US B1/B2 Visa for Jamaican citizens: How to apply

If you’re a Jamaican citizen planning to visit the United States, you’ll need a B1/B2 Visa. Here’s what you need to know about the requirements, application steps, and what this visa allows you to do.

What is a US B1/B2 Visa?

The B1/B2 Visa combines two categories: the B1 Visa, used for business trips, and the B2 Visa, used for tourism, medical treatment, or visits to family and friends. This temporary visa is a popular option for Jamaican citizens seeking to visit the US for short stays.

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You can use the B1/B2 visa to:

• Consult with business associates
• Attend scientific, educational, professional, or business conferences
• Settle an estate or negotiate a contract
• Travel for tourism or vacation
• Visit friends or relatives
• Receive medical treatment
• Take part in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• Participate in unpaid amateur musical, sports, or similar events or contests
• Enroll in a short recreational course that does not count toward a degree

You can’t use the B1/B2 visa to:

• Study long-term or enroll in a degree program
• Work or take paid employment
• Perform for payment or appear in professional performances for a paying audience
• Enter the US as a crew member on a ship or aircraft
• Work as foreign press or in media (radio, film, print journalism, or other information media)
• Live permanently in the United States

The US B1/B2 visa can’t be extended and is valid for entry into the United States by air, sea, and land. This visa also applies to minors and elderly travelers. If approved, the visa is stamped directly into your passport.

The United States also has a separate transit visa (C visa). However, travelers with a valid B1/B2 visa can use it to transit through the US.

How many entries does the B1/B2 Visa allow?

The B1/B2 Visa typically allows multiple entries into the US and can be valid for up to 10 years, depending on the consulate’s decision. However, the validity can vary, and you should always confirm the specific validity granted to you.

If the passport containing your visa expires before the visa itself, the visa will remain valid until the visa’s expiry date. In this case, you must travel with both the expired passport containing the visa and a valid passport.

How long can I stay in the US with a B1/B2 Visa?

Upon each entry, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will determine how long you can stay. Generally, travelers are allowed a stay of up to 180 days per entry, but this is at the discretion of the CBP officer.

How to apply for a US B1/B2 Visa from Jamaica

Here’s a general overview of how the US B1/B2 visa application process works for Jamaican citizens:

1. Complete the DS-160 form: This is the standard non-immigrant visa application form and must be completed accurately with your personal and travel details.

2. Pay the visa fee and schedule an interview: After submitting the DS-160, applicants are required to pay the visa fee and book an appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate.

3. Attend the visa interview: On the day of the interview, bring your application confirmation and supporting documents. A consular officer will ask questions about your travel plans, background, and financial situation, and will decide whether you qualify for the visa.

During the interview, applicants are usually asked up to five questions by a consular officer. If your visa is refused, you will need to start a new application from scratch.

From the age of 14, applicants are required to provide biometric data. Biometrics are typically collected during a consular or embassy appointment.

In some countries, biometrics and interviews are handled separately at an Applicant Service Center (ASC or CAS). In limited renewal cases, some applicants may qualify for an interview waiver, which allows them to submit documents without attending an interview. This option is only available to certain applicants and countries.

If approved, your visa will be issued and placed in your passport. You’ll be informed when your passport is ready for collection.

Note: In accordance with President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” approved in July 2025, applicants whose visa is approved may be required to pay the Visa Integrity Fee (VIF). This fee doesn’t have an implementation date yet, but it’s set at $250 for fiscal year 2025 and may be increased annually to account for inflation.

What do I need for the DS-160 interview application for the B1/B2 Visa?

When attending your visa interview, ensure you bring the following documents:

• Form DS-160.
• Applicant’s photo.
• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay in the US

Additional documents may be requested, depending on your situation:

• Evidence of the purpose of the trip.
• Flight bookings as evidence of intent to depart the United States.
• Financial proof showing your ability to cover all costs of the trip.
• Evidence of employment.

Where can I get more information?

At iVisa, we've been simplifying visa processes for more than 10 years. Our customer service team is ready to assist you if you have any questions about the United States or the B1/B2 visa application process. Contact us anytime via our customer service agents via chat or WhatsApp.