Please follow the steps below before your immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica, Kingston.

Step 1: Register your appointment online

You need to register your appointment online.  Registering your appointment provides us with the information we need to return your passport to you after your interview.  Registration is free.  Click the “Register” button below to register.

If you want to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you will be able to do so after you register your appointment.

Register >>

Step 2: Get a medical exam in Jamaica

As soon as you receive your appointment date, you should immediately schedule your medical exam with the approved clinic in Kingston.  Click the “Medical Exam Instructions” button below for further information on the immigrant visa medical exam.  Please schedule and attend your medical exam at this facility before your interview.

Medical Exam Instructions >>

Step 3: Complete your pre-interview checklist

It is important that you bring all required original documents to your interview.  We've created a checklist that will tell you what to bring.  Please print the checklist below and bring it to your interview along with the listed documents.

Pre-Interview Checklist >>

Step 4: Review interview guidelines

Read our interview guidelines to learn about any special actions that you need to take before your visa interview.

Interview Guidelines >>

Medical Exam Instructions

All immigrant-visa applicants, regardless of age, require a medical examination by an approved panel physician prior to the issuance of a visa.  In Jamaica there is only one facility accredited by the U.S. Embassy to perform this exam.  Medical examination results from other physicians will not be accepted.  It is your responsibility to schedule a medical exam with the facility listed below.  We recommend that you contact the facility immediately at one of the numbers listed below to schedule your appointment in order for the results of the exam to reach the Embassy in time for your interview.   

Approved Clinic:

ANDREWS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
27 Hope Road
Kingston 10

Telephone Numbers:
(876) 920-7638
(876) 920-7687
(876) 920-7688
(876) 920-7689
(876) 926-7401
(876) 926-7402
(876) 926-7403

Items to bring to your examination

You should bring the following items to your medical exam:

• Your visa interview appointment letter,
• Your passport,
• Four (4) recent passport-sized color photographs,
• Reading glasses (if used),
• A copy of your immunization records, and
• All medication containers and/or most recent prescription.
• DS-260 confirmation page.

You must pay all medical examination fees, including x-ray and blood test fees, directly to the examining facility.

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During the medical exam

The medical examination will include a medical history review, physical examination, and chest X-ray and blood tests (for applicants 15 years of age or older). The United States also requires tuberculosis (TB) testing for all applicants two years of age and older.  Please be prepared to discuss your medical history, medications you are taking, and current treatments you are undergoing. More information on general medical requirements for U.S. immigrants is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

U.S. immigration law requires immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations prior to the issuance of a visa. Current immigrant vaccination requirements are available on CDC.Gov. You can also read Frequently Asked Questions about our medical exam requirements on Travel.State.Gov.

After the medical exam

When your examination is completed, the doctor will either provide you with exam results in a sealed envelope or send them directly to the U.S Embassy. IF GIVEN AN ENVELOPE TO CARRY TO YOUR INTERVIEW, DO NOT OPEN THIS ENVELOPE. Instead, bring it to your visa interview.

Any x-rays taken will be given to you. You DO NOT need to bring the x-rays to your visa interview unless you are diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB).  However, you must carry the x-rays with you when you enter the United States as an immigrant.  The medical report must be less than six (6) months old when you enter the United States as an immigrant.

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Pre-Interview Checklist

Please use the list below to determine the items that EVERY applicant must bring to the immigrant visa interview:

The Immigrant Visa Unit makes every effort to return original civil documents (birth, marriage, and death certificates, divorce decrees, etc.) to the applicant at the time of his or her interview.  All applicants should bring to the interview the original and at least one (1) good quality copy of each of their civil documents.

*** Please note:  In Jamaica, the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) generates certified copies of these certificates on forms slightly longer than standard letter-size paper, and those documents bear serial numbers at the very top and bottom.  This means that the copy size must be reduced to 92% in order not to cut off the serial numbers.  Copies missing serial numbers cannot be accepted.

• A copy of your NVC interview letter (does not apply to Diversity Visa, fiancé(e), adoptive, or asylee/refugee applicants).
  
  
• Unexpired passport valid for six (6) months beyond your intended date of entry to the United States and a photocopy of the biographic page (where your name and photo are located).
  
  
• Four (4) color passport-size photographs of each person applying for a visa (5 cm x 5 cm, or 2 inch x 2 inch).  Please review our online photo requirements.
  
  
• Confirmation page from the Form DS-260 Application for an Immigrant Visa you submitted online at ceac.state.gov/iv.

• Your original birth certificate and a photocopy (see instructions above regarding the need to reduce Jamaican RGD documents to 92%). If your birth certificate was issued in another country and in a foreign language, you must also submit an English translation.

• Original or certified copies of birth certificates for all children of the principal applicant (even if he or she is not accompanying).

Applicants who fall into any category listed in italics below should bring these additional documents:

***Please note:  If any of the documents requested below were issued in a language other than English, you need to bring English translations to your visa interview along with the original civil documents. 

For family-based visa applications:

• The appropriate Form I-864 Affidavit of Support for each financial sponsor, including the Petitioner, along with a photocopy of either (a) the sponsor’s most recent IRS transcript or (b) the sponsor’s most recent U.S. federal income tax return and relevant W-2s.  Petitioners who have no income should submit a simple letter stating that fact.
  
  
• Proof of each sponsor’s U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency and domicile in the United States (photocopy of a U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or lawful permanent resident card).  Please advise your sponsor that a copy of his/her driver’s license will not suffice; these documents do not indicate citizenship or legal resident status.
  
  
• Evidence you wish to submit as proof of your relationship with your Petitioner (such as photographs, letters, electronic correspondence, money transfers, etc.).
  

If you are married:  A marriage certificate issued by the Registrar General’s Department and a photocopy (see instructions above regarding the need to reduce the RGD document to 92%).  

If you were previously married:  Your original divorce decree or spouse’s death certificate and a photocopy (see instructions above regarding the need to reduce the RGD document to 92%).  

If you are older than 16 years of age:  An original police certificate dated less than six (6) months ago from your country of current residence and any country (other than the United States) in which you previously resided.

For employment-based visa applications:  Letter from your U.S. employer dated less than one month ago.

If you have ever been arrested for a crime in any jurisdiction:  Court and/or law-enforcement documents that clearly reflect the offense(s) with which you were charged and the final disposition of the case(s), and a photocopy.

If you have served in any country’s military:  Military records and a photocopy.

For adoption cases:  Adoption License or Order, irrevocable consent of the biological parent or death certificate of the biological parent, and any other civil documents requiring a signature or seal.  If you are applying for an IR3 or IR4 visa, you will have to submit originals of the above documents relevant to your case.  If an original is unattainable, a signed and stamped copy from the Child Development Agency (CDA) can suffice.

If you are the petitioner’s stepchild:  The original marriage certificate of the Petitioner and your biological parent (with an English translation of documents written in a foreign language) and a photocopy along with divorce decrees for any previous marriages of either parent.  If the marriage occurred in the United States, a photocopy of the marriage certificate is acceptable.  

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Interview Guidelines

A consular officer can make a decision on a visa application only after reviewing the formal application and interviewing the applicant.  There is no guarantee that you will receive a visa.  Do not sell your house, car or property, resign from your job or make non-refundable flight or other travel arrangements until you have received your immigrant visa.  If your visa is approved, we will keep your passport at the embassy while we prepare your immigration packet and print a visa for your passport.  We will return your passport to you later via courier services only (see Step 1).  If you have to travel within Jamaica while your passport is still at the embassy, please make sure you have a valid picture ID other than your passport.

Rescheduling or cancelling your interview

If you are unable to attend your appointment, please go online to to https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-jm/iv to select a new appointment date.  There may be a significant wait before the next available appointment, so please attempt to attend the date already assigned.  For some family-based and employment-preference visa categories, a visa became available within the month you have been scheduled by NVC.  Diversity-visa applicants should be aware that visas are numerically limited and must be issued by September 30 of the program year.  There is no guarantee that a visa will still be available on the date of your rescheduled interview.  Please carefully consult the Visa Bulletin before you request to reschedule your interview.   

Please note:  You need to register your original NVC/KCC appointment online before you can reschedule it.  The system will not allow you to reschedule an appointment to a date prior to your assigned appointment. You can only reschedule an appointment on a date after your assigned appointment.  Should you need assistance rescheduling your appointment, please email KingstonIVAppointment@state.gov. 

Security screening procedures

All visitors to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, including U.S. citizens and visa applicants, must enter via the designated consular entrance on Old Hope Road and follow security screening procedures.  Please consult the Embassy website for information on prohibited items; we do not have facilities for storing cellphones and other prohibited items.

Accompanying Persons

Our space is limited and must be reserved for applicants.  Attorneys are not permitted to accompany clients into the waiting room or to their interview.  Only the following persons may accompany a visa applicant to their interview:

• Minor child applicants should be accompanied by a parent or responsible guardian.
• Petitioners may accompany the beneficiary (applicant) to the interview.
• Elderly or disabled applicants who need mobility assistance may have one person accompany them to the interview.
• Applicants who do not speak sufficient English to conduct an interview may bring an interpreter. 

Immigrant visa fees

If you have not paid all required fees to either the National Visa Center or via the appointment website, please be prepared to pay these fees on the day of your interview.  All fees must be paid either in U.S. dollars or an equivalent sum in Jamaican dollars, but not a combination of both currencies.  We accept cash, credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Diners Club) and debit cards that bear the VISA or MasterCard logo.  Please note that if you are found ineligible to receive a visa, the application fee cannot be refunded.  A complete list of fees can be found here.

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After Your Visa Interview

If more information is needed

Sometimes a consular officer cannot render a decision on a visa application because he/she needs to review additional documents or the case requires further administrative processing.  When additional documents are needed, the consular officer will give you a refusal letter that specifies the additional documentation you must submit.  The letter will include instructions on how to send those documents to the embassy (via email or through our authorized service provider, as instructed).

Administrative processing takes additional time after the interview.  Most administrative processing is resolved within   60 days, but that time frame may vary according to the circumstances of the case.  Before inquiring about the status of administrative processing, please wait at least 60 days after your interview. 

Sending documents to the U.S. Embassy in Kingston

Visit the website of our approved service provider for information on visa document courier services.  Do not mail or courier documents to us by any other means.  

What happens after visa approval

Passport, Visa, and Sealed Immigrant Packet – Your passport, visa, and documents will be returned to you via courier at the address you selected when you registered with our authorized service provider (Step 1).  We will place your visa on a page in your passport.  Please review your visa to make sure there are no spelling or other errors.  We will also give you a sealed envelope containing documents that you must give to U.S. immigration authorities when you arrive in the United States for the first time. Do not open this envelope. You must carry it with you; do not put it in your checked luggage. If you receive X-rays during your medical examination, also carry those with you to the United States. 

USCIS Immigrant Fee – All individuals who are issued immigrant visas overseas must pay an Immigrant Fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prior to traveling to the United States. This fee is for processing your residency status and printing your Permanent Resident Card.  The only immigrants exempt from paying this fee are children entering on the United States on IR-3 or IR-4 (adoption) visas, returning residents, and persons traveling on fiancé(e) (“K”) visas.    

When You Should Travel – You must enter the United States before the expiration date on your visa, which is usually six (6) months from the date of printing. Your visa cannot be extended and all fees are nonrefundable. The principal applicant must enter before or at the same time as other family members with visas. Unless they are eligible for benefits under the Child Status Protection Act, children who are issued a visa before turning 21 years of age must enter the United States before their 21^st birthday to avoid losing their immigrant status.

Getting a Green Card – Your Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card, also known as a green card, will be automatically mailed to the address in the United States that you write in your visa application form. This is a very important document that proves you have permission to reside in the United States. If you plan to travel outside the U.S. before your green card arrives:  Please consult USCIS’s and CBP’s websites for rules about what documents you need to re-enter the country. We also recommend you check with the airline to ensure you are in compliance with their rules. Once your card is issued, you should not stay outside of the United States for more than one year. If you do, you may lose your status as a Lawful Permanent Resident.

Children’s Issues – In the United States, children are required to have certain vaccinations before they can enroll in school. We recommend that you bring your child’s complete vaccination records with you to the United States. If your child is adopted, you have full custody as a result of a divorce, or you share custody with another parent, you should bring a copy of all applicable adoption or custody papers from the authoritative court in your home country. You will need these papers (translated into English) for issues such as school enrollment, medical care, and eventual citizenship.

Information for New Immigrants – Please visit the USCIS web page for helpful information on moving to the United States. You can read their publication “Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants” online.

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Diversity Visa Applicants - Additional Information

If you are interviewing for a Diversity Visa (DV), all of the above instructions apply to you. Please schedule and attend a medical examination prior to your visa interview; enroll in the required courier service; and gather the required documents.

Below are additional instructions that apply only to DV applicants. 

Bring to your interview

In addition to the documents listed on the Pre-Interview Checklist in this package, DV applicants should also bring the following items to your visa interview:

• Appointment information printed from the “Entrant Status Check” on the E-DV website
• Documents showing that you have either a qualifying high school education OR have two (2) years of qualifying work experience in the last five (5) years immediately prior to application (for the principal applicant only; more information is available online).
• Payment in cash of the $330 Diversity Visa Application Fee for each visa applicant.

Review your DV Lottery entry

Prior to your visa interview, we recommend that you review the data on your initial E-DV entry. On your initial E-DV application, you must have correctly entered your marital status. If you are legally married you must have listed your spouse, even if you are currently separated from him/her (unless your spouse is a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident).

Additionally, you must have listed ALL of your living children who are unmarried and under 21 years old. This includes your natural children, your spouse’s children, or children you have formally adopted in accordance with the laws of your country.

Failure to have listed an existing spouse or children at the time of your entry in the Diversity Visa lottery will result in the denial of your visa and visas for your family. Any fees paid to the U.S. government in support of your visa application(s) are nonrefundable. If you failed to include a child who had already been born, or a spouse to whom you were married when you entered the lottery, you should not proceed with the visa application. You can review the eligibility requirements online.

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