Visa Information Service Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the VIS telephone numbers?
A: From within the Bahamian Islands and the continental United States: +1 800 763 6812 and from within Turks and Caicos: +1 877 709 1892.
Q: Can I still call the
Embassy for Visa Information?
A:
No.After February 16, 2006, no visa information will be available through the U.S. Embassy’s phone numbers. Please use the new service for all visa questions.
Q: How will the new service benefit me?
A: The new service provides access to an
operator who will provide extensive information on visa requirements and application
procedures for nonimmigrant
visas. If you need an interview to apply for a nonimmigrant
visa you must schedule your appointment through this service. Listening carefully
to the information provided will help you save time when applying for a visa. The biggest delay most applicants experience
is applying for a visa without all required information and/or proper forms completed.
Q: What kind of information
is provided by the new service?
A: This service provides current and
accurate information for citizens, residents, and visitors of The Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands,
who wish to apply for a visa to enter the United States. Callers will be able to access information on all requirements for
U.S. nonimmigrant visas, as well as scheduling nonimmigrant visa interviews.
Q: Can I use the same PIN for more than one call?
A: Yes. If you do not use your entire 8 minutes on your first call, you may use the
same PIN to call the VIS later if, for example, you need to reschedule your appointment to a different date. Note, however, that the remaining time
on your PIN is identifiable with you and is not transferable to someone else.
Q: I need to schedule appointments for my
whole family. Do I need a PIN for
each person?
A: No, you may schedule an appointment for yourself and
up to 4 immediate family members using the same PIN. The PIN costs $14 USD.
“Immediate family members” implies: husband, wife, mother, father, child,
brother or sister. Cousins are not considered immediate family members.
Please remember that the PIN is only valid for 8 minutes.
Q: Are there still Embassy walk-in visa service hours?
A: The current walk-in service will be available until February 21st.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule appointments through the new service since no visa information will be available through the U.S. Embassy's phone number as of February 16th.
Q: Is there any other way to schedule a nonimmigrant visa appointment?
A:
No. All nonimmigrant visa appointments are scheduled through the
VIS. The $14 USD PIN fee is separate from the standard visa application fee paid at the Embassy at the time of the interview.
Please note that almost all applicants must schedule an appointment for an
interview in order to apply for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa. For more information, please call the VIS.
NOTE: PIN receipts must contain the full, legal name of the PIN purchaser. Applicants
that refuse to provide full name for the PIN receipt will not be able to receive
further Visa Information Services. Applicants that provide false, fictitious, or
fraudulent names risk criminal penalties.
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