Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!

US Embassy In Jamaica
What Services Does It Provide to Jamaicans?

Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.

start_here_if_new_image_link

see_jamaica_in_videos_banner_july_2024_large
US Embassy In JamaicaUS Embassy In Jamaica

by Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

What’s the one thing that every Jamaican will keep a secret? That they applied for an American visa. Going to the embassy for most is quite nerve-racking and they will only make mention of it once they have their visas in their hands.

New! Take a piece of Jamaica with you💃!

Savour the memories!  Now you can get your authentic Jamaican souvenir items, as well as traditional Jamaican herbs, spices and housewares on our popular e-store. Click Here to learn more.


And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!

The U.S Visa

A U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveller's passport, a travel document issued by the traveller's country of citizenship, is typically required before a foreign national can enter the US. If they satisfy the prerequisites for visa-free travel, some foreign visitors may be qualified to visit the United States without a visa.

Types of U.S Visa

1. Nonimmigrant Visas

Nonimmigrant visas (NIV) are intended for those who intend to travel to the United States for either business or pleasure; students or exchange visitors beginning study or cultural work programs in the U.S.; travellers passing through the country on their way to other destinations; seasonal temporary workers or employees hired by American businesses for long periods; travellers on diplomatic, official, or U.N. business; and journalists providing time-specific media coverage.

2. Immigrant Visas

The U.S. Embassy in Kingston processes immigrant visas to the United States for citizens and residents of Jamaica. A foreign national seeking to immigrate to the United States must typically be sponsored by one or more U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or potential U.S. employers. It must have an approved petition before applying for an immigrant visa. The process starts when the sponsor submits a petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on behalf of the foreign national (USCIS).

3. Family-Based Immigration

The Immigration and Nationality Act, which governs immigration to the United States, offers two categories of family-based immigrant visas: immediate relatives and family preference.

4. Fiancé(e) Visa

The foreign citizen fiancé (or fiancée) of an American citizen is eligible for a K-1 nonimmigrant visa. The K-1 visa enables the foreign national's fiancé(e) to visit the country and wed the sponsor, a citizen of the United States, within 90 days of arrival.

5. Employment-Based Immigration

Approximately 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas are made available to qualified applicants each fiscal year (October 1 – September 30) under the terms of U.S. immigration law. Immigrant visas based on employment are separated into five preference categories. Some spouses and kids may follow employment-based immigrants or join them.

6. Diversity Visa - The Diversity Visa (DV) program, which would offer 55,000 immigrant visas through an annual lottery beginning in the fiscal year 1995, was established by the Immigration Act of 1990. By choosing applicants primarily from nations with low rates of immigration to the United States over the previous five years, the lottery seeks to diversify the immigrant population in the country.


7. Returning Resident Visas - When returning to the country from abroad, all Conditional Residents (CR) and Legal Permanent Residents (LPR) of the United States must show valid identification proving their residency status. If you have been absent from the country for more than a year (or if a Re-Entry Permit has expired), don't have your I-551 Permanent Resident ("green") card, or both, you might need to go to the embassy to get the necessary paperwork to enter the country again.

Visiting the Embassy

American citizens and visitors to the consular section must enter the buildings through a specific consular entrance on Old Hope Road. Every visitor to the Embassy must go through a security inspection.

Cell phones, cameras, beepers, and pagers should all be put away before entering the Embassy because using them on the compound is forbidden. The Embassy cannot store these items and reserves the right to restrict the entry of possessions.

How long does it take to get a U.S. visa in Jamaica?

Most administrative processing is finished in 60 days, though this time frame may change depending on the case's specifics.

What happens if the visa gets rejected?

The applicant is typically informed of the specific law that is relevant if their request for a visa is denied. The consular officer also informs applicants for visas if they can request a waiver of their ineligibility.

What are the causes of visa rejection?

There are several reasons why a visa may be rejected, here are a few common ones:

  1. Application errors and data inconsistencies.
  2. breaking the rules regarding documentation and visas.
  3. Poorly detailed travel plans.
  4. Insufficient Justification for the Travelling Intention.
  5. Lack of funding

Contact Information

Address: 142 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6, Jamaica, West Indies

Phone: 876-702-6000

Fax: 876-702-6348

You might like these

Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)


If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more. 

It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica! 

Return to VISA Free Countries For Jamaicans from US Embassy In Jamaica
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from US Embassy In Jamaica

References & Sources For US Embassy In Jamaica

  1. U.S. Embassy in Jamaica. 2022. Homepage. [online] Available at: [Accessed 2 September 2022].

US Embassy In Jamaica | Written: September 02, 2022

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.
Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

JAMAICA_ON_A_BUDGET_EBOOK_COVER_LEAN

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise!

JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget!

I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

my_island_jamaica_channel_tv

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.

Jamaica_subscribe_button

Read More ...

New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!

P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for? 
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.

copyscape
Back To The Top Of This Page

Like My Site? Please Click Here To Share It With Your Friends

Home   |   JOIN US   |   Site Search   |   Have Your Say   |   Archives   |   Old Archives   |   Contact   |   Disclaimer   |   TIP ME!   |   Link To Us


Do like I did! Share your passion
(about your city, hobby or experience) and make a living from it. Click Here to see how.

By Wellesley Gayle   |   Copyright © 2007-2024 My-Island-Jamaica.com   |   All rights Reserved.   |   Privacy Policy