A press release from the US Embassy noted that as of October 6, applicants will be able to complete their application forms online, reducing their visit to the embassy by 45 minutes in most instances. This is the latest in a series of steps the Embassy has taken in recent weeks to improve and expedite customer service.
Application process
Applicants after completing the form can bring it along with the generated bar-code, and access a special line for expedited processing after first paying the visa application fee, the release noted.
Through the bar-code, the embassy consular assistant, scans the application information instantly, allowing the applicant to proceed directly to the interview window.
To download the application form, simply log-on to the embassy website at http://usembassy.state.gov/nassau, or directly to the form at http://evisaforms.state.gov/. Applicants are advised that their Internet browser must be Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher or Netscape 6.2 or higher. Those unfamiliar with the Internet may wish to consider using an Internet cafe. Applicants must make sure when printing the form to keep the bar-code. The bar-code keeps all of the information on the form and is what is used to scan in information at the Embassy.
The Embassy pledges to process all visa applications within one hour of paying the visa application fee. Customers are thus advised not to arrive before the Embassy opens, doing so often causes applicants to wait in line longer outside of the Embassy.
By Jimenita Swain, The Nassau Guardian
