The USA is included in the list of the top 3 nations, along with the United Kingdom and Canada, to which Jamaicans mostly travel. Jamaican citizens have traveled across the US, with the biggest populations in New York and Florida. They have adopted many aspects of US society and culture, from history to culinary feasts such as jerk chicken. A resident of a Jamaica who wants to visit the United States should first get a US tourist visa, which is attached in his passport.
This passport is basically a travel document allotted by his state of citizenship. No doubt, there are several countries whose citizens might be eligible to visit the US without a visa if they qualify for visa-free tour but Jamaica does not fall under this category. Additionally, the kind of visa Jamaicans are applying for should be according to US immigration law, and must be related to the intent of your travel.
Read more about: Requirements for US Tourist Visa for the Citizens of Mongolia
When is a US Tourist Visa Applicable for Jamaicans?
The United States of America believes that each B1 or B2 visa applicant is a temporary immigrant. So, he has to prove that his genuine intention to visit the country is for short-term purposes and he will to come back to his home nation.
In addition, a US tourist visa is applicable for:
- Tourism
- Medical treatment
- Holiday
- Visit with family or friends
- Participation by newbies in sports, musical, or similar events or competitions, if not being compensated for participating
- Participation in a temporary leisure course of study, not something for a degree (like, a 2-day cooking class while on holiday)
- Involvement in social occasions hosted by social, fraternal, or service organizations
Documents Required for US Tourist Visa
Documents mandatory for a US tourist visa for Jamaicans include a correctly filled online visa application form, passport, and some supporting documents.
Here are all the documents you must have:
- Completed visa application form for the United States
- Visa interview booking confirmation with the US consulate or embassy.
- Original Travel document or Passport of nation with minimum 6 months of validity remaining on the date of tour and should have minimum two visa pages empty of any markings.
- Past visas if any.
- Evidence of sufficient money for your living and to leave the country, like Pay slips from boss, personal bank statements, and ax records
- Travel itinerary – It is basically a travel booking to and from nation in the visa applicant’s name but it does not include a ticket. US Embassy suggests not to buy any hotel or flight tickets till the visa gets approved. Do not risk your time, cash, and effort by purchasing actual tickets.
- Covering letter having all the details of the visa applicant, tour and details of additional members going with you.
- Show your financial documents such as FD, NSC, PPF, Shares, Property papers, Mutual Funds, or other financial documents in nation.
Step-by-step Guide to Apply
There are different steps to follow if you want to acquire a US tourist visa. However, the sequence of these steps might differ by US Embassy or Consulate. You need to check all the instructions on the official website of the US Embassy or Consulate.
- Accurately Fill the Online Visa Application Form
You should properly complete DS-160, Online Non-immigrant Visa Application From and then get a printout the form’s confirmation page to carry to your appointment.
Additionally, upload your most recent picture while completing this visa application form (DS-160). This picture should be in the exact format mentioned in the Photograph Requirements. - Schedule a Visa Appointment
Visa appointments are normally needed for visa applicants with some limited exclusions. The consular officers might need to take an appointment of any applicant.
Furthermore, the waiting times for visa appointments differ by season, location, and visa type, so applicants must apply for their visa beforehand.
- Get Ready for Your Appointment
Pay your visa application charges (non-refundable), if it is mandatory to do it before your appointment. In case your visa gets accepted, you might also have to pay a visa issuance charges, if required. - Extra Documentation may be Needed
Extra documents might be requested to provide if you are eligible. For instance, extra requested documents will include proof of:- Your plan to depart the USA after your tour, and/or
- The reason of your travel,
- Your capability to cover all expenses of the trip.
- Attend Your Visa Appointment
A US consular officer will take your interview to decide whether you are qualified to get a tourist visa. You need to fulfil all the requirements under US law to get a visa. Digital, ink-free, fingerprint scans will be taken. They are generally taken during the visa interview, but it differs depending on location.
After the interview, the US consular officer will decide if your application needs extra administrative processing. He will tell you if this needed, otherwise you will get your visa successfully.
Wrapping Up
The citizens of Jamaica who wants to apply for a B category visa to the United States must know everything regarding B1 or B2 visa to properly plan their tour. Numerous individuals have had the hard luck of planning their journey without knowing the requirements and all the documents they need to submit their visa applications. Above, we have mentioned each and everything in detail for you. In case you do not want to face any difficulties while applying, you must properly read this guide which have all the info you should know.