Requirements for Foreigners wanting to study in Jamaica.

by Ajay
(Toronto Canada)

QUESTION:
I want to send my son to boarding school in Jamaica do I need to get a Visa? if not what is needed so I can send him for the next term?


ANSWER: by Rosa-Lee Phang,

Hi there,

I can imagine how anxious you and your son must be with all the excitement that comes with doing new things, experiencing a different culture, and the Jamaican education system I heard is rated the best in the Caribbean, so congratulations on a bold and exciting decision.

I may not have all the answers, but here’s some information that will help you get situated. Be informed that policy and requirements may be different depending on whether the student is from a commonwealth or non-commonwealth country, with the exceptions of Pakistan, Sir Lanka, Nigeria, the British Virgin Islands, and the Cayman Islands.

Before anything else, you should ensure you have:
• A valid passport
• A valid visa (this can be obtained from the Jamaican consulate or embassy before the student’s arrival to the island).
• An original letter of acceptance from an accredited school of your choice.
• A valid one year return ticket.


Once that is covered, if your son is over 16years of age and will be in Jamaica for more than 6months, you must contact the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) to have him register as an alien immediately after arrival. The office is located on 25C Constant Spring Road. Kingston 10. He must have 2 passport-size photographs no older than 6months. And there will be a fee for the registration.


Upon arrival, both the commonwealth and non-commonwealth nations are subjected to the Immigration port for a short period to ensure the requirements are met for the purpose and period of stay. At that time, he will be advised to visit the Passport, Immigration, and Citizenship Agency to formalize his stay on the island to complete studies.

Be prepared to complete the following forms when visiting the Extension of Stay Unit:

Application for re-entry visa (where applicable).
Application for extension of stay.
Alien Registration Card (also where applicable).

I have read before that endorsements are given to students attending tertiary institutions that are accredited by the University Council of Jamaica or primary and secondary schools that have been accredited by the Ministry of Education. With that said, be reminded that all things take time and so will the processing of the student endorsements. You can also visit the PICA website for more information (pica.gov.jm). Or send them an email from their site for more details.

I take it that you’ll be accompanying your child on this journey. Therefore if you need any information regarding visitors’ travel requirements, the website address above will be helpful.

See also: requirements for international students

Regards,
R. Phang

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