The U.S. Embassy Announces Visa Processing Fees Changes

The Department of State adjusted visa processing fees effective April 13, 2012.  The fees for most nonimmigrant visa applications increased, while all immigrant visa processing fees decreased.  Fees for U.S. passports, reports of birth, notarial services, and renunciation of citizenship remain unchanged.   The change in fees is effective world-wide.

Applicants seeking Tourist, Business, Crew Member, Student, Exchange Visitor, and Journalist visas are advised that processing fees have increased from $140 to $160.  In addition, processing fees for Petition-Based visas (H, L, O, P, Q, and R) have increased from $150 to $190.  Immigrant visa fees have been reduced by an average of over 25 percent.

A detailed list of visa fee changes can be found on the U.S. Embassy’s website at http://nassau.usembassy.gov.  For the applicants’ convenience payment can be made at the Embassy in either Bahamian or U.S. dollars.

The Embassy is also continuing “Family Island Wednesdays” for applicants from the Family Islands.   Under this program, Wednesday afternoon appointments are available for applicants living on Grand Bahama, the Family Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.  With an afternoon appointment, applicants are able to fly into Nassau in the morning, proceed to the Embassy for an early afternoon visa appointment, and fly home later the same day.

With a “Family Island Wednesday” appointment, visa applicants should expect to finish their interview by 3 pm. The processing time for approved visas remains 24 hours for all applicants.  Therefore the Embassy advises applicants who plan to take advantage of “Family Island Wednesdays” appointment to either

1) have their passports sent to their home via a courier service or

2) arrange for a trusted friend or family member to retrieve their passport the following business day.

Family Island applicants who would like to take advantage of the special Wednesday appointments must inform the Visa Call Center of their Family Island status when scheduling their visa appointment.

For more news and updates, assistance with your visa needs or for a Free Assessment of your profile for Immigration or Work Visa’s just visit www.y-axis.com