Jamaica spouse visa (marriage to a Jamaican)

The certificate exempts a foreign spouse of a Jamaican from needing a work permit. The marriage must be at least six months old. Pay JM$17,250 at any National Commercial Bank branch with the Ministry's voucher, and submit the form at 1F North Street, Kingston, with the Jamaican spouse's birth or naturalisation certificate, the marriage certificate, both passports, an affidavit by both spouses certified by a Justice of the Peace stating they have shared a home in Jamaica for six months or more, certified photographs, any decree absolute or death certificate of a former spouse, and an original police report from the foreign spouse's home country.

Either spouse or a representative may submit, but both must be present to collect the certificate. Processing may take ten business days. Men receive a certificate valid three years; women receive a letter valid for the duration of the marriage. Take the certificate and passport to PICA for endorsement.

PICA's marriage exemption category of extension applies to foreign nationals married to a Jamaican who want to extend their stay on that basis. The Jamaican spouse is expected to attend the immigration office when the application is submitted.

Bring a passport valid for at least six more months, the original marriage certificate, the Jamaican spouse's original birth certificate, original citizenship certificate or machine-readable Jamaican passport, an entry visa if applicable, the fee and, if you intend to work, the Marriage Exemption Certificate from the Ministry of Labour. Extensions are processed within three working days.

Marriage to a Jamaican is one of PICA's permanent residence categories, as is being a previous holder of unconditional landing status by marriage. The application, with a JM$100,000 fee, includes the original marriage certificate, the Jamaican spouse's birth certificate or Jamaican passport, proof of financial means, a local medical certificate, police certificates and two references from Jamaicans. Applicants are interviewed, and applications usually take three to six months.

Submit the renewal of the Marriage Exemption Certificate at least one month before it expires, with the previous certificate, both passports and an affidavit signed by both spouses and certified by a Justice of the Peace or notary; male applicants also provide a local police report.