Visiting fiance ffor a few months

[sus 70]

I always book my ticket online so, when I go to the airport I just show my passport. When I fill out the Customs form, I put my estimated time of stay and they are me why am I visiting and who I am visiting. They never ask me about a return ticket. When I go through Montego Bay, I don't get much of a hassle. If your Customs card is filled out completely, its pretty much two questions stamp and a Welcome back I get.

I have always done the same - however, if you get flagged for a spot check (possible at any time) by Customs, they will ask for your return ticket, etc... - been there, done that, it's not fun!

Nicole, I know people who have extended their visa - let me see if I can get the info from them today and will post it. Glad you did all the research on the I-134, just wanted to make sure you thought it all through!

[sus 70]

Ok, here are three responses from people who went through getting the extension - Just an FYI, they all stress that appropriate dress is important, which means covered shoulders (no tank tops) and closed toed shoes -

You should have your :

Passport

Ticket

10,000 Jamaican Dollars

You are allowed an additional 90 days from your original departure date.

Also I would go early in the morning to beat the crowd, and PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE, anything could happen, like current down, computer down.

It was a painless process except the money spent to get there and the cost of the extension, guess thats another good way to get more money out of us.

Sorry I don't have the address info with me but thier phone number is 876 952 5380.

Thier office hours are Monday thru Friday 8 to 4:30.

Call, they will give you some of the info you need, but I find that no one ever fully knows/answers all of the questions regarding length of stay nor the best way to live long term in Jamaica without the fuss and stress. I was told that in order to get permanent residence status it would be best if I bought property there or marry a Jamaican this was from the young woman who gave me my extension.

Ok, called them to get more information. It was like pulling teeth. They are located at Overton Plaza on Union Street. Asked directions from Negril but was just told taxi man knows where. Great! Taxi driver taking me to an unknown place while he probably knows I'll have lots of money on me to pay the fee. Asked if it was a safe area and they said the parking lot has a guard and a gate. Ok, guess the answer is yes once you get in the parking area.

I was also told to bring return ticket, evidence of where we are staying, and proof of financial ability to pay.

Asked about staying long term and was told we have to go through the consulate in the US for a visa. I'll call the consulate when I next get international minutes to pursue this option for the future. If we get a visa, not sure if we can go back and forth or just what.

Ok, went to immigration to get our extension yesterday. First, getting there is fun. It is on Union street which is now one way. Go up to Dome and then come down Union to get into the parking. Market is one way opposite of Union but does not go through to Dome. I think the one way roads are a fairly recent change. Search google maps for union street, montego bay, jamaica and you will see Overton Plaza where it is located.

As you enter the parking lot go to the stairs in the back left to the second floor first. The door is marked Passport and Immigration Control (PICA). The sentry inside got us the necessary forms. We filled them out and took to the cashier as instructed. $20,000 lighter we went to the "Processing" window but were told we needed to go upstairs. There are signs telling you this but we of course missed them until leaving.

Upstairs you will go into a room filled with chairs and only has another door. No desk, sign in, or anything. Someone was waiting in there when we arrived and told us his wife was in there now so we just waited. Once she exited we knocked on the door, opened it, and were told to come in and have a seat. She confirmed where we were staying, asked to see our return tickets, and stamped our passports after filling out portions of the form and making some notes.

We had taken proof of where we were staying along with a receipt showing payment. We also took several proof of financial means - recent ATM receipt showing balance, travelers checks, credit card, and a check book and were not asked for any of this. The paperwork had a line for a reference and we listed a person we know and his phone number leaving his address blank. This didn't seem to be an issue.

I asked a few questions for clarification:

First, is extension from 90 days from when you go in or 90 days from initial entry. Answer was that they have wide discretion but normally to your return flight. In other words if we went in a week earlier we would have gotten 97 days. Initial stamp date is irrelevant.

Second, can we extend again? Answer was a definite no, we must leave after 6 months. We know though of two people who have done this based on special circumstances but they had to go to Kingston.

Third, is that 6 months, leave, and ok to come back? Answer was no, it is 6 months in a year.

Fourth, I asked how I can meet the full time living here necessary for a resident permit if I can only stay here for 6 months out of a year. Answer was that I would have to apply for a visa from the Jamaican embassy (actually, I think this is the embassy or a consulate). This visa would give me the right to stay to meet the full time requirements.

During the entire question/answer session she had said that they have wide discretion on everything a couple of times. We got our extension and the whole process was a pain but simple enough. The cost and inconvenience of getting there was the biggest problem.

Just so that the trip wasn't a total waste we stopped at Pizza Hut (did that ever taste good! They really pile on the toppings!) and at Megamart. All in all an interesting but expensive day!

A person we know just got in and we saw him on Thursday. He has been coming here for 28 years and was rather peeved when he heard about the change. He had booked for 94 days and only got stamped for 90!

[Fandango 1,439]

One way tickets are usually always way more expensive than return, and you could get caught up in the 'proof of onward passage' problem of not having any.

I changed a ticket once for a differential of a month or two...cost me an extra $150 change fee. Check with the individual airline that you buy the ticket with....usually it'll be in their t&cs

[MRStee 19]

good luck to you! if you guys decide to link up let us know.. we are always down to come to florida since we are considering moving there

[Nicole-N-Nattoy 24]

WOW..Thanks everyone so much for going out of your way to help me reach my goals. I feel now I got all the answers I needed. I see it all the time on this ,but it always gives me a good feeling everytime I see how much people are willing to do what they can for stangers. Even though we are strangers, we are a family in this journy. my thoughts and prayers are with u all

[peace8 1]

GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS YOU I ALSO WAITING ON MY FINANCE AND HIS CHILDREN HOPE THAT HE BE HER SOON