Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith is advising Jamaicans impacted by the US immigrant visa pause to seek information directly from the embassy.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, January 14, by the American State Department, which is set to take effect on January 21, 2026. The Trump administration has suspended immigrant visa processing from 75 countries, including Jamaica, arguing that nationals from these countries are likely to require public assistance while living in the United States.

“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,” Johnson Smith said in a statement.

The minister emphasised that while detailed information is not available, the US Embassy in Kingston will provide such further clarity as they are able.

“I encourage persons with individual or family processes underway and who have specific questions to use their usual platforms and channels to seek updates,” Johnson Smith added.