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I am United States-born, married to a Jamaican and have my Jamaican citizenship.

I would like my seven-year-old child from a previous relationship to obtain Jamaican citizenship. Is this possible?

Yes, it is possible for your child to gain Jamaican citizenship, even though the birth took place prior to you acquiring Jamaican citizenship by virtue of marriage.

The law makes provisions for minors (children under 18 years) born to non-Jamaicans to acquire Jamaican citizenship, only after their parent has subsequently attained Jamaican citizenship.

According to the law, under Section 4(1): "The minister may, at his discretion, cause the minor child of any citizen of Jamaica to be registered as a citizen of Jamaica upon application made in the prescribed manner by a parent or guardian of the child."

To begin the process, the parent or guardian has to make an application to the Citizenship Unit of the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency, on registration form R4. The form is to be completed in duplicate and is obtainable at the Jamaica Printing Services, Duke Street, Kingston.

The registration form should be carefully read and signed in the presence of a justice of the peace, a notary public or someone authorised to administer oaths. The process also requires that two references - who are not a relative, lawyer, civil servant or an agent of the applicant - be given to support the application.

Additionally, Form R4 is to be accompanied with the following documents in order for the application to be considered:

Minor

Birth certificate

Passport

Two passport-size photographs of the minor (must be certified by a justice of the peace, notary public or someone authorised to administer oaths)

Parents

Marriage certificate

Passports

Tax-Compliance Certificate

Evidence of Jamaican nationality

A fee of J$2,500 is applicable once the citizenship is approved, which takes up to 24 months in processing.

PICA Corner is a collaboration between The Gleaner and the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency. Send questions, comments and suggestions to editor@gleanerjm.com and PICA will respond.