The Tribune

By CELESTE NIXON

Tribune Staff Reporter

cnixon@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIANS are good travellers according to the US Embassy in Nassau.

During a roundtable discussion with the media, non-immigrant visa chief at the embassy Sally Sternall said: “Most Bahamians are very good travellers, they have ties to the Bahamas, especially very strong family ties that keep them coming back.”

She said the average Bahamian goes over to the US to shop, not to live.

Conducting a mock interview and overview of the visa application process at the US Embassy yesterday, Ms Sternall advised all Bahamians who want to visit the US to apply for a US visa.

She said while Bahamians can travel on their police record because of the US Customs and Boarder Protection Pre-clearence Facilities in both Nassau and Freeport, those without a visa who want to travel on short notice, if an emergency arises, or when pre-clearance is closed – for example in the event of a hurricane – will unable to gain access into the US.

She noted that Bahamians travelling by private aircraft or on a cruise ship also require a US visa.

The Embassy processes around 1,000 student visa applications each year, and Ms Sternall particularly encouraged students applying for visas to study in the US to be organised and apply early to avoid the summer rush, noting that during peak season from May to September, it can take up to two weeks to schedule and interview.

In addition to a valid passport and photo, she said further documentation may be required to support your application, including a letter of employment, current bank statement or marriage certificate.

While all the documentation may not be assessed for the visa approval, Ms Sternall stressed it is better to be prepared and have the documentation on hand if necessary.

Applications for children 13 and younger can be either dropped off at the Embassy or mailed in. Documentation required includes birth certificate, parents passports and job letters. This process also applies to senior citizens.

If your visa is denied, Ms Sternall advised that while there is no time limit on when a person can re-apply, the applicant should wait until they can provide new information to support their application.

The most common reason for an applicant being denied is failure to show strong ties to the Bahamas.

In order to accommodate Family Island residents, the embassy is now offering Wednesday afternoon appointments for all applicants living outside New Providence.

This allows applicants to fly into the Nassau in the morning and return the same day.

Visas can be sent to their home via courier service or a friend or family member can retrieve the passport on the following business day.

Ms Sternall said Bahamians interested in gaining a document similar to a Green Card that would allow them to live and work in the US should apply for a diversity visa, which is used to encourage immigration to the United States. According to Ms Sternall, every year the US government looks at immigration patterns and revises a list and number of slots available to each country.

She noted that there are between 10 to 15 slots available for Bahamians. Applications are usually accepted for a month every fall. For further information, check the Embassy's website – http://nassau.usembassy.gov.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A US VISA

• Schedule an appointment for a visa interview by calling the fee-based Visa Information Service at 1-800-763-6812 or 1-800-709-1892. Note the $14 payment fee can be made via credit card or pin numbers can be obtained by purchasing a visa scratch card at local gas stations. When you call you will receive an appointment date and time, along with a confirmation number.

• Complete the DS-160 electronic visa application form found on the US Embassy website, http://nassau.usembassy.gov.

• Pay your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee of $200, which is payable online at www.fmjfee.com/i901fee or by money order. Be sure to print your receipt.

• Gather your financial documents to demonstrate that you have immediate access to the full amount of funds listed on your I-20 form (tuition, room and board an other expenses) for the first year of education.

• Assemble the documentation that you believe will support your application for a US visa. This includes a valid passport, visa fee application fee $160 (paid in cash, all in one currency), your application, DS-160 confirmation sheet and two recent passport-size photos.

• Arrive on time to your interview. Be sure to bring all documentation including SEVIS receipt, I-20 form and a photo ID.

• Pay your fees and have your fingerprints taken.

• Complete your interview. Applicants must prove to the consular officer that they intend to study in the US and not pursue any other activities (like working), that they will abide by the terms of the visa and that they have sufficient social, economic and/or family ties to compel you to return to the Bahamas after you have completed your studies.