US Embassy announces new rules for Jamaican temporary work visas

The United States Embassy in Kingston has announced a Jamaican Temporary Worker Security Programme, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, introducing changes for applicants seeking temporary work visas.

The initiative aims to address concerns about unregistered foreign labour recruiters who have been accused of charging illegal fees and placing Jamaican workers at unapproved worksites in the US

These practices, according to the embassy, have led to instances of labour trafficking and debt bondage, compromising the safety of Jamaican workers and violating US laws.

The new requirements will impact applicants for H2B (temporary non-agricultural workers), J1 (exchange visitors), and Q1 (international cultural exchange visitors) visas. Starting in 2025, all applicants must include information about their recruiting agency when completing the DS-160 electronic visa application form.

Applicants must answer the question, “Did anyone assist you in preparing your application?” with details of their recruiter. Applications missing this information will be suspended until the required details are provided.

The embassy will cross-check recruiter information with lists maintained by Jamaica's Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) and the US Department of Labour. If an unregistered recruiter is identified, the application will be rejected, and applicants will need to resubmit with a listed recruiter.

In specific cases, such as workers with recent temporary work travel or applicants petitioned directly by US employers without a recruiting agent, the embassy may waive the recruiter requirement.

The embassy also reminded applicants that acting as an unregistered recruiter for overseas employment violates Jamaica’s Employment Agencies Registration Act. Furthermore, US authorities do not mandate the use of third-party agents to secure job offers. Applicants may work directly with US employers or designated sponsor organizations, such as those listed for J-1 visas on the US Department of State's website.

These measures are part of a broader effort to protect Jamaican workers and ensure compliance with labour laws in both countries.