Jamaica student visa (student extension of stay)

The student category of extension of stay covers foreign nationals enrolled in an educational institution registered by the Ministry of Education. Students must go to a PICA office within two weeks of arriving in Jamaica so that an extension or endorsement is placed in their passport.

Whether you need an entry visa depends on your nationality under PICA's visa table. Visa-exempt students can travel without a visa and obtain the student endorsement after arrival; students who need a visa present it with the endorsement application.

Bring a passport valid for no less than six months, a letter of registration from the educational institution addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of PICA, a return ticket valid for one year, an entry visa if applicable and the required fee. Documents must be originals.

PICA's fee schedule lists JM$10,000 as the extension of stay processing fee. PICA states that extensions of stay are processed within three working days for all categories. Non-Commonwealth nationals over 16 who reside in Jamaica for more than six months must also register, for JM$2,000.

Applying after your landing time expires puts you in breach of the immigration laws and incurs penalties, so visit PICA within the two-week window and keep your endorsement valid for the length of your course. Residents who are non-Commonwealth nationals also need a re-entry visa to travel and return.

PICA's head office is at 25C Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10, with regional offices in Montego Bay, Mandeville, May Pen, St. Ann's Bay and Port Antonio and a citizenship and immigration office at 8 Waterloo Road, Kingston. All offices share the telephone number 876-754-7422, and PICA asks customers to schedule appointments.