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.
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 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 | $385.00 | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| H-1C | $385.00 | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| H-2A | $285.00 | N/A | N/A3 |
| H-2B | $285.00 | N/A | N/A3 |
| H-2R | $285.00 | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| H-3 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| H-4 | None | 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 | $485.00 | Multiple | 12 Months |
| L-2 | None | 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 | $385.00 | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| O-2 | $385.00 | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| O-3 | $385.00 | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-1 | $385.00 | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-2 | $385.00 | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-3 | $385.00 | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-4 | $385.00 | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| Q-1 6 | $385.00 | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| R-1 | $385.00 | Multiple | 12 Months |
| R-2 | $385.00 | 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 |
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.
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:
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 or national of a country without a treaty. *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used. **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.
*Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B 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 John Doe, the principal visa holder.
**Example 2: Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.
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.
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.
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.
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 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, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni 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.
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.
No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.
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.
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:
The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Procedure for Obtaining: Same as Registration
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
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.
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.
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
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:
Procedure for Obtaining
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.
Unavailable.
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:
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.
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
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
Passport
Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.): Ordinary, Diplomatic, and Official
Fees: Fees vary depending on document type and processing time. Please see the Bahamas Passport Office website for further information: Passport (First Time or Renewal) *, Applying for a - Government - Services (bahamas.gov.bs)
Document Name: Passport
Issuing Government Authority: Bahamas Passport Office
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: All passports are affixed with the gold Bahamian coat of arms. Ordinary passports are navy blue. Diplomatic passports are dark red.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Minister of Foreign Affairs
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Please see Bahamas Passport office website for detailed instructions on obtaining the travel document you need: Passport (First Time or Renewal) *, Applying for a - Government - Services (bahamas.gov.bs)
Alternate Documents: None
Exceptions: None
Comments: Please contact the Bahamas Passport Office for further information. Passport (First Time or Renewal) *, Applying for a - Government - Services (bahamas.gov.bs)
Other Documents Available: None
Currently, there is not a standardized Bahamian national identification card.
Not applicable.
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
All visa categories for all of the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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.
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