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 with permanent resident or refugee status in the Bahamas can use Bahamian reciprocity, but only if they apply in the Bahamas. If they apply outside the Bahamas, they must follow the reciprocity rules of their home country.
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 of Records Department of the Bahamas.” For a 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: Certified copy of Birth.
Issuing Authority: Registrar of Records Department of The Bahamas in Nassau, New Providence, or Freeport, Grand Bahama for birth on any island.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Birth Certificates in the Bahamas are documents that show a person was entered into the Register of Births at the Registrar of Records Department. The document is titled: “Certified Copy of Entry in the Register of Births”. The certificate shows details about the birth.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title:
Birth Certificates may be signed by:
Certificates will have the seal of the signer’s office. Former residents may request certificates by mail addressed to: Registrar General of The Bahamas, P.O. Box N-532, Nassau.
Registration Criteria: The Bahamas has maintained birth records since 1850. All births must be registered within 1 year to avoid a penalty.
To register after one year, you must include an affidavit giving the reason for the delay in registration. Delayed registrations must be submitted before the child’s third birthday.
If the parents are unmarried but want both of their names to appear on the child's birth certificate, they must first get an affidavit from a local notary swearing that they are the parents. After that, they may register the child with the Registrar of Records.
For legacy birth records, some of the records are registered with a Christian name. This is particularly true of applicants born in the Family Islands (outside of Nassau). Because of this, applicants often need to provide affidavits about their Christian names or confirm their certificates with baptismal records.
Procedure for Obtaining: Birth certificates are obtainable from the Registrar of Records Department of The Bahamas, Nassau or Freeport, Grand Bahama for birth on any island.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: Affidavit of Birth
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
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 of Records of The Bahamas." For a 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 of Records of The Bahamas in Nassau, New Providence, or Freeport, Grand Bahama.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Death Certificates in the Bahamas are documents that show a person was entered into the Register of Deaths at the Registrar of Records Department. The document is titled: “Certified Copy of Entry in the Register of Deaths”. They certificate shows details about the death.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title:
Death Certificates may be signed by:
Certificates will have the seal of the signer’s office. Former residents may request 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 of Records Department or the Mortician can make a request online.
Procedure for Obtaining: Same as Registration.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: Affidavit of Death
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Available
Fees: A bank draft or money order payable to "Registrar of Records of The Bahamas." For a list of fees, applicants should check with the Bahamian consular office nearest their place of residence, or email registrargeneral@bahamas.gov.bs.
Document Name: Marriage Certificate
Issuing Authority: Registrar of Records
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The document must be certified as a valid copy in the district mentioned. It will say “Certified to be a True Copy of an entry in a Register of Marriages” on it.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title:
Marriage Certificates may be signed by:
Certificates will have the seal of the signer’s office.
Registration Criteria: Any person who gets married in The Bahamas.
Procedure for Obtaining: Certified copies of Marriage certificates are obtainable from the Registrar of Records Department of The Bahamas in Nassau, New Providence or Freeport, Grand Bahama for Marriage on any island.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: Currently, this service is only provided in New Providence and Grand Bahama at the Registrar of Records of the Bahamas 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, or Grand Bahama who granted the decree.
Registration Criteria: Every matrimonial cause must start 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: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Available
Fees: For a 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 of Records of The Bahamas".
Document Name: Certified copy of an Adoption Certificate.
Issuing Authority: Registar of Records
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s) / color / format.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title:
Adoption Certificates may be signed by:
Certificates will have the seal of the signer’s office.
Registration Criteria: An Adoption Order is forwarded from the Supreme Court Registry to the Registrar of Records Department. The adoption is registered in the Adoption of Children Register Book and an Adoption Registration Certificate is generated.
Adoptions are processed through the Supreme Cout of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Eligibility is based on the following items related to the applicant:
Procedure for Obtaining:
Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
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:
The Placement Unit
RND Plaza
John F. Kennedy Drive
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas
Phone: (242) 323-0171 / 323-3859 / 364-9670
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Currently, there is not a standardized Bahamian national identification card.
For more information visit: https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/index.php/service/certificate-of-identification-applying-for
Available
Fees: $5.00 for Bahamian applicants. $10.00 for Non-Bahamian applicants.
Document Name: Bahamas Police Force Character Certificates.
Issuing Authority: Superintendent, Criminal Record Office, Royal Bahamas Police Force in Nassau and Grand Bahama, upon presentation of the applicant's passport. This office issues Character 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 show if you have a criminal record. You can get a police certificate by visiting the Superintendent at the Criminal Record Office of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. These offices are located in Nassau, Grand Bahama, and some Family Islands. To get the certificate, you need to bring your passport. The office provides Police Character Certificates for all islands in The Bahamas.
The Criminal Records Office (CRO) in New Providence is the only location where records are computerized. Police certificates may also be obtained from Police Stations on all the major Family Islands.
To get a police certificate, both Bahamians and non-Bahamians must show a passport. Non-Bahamians living in The Bahamas for at least 6 months can also get a police certificate. Former residents of The Bahamas, whether Bahamian or non-Bahamian, can apply for one too. If you are applying from outside The Bahamas, you must include a copy of the biographical data page(s) of your passport.
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 Force, 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: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: If you want to have your criminal record cleared, you first need to clear the Rehabilitation Period, which depends on the type of offense. After the period is over, you can apply to the Rehabilitative Offenders Committee to have your record expunged.
A person is not considered rehabilitated until they have served or complied with the sentence imposed.
The rehabilitation period is calculated from the date of the expiration of the term of imprisonment or upon satisfaction of the court’s sentence.
For more information visit: Rehabilitative Welfare Services | Government of The Bahamas
Fees: Fees are dependent on the number of pages required.
Document Name: Court Records / Prison Records (Letter from Royal Bahamas Police Force Criminal Record Office)
Issuing Authority: Available directly from the courts for court records. Prison records are available at The Bahamas Department of Corrections Services.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s) / color/ format.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title:
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: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
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 are no registration criteria.
Procedure for Obtaining: Application can be made at the Administrative Office of The Royal Bahamas Defense Force.
Certified Copies: There may be certified copies available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
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 are 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: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
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: A Certificate of Identification is a travel document available for non-citizens legally residing in The Bahamas up to 18 years old. The applicant should have been born in The Bahamas after 10th July 1973 to non-Bahamian persons. All non-citizens must apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to obtain this travel document.
Not applicable.
Post Title: Nassau, Bahamas (Embassy)
Address: # 235 Shirley Street, Nassau, Bahamas
Phone Number: 242-461-5025, (after hours) 242-461-5555
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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