Jamaica confirms pause on US immigrant visas affecting Caribbean nationals

Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith has confirmed that the United States has paused the issuance of certain immigrant visas for nationals of select countries, including Jamaica.

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In a statement shared via X, Johnson Smith said:

“As promised, I have confirmed that there is in fact a pause in the issuance of US immigrant visa applications from nationals of certain countries including Jamaica. I repeat that this relates to immigrant visas only (persons seeking to live permanently in the US). This does not affect applications for regular tourist visas, student visas, business visas or visas part of seasonal work programmes (farm work and hospitality) which continue to be processed by the US Embassy in Kingston.”

She added that while detailed information is not yet available, the U.S. Embassy in Kingston is expected to provide further guidance:

“I am advised that the @USEmbassyJA will provide such further clarity as they are able. I encourage persons with individual/family processes underway and who have specific questions, to use their usual platforms and channels to seek updates.”

The confirmation follows reports that the U.S. State Department is temporarily pausing new immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including several Caribbean nations. The measure is part of an effort to tighten screening for applicants deemed likely to rely on public assistance, also known as the “public charge” rule, which considers factors such as age, health, finances, English proficiency, and prior use of government support.

Caribbean countries affected by the pause include Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Non-immigrant visas, including tourist, student, business, and seasonal work visas, remain unaffected.

The U.S. State Department has said the pause, set to begin January 21, will continue indefinitely while procedures for vetting applicants are reassessed. Exceptions will be rare and granted only after applicants pass the public charge assessment.