Please follow the steps below before your immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau, The Bahamas.
Important Update:
You will visit the embassy at least twice during the immigrant visa process. Once to complete Document Review and a second visit for your visa interview.
First Visit: Document Review & Biometrics
Your first visit to the embassy is for Document Review to ensure you have all necessary papers, collect fingerprints, submit photos, and verify passport information. This process will reduce the time spent in our waiting room and – more importantly – significantly increase the chance your application can be issued on the day of the interview.
You do not schedule an appointment for Document Review. Our Immigrant Visa Unit will send you an email a few weeks before your immigrant visa interview. The email will instruct you to come to the Embassy the Thursday prior to your interview between the 8:00am and 11:00 am to complete the Document Review.
Second Visit: Visa Interview
Your second visit to the embassy is for your actual visa interview and occurs on the date and time scheduled by the National Visa Center (NVC). If you do not complete Document Review before the day of your visa interview, you may be required to reschedule your visa appointment.
You need to create an online profile before you schedule your medical appointment (prior to your consular interview). The profile you create will provide us with the information we need to return your passport in case your visa is approved.
It is important that you provide phone numbers from The Bahamas and an updated email address as we will use this information to contact you throughout the process.
To start the registration process, you must click on the "Register" button below:
As soon as the National Visa Center (NVC) provides you an interview appointment date, you must schedule a medical exam in Nassau or Freeport with one of the authorized Panel Physicians at least 3 weeks prior to your visa interview appointment. If children under the age of 14 are applying, please schedule your medical exam(s) at least 1 month prior to the visa interview through the following website: to baystmedical.com. Remember: to obtain a medical exam appointment you must first complete the online profile registration process described in the Medical Exam Instructions.
Click the “Medical Exam Instructions” button below for a list of designated doctors’ offices in The Bahamas.
The consular section will review your immigrant visa case file and email you regarding any missing documents, such as original divorce decrees, marriage or birth decrees or taxes forms. We will send instructions via email explaining how to scan and upload any missing documents.
Please review the Pre-Interview checklist below for a detailed list of the documents you need to bring to your Document Review and interview. Failure to bring required documents will delay your application.
Read our interview guidelines to learn about any special actions that you need to take before your visa interview.
All immigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, require a medical examination prior to the issuance of a visa. Only a physician accredited by the U.S. Embassy can perform this exam. It is your responsibility to schedule a medical exam with one of the doctors listed below at least three weeks before your visa interview appointment (1 month for children under 14). We cannot accept medical examination results from other physicians.
To schedule an appointment, you must access the following website: to baystmedical.com. You will need to have your UID number ready and complete each field, please ensure that your contact information is accurate as you will receive an email and a phone call from the panel physician’s office within 3 business days after you schedule your appointment to provide you with a confirmation and further details.
Any medical examination fees, including x-ray and blood test fees, must be paid directly to the examining physician. The prices established are the same for all Panel Physicians: the basic exam fee is approximately $250 per person. Any required vaccinations, additional x-rays, or follow-up tests will be charged separately and require additional fees. Costs can be as high as $695 per applicant. Any fee in conjunction with further tests or examinations will be at the expense of the applicant. The total cost of the medical examination will depend on your personal medical condition. Please make sure to make complete payments of the medical examination prior to the appointment. Failure to do so will result in delayed visa processing times.
Approved physicians
NASSAU
Dr. Tyneil Cargill
19 Marlborough St
Nassau, The Bahamas
FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA
Dr. Renee Lockhart
Pyform Manor Building
1C W Mall Drive
Freeport, The Bahamas
Bring the following items to your medical exam forms:
Please be advised that all immigrant visa applicants are required to submit themselves to a thorough examination conducted by an approved panel physician. Examinations are conducted in conformity with technical instructions issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and will include:
Applicants should bring their vaccination records to the examination, along with any medical records the applicant believes might be relevant to their medical history, including current prescription drug names, doses, and frequency of use.
The medical examination will include a medical history review, physical examination, and chest X-ray, gonorrhea test, and blood tests (for applicants 15 years of age or older). The United States also requires tuberculosis (TB) testing for all applicants two years of age and older. Starting November 12, 2018, the United States also requires IGRA test for all applicants 2 to 14 years of age. The embassy-approved physician will give you a referral to an approved x-ray clinic and/or serologic testing laboratory if required for you to take these tests. The approved clinic is:
Oaktree Medical Center
2 Fifth Terrace & Mount Royal Ave
Nassau, The Bahamas
Phone: +1 242-322-1145
Please be prepared to discuss your medical history, medications you are taking, and current treatments you are undergoing. More information on general medical requirements for U.S. immigrants is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website.
U.S. immigration law requires immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations prior to the issuance of a visa. Current immigrant visa vaccination requirements are available on the CDC website. You can also read Frequently Asked Questions about our medical examination requirements at Travel.State.Gov.
Physicians authorized by the Embassy of the United States, based on the results of their evaluation, may indicate follow-up with a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or other types of studies for certain health conditions. These processes can last for 3, 6, 9 or 12 months. These additional processes could mean that additional payments must be made and that your immigrant visa process can be delayed. Also, there is a possibility that medical exams may have to be re-performed because the validity of the former may have expired.
It is necessary to clarify that if your case requires additional evaluation, your interview in the Consular Section will be canceled but your process will continue. The authorized doctor or the Consular Section will inform you when you can reschedule your appointment.
When your examination is completed, the doctor will send the results directly to the U.S. Embassy. The vaccine and x-ray report will be given to you. YOU DO NOT HAVE to bring them to the interview. The medical report must be less than six (6) months old when you enter the United States as an immigrant.
Below is a list of documents that you will need to bring to your Document Review and to your visa interview. Please review the checklist and prepare your documents according to your visa category and if they are applicable on your case. The embassy will send you an email titled “Case Preparation” if any of these documents are missing from your case file, you will need to gather all mentioned documents and bring them to your interview.
FOR APPLICANTS PROCESSING ELECTRONICALLY (MIV): PLEASE BRING THE EXACT ORIGINAL OF ALL DOCUMENTS YOU UPLOADED INTO CEAC. IF YOU DO NOT BRING THE EXACT DOCUMENTS TO YOUR INTERVIEW, YOUR CASE WILL BE DELAYED
Also, during the performance of your medical examinations you will be given a list with the necessary documents for the day of your interview according to your visa category. This list is also available here.
You must present the following documents on the day of your interview:Please use the list below to determine the items that every applicant must bring to the immigrant visa interview:
All applicants must present their original birth certificate, English translation, and a photocopy.
NOTE: If the petitioner is your parent, sibling, son/daughter: If you, your sibling, or your son/daughter were registered months after your/their birth or you/your parents made a change one year after your/their birth, you must present your/their affidavit listing any changes made to the birth certificate.
If you are petitioned by your spouse: You must present your original marriage certificate.
If you are petitioned by your spouse: You must present any original divorce decree for your petitioner or yourself if applicable.
If you are petitioned as a parent of a U.S. citizen: You must present your original birth certificate and the original birth certificate for your petitioner.
If you are petitioned as a sibling of a U.S. citizen: You must present your original birth certificate and the original birth certificate for your petitioner.
If you are petitioned as an Unmarried son or Daughter: You must present any original divorce decree, if you have been married before.
If you are the petitioner’s stepchild: The original marriage certificate of the petitioner and your biological parent, and original divorce records for any previous marriages of either parent.
NOTE: If the previous relationship ended due to the death of a spouse: You must present the ex-spouse’s original death certificate.
Original or certified copies of birth certificates for all children of the principal applicant (even if he or she is not accompanying).
Applicants who fall into any category listed in italics below should bring these additional documents:
All applicants 18 years old and above must present a valid Police Certificate.
NOTE: If you lived in another country for more than one year: You must present the Police Certificate from that country.
Financial documents: I-864 form version as applicable (I-864, I-864 A, I-864 EZ I-864W), W2 and/or 1099 forms as applicable (1099-G, 1099-R, 1099-SSA, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, W2G), IRS transcripts.
NOTES:
If you are under the age of 14: You must be accompanied to the interview by your biological mother or father, a legal guardian, or a special attorney. They must present proof of legal custody or personal care of the minor or a special power that entitles them to accompany the minor to the interview given by the biological father or mother.
If you have served in any country’s military: You must present your military history
For employment-based visa applications: You must present your employer's letter with the job offer.
If you are adopted: You must present the original documents of the adoption process.
If the petitioner is your father: If you were registered months after your birth or your parents made a change one year after your birth, you must present an affidavit and/or any court documents detailing any changes made to your birth certificate.
If you have been detained in or deported from the United States at any time: If you have ever been detained or deported from the United States: you must attach all documents related to your immigration processes, including the deportation order, the voluntary deportation order, and any court documents.
If you were in the United States illegally and were granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or political asylum: You must submit all applications for TPS/asylum, any approval or denial documents, and cards issued to the applicant. Claims of TPS or political asylum will not be acknowledged without complete documentation – the burden of proof of legal status in the United States is on the applicant.
Original or certified copies of birth certificates for all children of the principal applicant (even if he or she is not accompanying).
Applicants who fall into any category listed in italics below should bring these additional documents:
For family-based visa applications:
If you are married: Your original marriage certificate, English translation, and a photocopy.
If you were previously married: Your original divorce or spouse’s death certificate, English translation, and a photocopy.
If you are older than 16 years of age: The original police certificate from your country of current residence and countries of previous residence. If these three items are all true, you must bring a more recent police certificate to the interview:
1. You are older than 16 years;
2. You obtained a police certificate more than one year ago; and
3. You still live in the country that issued the police certificate.
For employment-based visa applications: Letter from your U.S. employer dated less than one month ago.
If you have ever been convicted of a crime: Court and criminal records, English translation, and a photocopy.
If you have served in any country’s military: Military records, English translation, and a photocopy.
If you are adopted: Adoption papers or custody documents, English translation, and a photocopy.
If you are the petitioner’s stepchild: The original marriage certificate of the petitioner and your biological parent, English translation, and a photocopy along with divorce records for any previous marriages of either parent.
Sending documents to the U.S. Embassy in Nassau
If you need to send us any original documents, please mail them along with the refusal letter that was given to you at the conclusion of your Immigrant Visa interview to the following address:
Embassy of the United States of America
42 Queen Street
P.O. BOX N-8197
Nassau, The Bahamas
Rescheduling or cancelling your interview
If you are unable to attend or you did not show to your appointment, please go to our online Visa Information Center to select a new appointment date. There may be a significant wait before the next available appointment, so please attempt to attend the date already assigned. For some family-based and employment preference visa categories, a visa became available within the month you have been scheduled by NVC. There is no guarantee that a visa will still be available on the date of your rescheduled interview. Please carefully consult the Visa Bulletin before you decide to reschedule your interview.
Please note: Rescheduling is only possible on a date after your assigned appointment.
Security screening procedures
All visitors to the U.S. Embassy in Nassau must follow certain security procedures. Any visitor who declines to be screened by U.S. Embassy security personnel will be unable to enter the embassy. To avoid delaying your entry and that of those in line behind you, please bring only what is required for your interview. There is no parking area at the embassy for visa applicants. Please arrive no earlier than 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.
Accompanying Persons
Attorneys are not permitted to accompany clients into the waiting room or to their interview. Only the following persons may accompany a visa applicant to their interview:
Immigrant visa fees
If you have not paid all required fees to either the National Visa Center or via the appointment website, please be prepared to pay these fees on the day of your interview.
All fees may be paid in U.S. dollars. We accept cash and credit cards only (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Diners Club). We do not accept personal checks. Please note that if you are found ineligible to receive a visa, the application fee cannot be refunded. A complete list of fees can be found at Travel.State.Gov.
A consular officer can decide on a visa application only after reviewing the formal application and interviewing the applicant. There is no guarantee that you will receive a visa. Do not sell your house, car, or property, resign from your job, or make non-refundable flight or other travel arrangements until you have received your immigrant visa.
Do not make travel plans outside of The Bahamas
If your visa is approved, we will keep your passport at the embassy while we prepare your immigration packet and print a visa for your passport. We will return your passport to you later at the Embassy in person (see Step 1).
If more information is needed
Sometimes a consular officer is unable to make a decision on a visa application because the officer needs to review additional documents or the case requires further administrative processing. When additional documents are requested, the consular officer will give you a refusal letter that asks you to submit additional documents. The letter will include instructions on how to send those documents to the consulate. Administrative processing takes additional time after the interview. Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days. However, the timing varies based on the circumstances of each case. Before inquiring about the status of your case, please wait at least 60 days after your interview.
What happens after visa approval
Passport, Visa, and Sealed Immigrant Packet – We will place your immigrant visa on a page in your passport. Please review your visa to make sure there are no spelling errors. We will also give you a sealed envelope containing documents that you must give to U.S. immigration authorities when you arrive in the United States for the first time.If you receive X-rays during your medical examination, carry those with you and give them to the U.S. immigration authorities.
Do not open this envelope. You must carry it with you; do not put it in your checked luggage.
FOR APPLICANTS THAT PROCESSED THEIR CASE ELECTRONICALLY (MIV): YOU WILL ONLY RECEIVE THE PASSPORT WITH THE VISA.
USCIS Immigrant Fee – All individuals who are issued immigrant visas overseas must pay an Immigrant Fee of $220 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prior to traveling to the United States. This fee is for processing your residency status and printing your Permanent Resident Card, the payment is online, and the instructions will be sending to you among your passport and visa packet.
The only people exempt from paying this fee are: children entering the United States under the Hague Adoption Process, returning residents, and people traveling on a K visa.
FOR APPLICANTS THAT PROCESSED THEIR CASE ELECTRONICALLY (MIV): YOU WILL RECEIVE THE PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS WITH YOUR PASSPORT.
When You Should Travel – You must enter the United States before the expiration date on your visa, which is usually six (6) months from the date of your medical examination. Your visa cannot be extended, and all fees are nonrefundable. The principal applicant must enter before or at the same time as other family members with visas. Unless they are eligible for benefits under the Child Status Protection Act, children who are issued a visa before turning 21 years of age must enter the United States before their 21st birthday to avoid losing their immigrant status.
Getting a Green Card – Your Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card, also known as a green card, will be automatically mailed to the address in the United States that you write in your visa application form. This is a very important document that proves you have permission to reside in the United States. If you plan to travel outside the U.S. before your green card arrives: Please consult USCIS’s and CBP’s websites for rules about what documents you need to re-enter the country. We also recommend you check with the airline to ensure you are following their rules. Once your card is issued, you should not stay outside of the United States for more than one year. If you do, you will lose your status as a Lawful Permanent Resident.
Children’s Issues – In the United States, children are required to have certain vaccinations before they can enroll in school. We recommend that you bring your child’s complete vaccination records with you to the United States. If your child is adopted, you have full custody as a result of a divorce, or you share custody with another parent, you should bring a copy of all applicable adoption or custody papers from the authoritative court in your home country. You will need these papers (translated into English) for issues such as school enrollment, medical care, and eventual citizenship.
Information for New Immigrants – Please visit the USCIS web page for helpful information on moving to the United States. You can read their publication Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants online.
If you are interviewing for a Diversity Visa (DV), all of the above instructions apply to you. Please schedule and attend a medical examination prior to your visa interview; enroll in the required courier service; and gather the required documents.
Below are additional instructions that apply only to DV applicants.
Bring to your interview
In addition to the documents listed on the Pre-Interview Checklist in this package, DV applicants should also bring the following items to your visa interview:
Review your DV Lottery entry
Prior to your visa interview, we recommend that you review the data on your initial E-DV entry. On your initial E-DV application, you must have correctly entered your marital status. If you are legally married you must have listed your spouse, even if you are currently separated from him/her (unless your spouse is a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident).
Additionally, you must have listed ALL of your living children who are unmarried and under 21 years old. This includes your natural children, your spouse’s children, or children you have formally adopted in accordance with the laws of your country.
Failure to have listed an existing spouse or children at the time of your entry in the Diversity Visa lottery will result in the denial of your visa and visas for your family. Any fees paid to the U.S. government in support of your visa application(s) are nonrefundable. If you failed to include a child who had already been born, or a spouse to whom you were married when you entered the lottery, you should not proceed with the visa application. You can review the eligibility requirements at Travel.State.Gov.
Last Updated: 2/5/2024
42 Queen Street
Nassau, The Bahamas
