On October 31, 2014, the Embassy of the United States in Kingston, Jamaica issued a notification that placed extensive restrictions on third country nationals who hoped to attend an appointment in Kingston to receive a visa stamp. This notification can be found here. Specifically, the following individuals who do not hold long-term status in Jamaica may not apply for a visa stamp at the Consulate in Kingston:
- Applicants who changed status with Department of Homeland Security in the U.S. and who are seeking a new visa in the new visa category.
- Applicants who entered the U.S. in one visa category and are seeking to re-enter the U.S. in a different visa category.
- Applicants who have been out of status in the U.S. having violated the terms of their visas or having overstayed the validity indicated on their I-94s.
- Applicants who obtained their current visa in a country other than that of their legal residence.
- Petition-based first time applicants.
- Third country nationals who are not resident in Jamaica and who are applying for a B1/B2 visa (including B1/B2 renewals).
As can be seen, this list applies to a wide range of applicants. Due to these restrictions, the Hammond Law Group recommends that visa stamping applicants who are third country nationals avoid the U.S. Embassy in Kingston. If you are a third country national and believe that your visa stamping request in Kingston does not involve one of the categories outlined above, we suggest that you contact the Hammond Law Group to discuss whether attending a visa stamping appointment in Kingston is a feasible option.