Nonimmigrant Visas

OVERVIEW

All Jamaicans who are not U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents need a visa to enter the U.S.  Nonimmigrant visas (NIVs) are intended for those who plan to visit the U.S. for business or pleasure; students or exchange visitors embarking on study or cultural work programs in the U.S.; people who are transiting through the U.S. to other onward destinations; seasonal temporary workers or workers who have been hired by U.S. companies for longer periods of time; visitors on diplomatic, official or U.N. business; journalists who are providing media coverage of time-specific events; and others who are traveling to the U.S. for limited time periods.  
 
Applicants under the age of 10 and over the age of 79 do not need to appear in person unless requested.  All other applicants must appear in person.  This requirement to appear personally applies both to first-time applicants and to those seeking to renew previously issued visas.

• Electronic items, including cell phones, cameras, beepers, and pagers, are prohibited from the Embassy compound and should be secured elsewhere before entering.  

Anyone charging money for collateral services outside the US Embassy is not affiliated with the US government.  Beware of unscrupulous agents purporting to represent the US Embassy. 

A visa application fee of $131 U.S. dollars must be paid (in Jamaican dollars at the exchange rate set by the U.S. Embassy) for the NIV interview.  For Jamaican residents, you may pay this fee through your local National Commercial Bank branch.  For residents of other nations, you may pay this fee at the cashier’s window in the U.S. Embassy on the morning of your appointment.  

Forms

The U.S. Department of State now requires all applicants to fill out an electronic version of DS-156 AND DS-157.  Handwritten forms are no longer accepted. 

The DS-156 form can be found on-line at:

http://evisaforms.state.gov/

The DS-157 form can be found on-line at:

http://foia.state.gov/FORMS/visa/ds0157.pdf

Finally, student visa and exchange visa applicants also must fill out form DS-158 in addition to the DS-156 and DS-157 forms.  This form can be found online at:

http://foia.state.gov/FORMS/visa/ds0158.pdf

Each electronic form will have a barcode used for scanning the application when you appear at the Embassy for your appointment.  Unacceptable barcodes (those that are not read by our scanner due to poor printer quality and other factors) will not be accepted and applicants will have to exit the Embassy and return with a readable barcode.

Example of Unreadable Barcode

Example of Readable Barcode

Visa Appointment Wait Time

The average wait time between when an appointment is scheduled until the time of the scheduled visa interview frequently varies.  Additionally, appointments often become available over the course of each week as appointments are added or cancelled.  The following website contains real-time information on visa appointment wait times:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tempvisitors_wait.php

Please note: the listed processing times are averages. The timing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case.  Many additional factors, such as the need for special clearances, incomplete applications, and fraud investigation may influence the processing of individual cases.  Please plan accordingly to avoid delays. 

NIV Processing Time

Approved nonimmigrant visas will be delivered directly to applicants through a professional courier service, DHL.  At the time applicants are approved for an NIV, they will immediately proceed to the DHL counter.  Each visa recipient will pay a fee and will arrange all delivery details with company representatives.  DHL will deliver the passport with visa affixed approximately four (4) business days after the date of the Embassy interview.
 
Caymani residents mail their passports back to the Embassy upon their return to the Cayman Islands using DHL courier services. 

Documentation Necessary for the Interview

• A valid passport
• All previous U.S. visas in old passports (even if expired)
• Completed and signed visa application forms:
• DS-156 http://evisaforms.state.gov/
• DS-157 http://foia.state.gov/FORMS/visa/ds0157.pdf
• DS-158 http://foia.state.gov/FORMS/visa/ds0158.pdf (for students and exchange visitors only)
• One passport-sized photo (2” by 2” on white or off-white background taken within last 6 months)
• “fee paid” receipt
• If applying for a minor under the age of 18, an original copy of the child’s birth certificate from the Registrar General's Department on security paper (NOTE – Children under the age of 10 are not required to appear in person for visa interviews.  Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when being interviewed for the visa.  Parents or legal guardians must also present their own passport or identification to the interviewing officer.  Additionally, legal guardians must present original, official court documentation that they have been appointed guardian of the minor.)

Additional documentation is required from applicants for student visas and temporary work visas, as well as some other categories.  Click on the sections listed under "Other Helpful Links" below for more detailed information.

Other Helpful Links

Visa Forms at http://evisaforms.state.gov/ and http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_1342.html

Different Visa Types at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1262.html

U.S. State Department Travel Website (additional visa information): http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html

U.S. Department of Homeland Security: http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/theme_home3.jsp; Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.; except for holidays