Applying For Resident Spouse Permit : Bahamas

Name of the Organization : Department of Immigration
Type of Facility : Applying For Resident Spouse Permit
Country : Bahamas

Website : https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/porta…vZ0FBIS9nQSEh/

Applying For Resident Spouse Permit :

Foreigners who are married to Bahamian nationals may be eligible for a Resident Spouse Permit. This permit allows spouses of Bahamians to legally live and work in The Bahamas, provided that they live with their Bahamian spouse and have been married for less than five years, at time of application.

Related : Applying For Citizenship Bahamas : www.statusin.org/6339.html

Please note that once five years of marriage have passed, the non-Bahamian spouse may apply for extension of Resident Spouse Permit citizenship or permanent residency.

Eligibility :
Applicants must be:
** Married to a Bahamian national for less than 5 years (persons married for 5 years or more may apply for citizenship), PR Extension of the Resident Spouse Permit
** Living together as husband and wife.

Process :
** Complete application form.
** Write and sign letter of request, addressed to the Director of Immigration.
** Attach all of the supporting documents to the letter of request.
** Submit application and fees to the Department of Immigration.

Application Form(s) :
First Schedule Form I A – Same form is used for Extension of Resident Spouse Permit also available at the Department of Immigration’s offices

Supporting Documents:
** A letter of request addressed to the Director of Immigration, and signed by the Bahamian spouse, informing of the spouse’s name and how long the couple has been married. For first time
** A copy of the bio-data page of the applicant’s passport.
** Bahamian spouse’s passport.
** 2 passport-sized identical colour photographs of the applicant, with the applicant’s name printed on the reverse side (photographs must not be more than 6 months old).
** A police certificate of character covering 5 years of residence, issued not more than 6 months prior to the submission of the application.
** An original certified copy of the marriage certificate.
** A medical certificate dated not more than 30 days prior to the submission of the application.
** For extension Resident Spouse Permit request letters must clearly indidcate its for an extension.

Turn-around time :
Once the actual application has been accurately and completely submitted, applicant should contact the Inquiries Unit @ 502-0550 for an update of the status of the application within a 3 to 4 week period

Deadline :
There is no deadline for this service.

Related Fee(s) :
There is a non-refundable processing fee of BS$100.00.
Once the application has been approved, the applicant must pay an additional BS$250.00.

Please note that all funds are payable via cash or certified / bank manager’s cheque payable to the Treasury.

For more information please contact :
To access more information or to apply, please contact the Department of Immigration at the locations outlined below.

New Providence:
Department of Immigration
Hawkins Hill
P. O. Box N-831
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas

Tel: (242) 322-7530/9
Fax:(242) 326-0977
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays