Jamaican citizenship by descent: who qualifies and how to apply

Who qualifies

PICA's rule covers a person born outside Jamaica after 5 August 1962 whose mother or father was, at the date of the birth, a citizen of Jamaica by birth, descent or registration by marriage. The New York consulate puts it more simply: anyone born outside Jamaica to parents (mother, father or both) who were citizens of Jamaica at the time of the birth. Separate wording applies to people born before 6 August 1962.

Claiming through a grandparent

PICA's written rule names only a parent. In practice the posts provide for grandparents: the New York consulate's document list asks for the original birth certificate of a grandparent or great-grandparent "if citizenship is being requested through them", and the London High Commission publishes a separate document list for applications that use a Jamaican grandparent. If your claim runs through a grandparent, confirm the documents with your post before you apply.

Documents

• A completed Application for Jamaican Citizenship by Descent form
• Your original birth certificate
• The original birth certificate of your mother or father
• The original birth certificate of a grandparent or great-grandparent, if you are claiming through them
• Your original marriage certificate, if applicable
• Your parents' original marriage certificate, if you were born in wedlock
• An original deed poll or naturalization certificate, if a parent or grandparent changed their name
• A valid government-issued ID (adults), or a parent's driver's license or passport (minors)
• Two passport-size photographs taken within the last six months

This is the New York consulate's list of required documents. It adds that your father's name must appear on your birth certificate if you are claiming through him, and that photographs sent by mail must be certified by a notary.

Fees by post

Posts charge more than PICA's base fee. New York's total, for example, is US$140, which includes US$40 for courier and consular fees. PICA also says the processing fee is waived for applicants who previously held a Jamaican passport.

How long it takes

Where to apply

In the United States, apply through the post that covers your state; see the New York consulate guide. In London, applications are made in person at the High Commission, by appointment.

After approval: getting a passport

You receive a Certificate of Citizenship issued by PICA. On the passport, the posts differ: in New York, people who apply in person at the New York consulate may apply for their passport at the same time, while Miami says applicants may only apply for a passport after receiving the Certificate of Citizenship.