. In most cases the person is able to obtain a birth certificate. However, it frequently occurs that the Christian name of the person was not recorded at the time of birth. This is particularly true of applicants born in the Family Islands (outside of Nassau). As a result it is often necessary for applicants to obtain affidavits regarding their Christian names, or to have their certificates substantiated with baptismal records.

Procedure for Obtaining: Birth certificates are obtainable from the Registrar General's Department of The Bahamas in Nassau for birth on any island.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents: Affidavit

Exceptions: None

Comments: The Government of The Bahamas web site can also be accessed directly for the most current information, at bahamas.gov.bs, then click on either the “Citizens or Residents" or "Non-Residents" tab, depending on which applies.

 

Death/Burial

Available

Fees: A bank draft or money order payable to "Registrar General of The Bahamas." For list of fees, applicants should check with the Bahamian consular office nearest their place of residence, or email registrargeneral@bahamas.gov.bs.

Document Name:  Death Certificate

Issuing Authority: Registrar General's Department of The Bahamas in Nassau

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Death Certificates are issued in the form of a certified copy of entry in the Register of Deaths at the Registrar General's Office, and show the death in the District for the quarter year in which the death occurred.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Death certificates are signed by the Registrar General or his Deputy, and bear the seal of his office. Former residents may obtain certificates by mail addressed to: Registrar General of The Bahamas, P.O. Box N-532, Nassau.

Registration Criteria: A death can be registered either over the counter at the Registrar General’s Department or a request can be made for a death registration online by the Mortician.

  • Over the counter registration. Submit a Medical Certificate of Death to the Death Registry section of the Registrar General’s Department. Upon receipt, the information is entered into the death register and a death certificate is printed and signed by the Registrar. Making an Online Death Registration request using the Registrar General’s Civil Registry Information System (CRIS) Morticians log on to access the Online Services for Morticians using their log in credentials. Morticians follow the online steps to make a request for a death registration using information from the medical certificate of death. The Mortician then submits the medical certificate of death to the Death Registry section of the Registrar General’s Department. Upon successful inspection of both the Medical and online submission, a death certificate is printed, signed by the Registrar and issued.

  • Registering a death in the Family Islands. Morticians can submit their documents to the Family Island Administrator who will do the registration. Death registrations sent in by the Family Islands are recorded at the Registrar General’s Department.

Procedure for Obtaining: Same as Registration

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions:  None

Comments: None

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Marriage

Available

Fees: A bank draft or money order payable to "Registrar General of The Bahamas." For list of fees, applicants should check with the Bahamian consular office nearest their place of residence, or email registrargeneral@bahamas.gov.bs.

Document Name:  Bahamas Register General’s Department - The Marriage Act

Issuing Authority: Registrar General at Nassau

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The document is certified to be a true copy of an entry in a Register of Marriages in the district mentioned

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The document is signed by the Registrar General or his Deputy, and bears the seal of his office.

Registration Criteria: Any person who gets married in The Bahamas.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Marriage certificates are obtainable from the Registrar General's Department of The Bahamas in Nassau for Marriage on any island.

  • Complete an Application for Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate form.
  • Submit the completed form to the Marriages Section of the Registrar General’s Department.
  • A search will be made for a record of the marriage.
  • If found, payment is made and a certified copy is issued.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: Note: At this time, this service is only provided in New Providence and Grand Bahama at the Registrar General’s Department.

 

Divorce

Available

Fees: Fees vary according to the number of pages.

Document Name: Decree Absolute (must be the Absolute and not the Decree Nisi)

Issuing Authority: Certified copies of final divorce decrees may be obtained from the Registrar of the Supreme Court.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s) / color / format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Original decrees bear the signature of the Chief Justice or a Judge of the Supreme Court, Nassau, who granted the decree.

Registration Criteria: Every matrimonial cause shall be commenced by filing a petition addressed to the Supreme Court.

Procedure for Obtaining: Former residents may address their requests to: Registrar, Supreme Court of the Bahamas, P.O. Box N-l67, Nassau.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: None

Adoption Certificates

Available

Fees: For list of fees, applicants should check with the Bahamian consular office nearest their place of residence. The bank draft or money order should be made payable to "Registrar General of The Bahamas".

Document Name: Adoption Order

Issuing Authority: Registrar General

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  The document, which is certified to be a true copy of an entry in a register of adoption in the district mentioned, is signed by the Registrar General or his Deputy, and bears the seal of his office.

Registration Criteria:

  • Eligibility is based on suitability of the following items related to the applicant:
  • Finances.
  • Health.
  • Living accommodations.
  • Clean Police Record.
  • Marriage Certificate if applicable.
  • Divorce Decree if applicable.
  • The applicant or one of the applicants has attained the age of 25 and is at least 21 years older than the infant.
  • The applicant has attained 18 years of age and is a relative to the infant.
  • The applicant is the mother or father of the child.

Procedure for Obtaining

  • The applicant visits the Placement Unit making a request to the Social Services Representative (SSR).
  • The SSR conducts a preliminary interview to assess the applicant’s eligibility.
  • The case is then assigned to another SSR.
  • The SSR conducts an initial interview with the applicant(s).
  • The SSR provides the applicant with a listing of all required documents.
  • Following the initial interview, a home visit is conducted and an Adoption Home Study Report (AHSR) is compiled.
  • The AHSR is presented to the Adoption Committee to make a decision.
  • The applicant is then informed of the status.
  • The child is then placed in the adoptive home.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: There will be Pre-adoptive Home Visits if the applicant(s) retain a lawyer to complete the process. This service can be accessed at the following locations:

There will be Pre-adoptive Home Visits if the applicant(s) retain a lawyer to complete the process. This service can be accessed at the following locations:

The Placement Unit
RND Plaza
John F. Kennedy Drive
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 323-0171 or 323-3859 or 364-9670
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

 

Identity Card

Unavailable.

Police, Court, Prison Records

Police Certificates

Available But Unreliable

Fees: $3.00 for Bahamian applicants. $5.00 for Non-Bahamian applicants

Document Name: Bahamas Police Certificate

Issuing Authority: Superintendent, Criminal Record Office, Royal Bahamas Police in Nassau, upon presentation of the applicant's passport. This office issues police certificates for all islands of The Bahamas.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: In addition to the officer's signature, a wet seal bearing the issue date, the words "Royal Bahamas Police Force", and the name of the issuing office is placed on the certificate.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Criminal Records Office

Registration Criteria:             

  • Bahamian applicant must be in possession of a passport, driver’s license or voter’s card to apply for a character certificate.
  • Non-Bahamian applicant must be in possession of a valid passport to apply for a character certificate.
  • Permanent residents who are in possession of a copy of their recent expired character certificate and permanent residence permit/certificate at the time of application, the 14 days requirement does not apply.
  • Applicants who require fingerprint checks should apply in person at the Criminal Records Office, Thompson Boulevard so that their fingerprint can be scanned on application, and certificate can be ready on the pick-up date. A passport, driver’s license or voter’s card must be submitted for identification before fingerprints are checked.
  • Applicants who applied for their certificates at a particular station will collect them from the same station where they applied except where fingerprint check is required. The certificate will be collected from the Criminal Records Office, Thompson Boulevard.
  • Online overseas applicant in addition to the information submitted, must forward a set of fingerprint and copies of the first four pages of a valid passport with a fee of $3.00 US/Bahamian currency for Bahamians and $5.00 US/Bahamian currency for foreign applicants plus mailing cost before the certificate can be issued. Checks and international money orders must be made payable to the Bahamas Public Treasury.

Procedure for Obtaining: Police certificates indicating whether the person has a police record are obtainable in person from the Superintendent, Criminal Record Office, Royal Bahamas Police in Nassau, upon presentation of the applicant's passport. This office issues police certificates for all islands of The Bahamas.

The Criminal Records Office (CRO) in New Providence is the only location where records are computerized. Additionally, hand-written police certificates are issued at several satellite offices in New Providence and in a few of the family islands once the appropriate information is faxed to CRO for clearance. Satellite stations include Cable Beach, Quakoo Street, and the Carmichael and Elizabeth Estates Police Stations. Police certificates may also be obtained from police stations on Andros, Eleuthera, Long Island, Abaco, and Grand Bahama Islands.

A passport is required for Bahamians and non-Bahamians requesting a police certificate. A police certificate may be issued to non-Bahamian residents residing in The Bahamas for no less than 6 months. Former residents of the Bahamas (Bahamian/non-Bahamian) also may be issued police certificates. A copy of the biographical data page(s) is required if application is made outside of the Bahamas. Former residents of the Bahamas and those not residing in Nassau may address an individual request for such certificates to Superintendent, CID, Criminal Records Office, Royal Bahamas Police, and P.O. Box N-3020. Nassau. Request should include the full name, date and place of birth, nationality, and period resided in the Bahamas, and must be accompanied by fingerprint charts.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: Records are purged every seven years if the person has no new convictions in the interim. Records of deceased individuals are destroyed. Expunged records are archived, as are records of any case where an appeal of a conviction is upheld (this only applies to cases where prior arrests or convictions exist). Records or convictions overturned on appeal, where there are no prior arrests or convictions, are destroyed. Law does not permit those records to be retained by CRO.

Identification numbers are assigned to individuals for all arrests. An additional identification is assigned for all convictions. These numbers are automatically assigned by computer once a new case is entered. This is done chronologically each year. Once a number has been assigned, it remains with the individual. Records can therefore be retrieved by the identification number or the individual's name.

 

Court / Prison Records

Available

Fees:  Fees are dependent on the amount of pages required

Document Name: Court Records / Prison Records

Issuing Authority: Available directly from the courts for court records.  Prison records are available at The Bahamas Department of Corrections.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s) / color/ format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Information not available

Registration Criteria: Civil or Criminal Registry in the Supreme or Magistrate’s Court

Procedure for Obtaining: Applications are completed at the requisite court (Magistrate or Supreme)

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: None

Military Records

Available

Fees: There may be a fee required

Document Name: Service Records

Issuing Authority: Available from the Ministry of National Security, Department of Public Personnel

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Ministry of National Security

Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria

Procedure for Obtaining: Application can be made at the Administrative Office The Royal Bahamas Defense Force

Certified Copies Available: There may be certified copies available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: None

Passports & Other Travel Documents

Unavailable.

Other Records

Not applicable.

Visa Issuing Posts

Post Title: Nassau, Bahamas (Embassy)

Address: Queen Street (next to McDonald's restaurant)
Nassau

Phone Number: (242) 322-1181, (after hours) (242) 328-2206

Visa Services:  All visa categories for all of the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Comments / Additional Information: None

Visa Services

All visa categories for all of the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Additional Information for Reciprocity

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