The landing requirements for persons seeking to enter Jamaica may vary according to the purpose of travel. Nevertheless, there are certain basic requirements that every passenger must fulfil in order to obtain 'leave to land' or to be admitted to the island. These include:

Passport (validity of which must extend beyond the passenger's intended length of stay on the island and his/her departure).

Visa (where applicable).

Sufficient funds for duration of stay and departure from Jamaica.

Ticket (either for onward journey or return to passenger's homeland).

Any other supporting documents which may assist in the interview process. For example: an invitation from an organisation to attend a meeting in Jamaica.

An interview with the immigration officer at the port of entry.

Please note that each passenger may be admitted to the island based on the interview process and fulfilment of all requirements to the satisfaction of the immigration officer at the port of entry.

Changing your status

How do I go about changing my current status in Jamaica, for example, from student to employee?

Foreign nationals (being non-Common-wealth nationals, persons who are not British-protected persons or citizens of the Republic of Ireland) are not allowed to change their status while on the island.

Upon completion of a period of study, a foreign national must depart the island and await the approval and granting of the work permit or work-permit exemption if he is going to take up employment here. Prior to this, the organisation that is interested in hiring the individual, or the individual himself, must apply to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security for a work permit/work-permit exemption. After the work permit has been approved and granted, the foreign national must then apply to a Jamaican consulate, presenting the work permit letter, to obtain a Jamaican entry visa to take up employment on the island.

Endorsement

On arrival at one of the island's international airports, he will be landed for a short period of time and instructed to visit the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency at 25C Constant Spring Road in Kingston or at Overton Plaza in Montego Bay to have an endorsement affixed to his passport. This will allow him to work here up to the validity of the work permit.

In principle, an alien application for a change of status from student to employee, while on the island, is denied. However, a formal appeal can be made in writing within seven working days of the denial. The appeal should be addressed to The director of immigration services at 25c Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10, to have the case heard.

PICA Corner is a collaboration between The Gleaner and the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA). Send questions, comments and suggestions to editor@gleanerjm.com and the PICA will respond.