How to Apply for a Canadian Visa in Jamaica

Apply for your Canadian visa well in advance to avoid delays.

Unless you are a citizen from one of the countries not requiring a visa, as stipulated in the Resources section, you must apply for a visa if you considering visiting Canada from Jamaica. The Canadian High Commission in Kingston receives and approves visa applications for individuals who are from the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Turks and Caicos Islands. You can apply for your Canadian visa in person or by mail. Though not typically required, the Canadian High Commission may require you to undergo a medical examination at your own expense and/or attend an interview before approving and processing your Canadian visa.

Things You'll Need

• Printer
• 2 passport-size photos

Instructions

1. Download a Personal Information Form from the homepage of Service Canada (see Resources). Print the downloaded form.

2. Complete the form by hand, making sure to answer every question as thoroughly and as carefully as possible.

3. Have two passport-size photos taken of yourself.

4. Visit any branch of the Bank of Nova Scotia and pay a Temporary Resident Visa fee, which as of May 2010 is CAD $75. The Bank of Nova Scotia charges an additional transaction fee for this service, which as of May 2010 is JMD $150.

5. Ask the Bank of Nova Scotia representative to issue you an application fee receipt as proof of payment.

6. Have your Jamaican employer issue a letter on your behalf stating your salary, position, leave entitlement, if any, and years of employment.

   If you are self-employed, provide your taxation and business registration documents, certificate of incorporation and articles of association, license, financial statements and license for the business.

7. Gather documents demonstrating sufficient financial resources to cover your Canadian trip, which include bank statements and investment certificates. Also provide proof of your assets, if any, such as motor vehicle registration or land title as well as a travel itinerary from a travel agent.

   If you are traveling to Canada for business reasons, provide a letter from your employer stating the purpose of your trip, your itinerary in Canada and a letter from your Canadian contact with details about the nature and duration of your trip; your employer must state who will cover the cost of the business trip.

8. Visit the Security Post of the Canadian High Commission (see address below) and drop your application and supporting materials in the drop box. You may also mail your materials, including a prepaid return courier envelope, via certified mail to the following address:

   Canadian High Commission
   Immigration Section
   3 West King's House Road
   P.O. Box 1500
   Kingston 10
   Jamaica

   Expect to have your visa processed within 10 business days. If you submitted your application in the drop box, collect your visa by reporting to the Canadian High Commission between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Monday to Thursday.

   If you mailed your application, the Canadian High Commission will mail your passport back to you with the visa.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have any expired passports, include them with your application materials. The Canadian High Commission may deny your visa if this document is not provided.

References

• Service Canada: Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Application Instructions
• Service Canada: Visas and Immigration
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada: Canadian visa office - Kingston, Jamaica
• Service Canada: Fees and Method of Payment - Visitor Services

Resources

• Citizenship and Immigration Canada: Countries and territories whose citizens require visas
• Service Canada: Personal Information Form
• Service Canada: About Canada