Student Stay (Extension of Stay for Students)

Overview

This is how international students arrange their stay in Jamaica. Rather than a standalone study visa, PICA grants an extension of stay (an endorsement in your passport) covering your programme of study at an institution accredited by the Ministry of Education. You are expected to attend PICA shortly after arriving to have the endorsement placed, and it is granted for the duration of your programme or up to your passport's expiry. It is issued by the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency. The stay is for study and is not, by itself, a route to settlement.

Eligibility

Application pathway

1. 01

   Check the route fit

   Confirm your institution is accredited and obtain its letter of registration, using the official PICA extension-of-stay page.

2. 02

   Build the evidence pack

   Gather the institution's registration letter, the extension-of-stay form, your valid passport and any proof of funds.

3. 03

   Submit through the official channel

   Attend PICA shortly after arriving to have the student extension of stay endorsed in your passport.

4. 04

   After approval

   Study for the duration covered by the endorsement and extend it if your programme continues beyond the period granted.

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Compare Jamaica with

• 🇺🇸 United States of America
• 🇰🇳 Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis
• 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda

Related routes

• Unconditional Landing

  For people with a Jamaican connection: this PICA stamp lets you live, work and study in Jamaica without a work permit or student visa - by descent, naturalisation or as a CARICOM skilled national.

• Work Permit (Ministry of Labour)

  For people moving to Jamaica with a job: this is the Ministry of Labour work permit your employer (or, for investors, JAMPRO) applies for so you can work legally.