How to Migrate to Jamaica from Nigeria as a Nurse

Moving to Jamaica as a Qualified Nurse from Nigeria

Are you a nurse from Nigeria seeking job in Jamaica? You are in the right place. In this post, we’ll go through the steps involved in moving to Jamaica as a nurse, such as obtaining the required visas, credentials, and licenses, finding employment, and getting accustomed to life in a new country.

For you to work as a nurse or midwife in Jamaica, you must first apply for it and then be registered with the Nursing Council of Jamaica. The Council of is a statutory agency established by the Jamaican government to oversee and supervise nursing and midwifery professions in Jamaica.

 

In other words, they establish the standards for nursing education and practice as well as register and license trained domestic and international nurses who wish to work in the nation.

Registering to become a nurse in Jamaica involves two processes:

1. Application stage (Applying for nursing license). This is where you fill out and submit your documents to the Nursing Council.
2. And applying for your Tax Registration Number (TRN) to the taxpayer registration centre.
3. Visa process.

Let’s take it from the top!

 

Application Stage (Applying for you nursing license)

You must meet a number of requirements established by the Nursing Council in order to apply and practice in Jamaica. These requirements are listed below:

 

Requirements.

• You must be a Registered Nurse or a Registered Midwife in Nigeria.
• You must be between 18 to 50 years of age.
• It is necessary to formally request the type of registration you need from the Nursing Council of Jamaica by writing an application letter. The following address is where you should send this letter:

The Nursing Council of Jamaica

Nurses and Midwives Act,

1964 50 Half Way Tree Road,

Kingston 5

Telephone +1876-926-6042, 960-0823

Email: overseas-inquiries@nursingcouncil.org.jm

 

• Curriculum Vitae – Your CV should include information about your educational background and experience practicing as a nurse or midwife upon graduation.
• A copy of your birth certificate.
• A copy of marriage certificate (if you are married).
• A certified copy of the license(s) you currently have for nursing or midwifery, including the dates of expiration. The implication of this is that you must submit a copy of your nursing license, a copy of your midwifery license, or both.
• A certified copy of your nursing or midwifery certificates.
• Two standardized passport photos (measuring about 35x45mm).
• Transcript: The Nigerian university or nursing school you attended must send a copy of your transcript to the Nursing council.
• Recommendation letters – Two nursing or midwifery supervisors or doctors with whom you have worked or are working with will write, sign, and directly submit a letter of recommendation to the council on your behalf.
• The cost to process a license is $60 (or the Jamaican equivalent) per application.
• If your application is accepted, you will need to pay $100 USD or the equivalent in Jamaican currency for each license that has to be registered.
• Fees are not refundable. Make all payments to the Nursing Council of Jamaica via a check, bank draft, or money order.
• During the evaluation stage, the board may request for any other additional documents if they are not completely convinced about the documents that you have presented to them.
• Following your registration, you will receive a registration certificate and an official letter bearing your registration number.
• When your license expires after two years, you can only renew it after you have completed 30 hours of continuing education. 

 

Applying for your Tax Registration Number (TRN)

Visit the Tax Administration of Jamaica portal, go to https://www.jamaicatax.gov.jm/trn, and click on Form 1.

Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with a copy of your ID that has been addressed to:

Taxpayer Registration Centre

Tax Administration Jamaica,

12 Ocean Boulevard

Kingston Mall

Jamaica

 

As a tax number cannot be issued to you through a third party, you must download the application from their website and have it completed, signed and mailed with a copy of your ID. A copy of your international passport and driving license will suffice.

As soon as a number has been assigned to you, it will be sent to your email and the card sent to your physical address in Nigeria. TRN has been assigned, the number will be e-mailed to you and a card will be sent by regular mail to your address in Nigeria.

The TRN is required at the last stage of registration before a license to practice and a decision letter can be granted.

 

Processing time

The complete procedure can take between 4 and 6 months, depending on how quickly you deliver all of the needed documents.

 

A few advantages of being a nurse in Jamaica

• Nurses are in high demand in Jamaica, and there are numerous job opportunities available. However, you should be aware that the working environment for nurses in Jamaica may be different from what you are used to in Nigeria. In Jamaica, extended days and possible weekend or night shifts are common for nurses.
• If you work as a registered Jamaican Nurse for a year, you no longer need IELTS to become a nurse in the United Kingdom.
• While you are visiting Jamaica, you can take the NCLEX. If you pass, you won’t have to wait two years for a green card before you can come to the United States and begin working.
• A Jamaican registered nurse can be registered in other Caribbean countries. This is due to the fact that the majority of Caribbean nations have reciprocal agreements or mutual recognition agreements in place, which permit the recognition of professional credentials and registration in one country to be recognized in another.
• Nurses who have completed postgraduate degrees or who have specialized training may be eligible for greater pay and other perks.
• If you stay 5 years in Jamaica, you will can become a citizen and receive a Jamaica passport, which will grant you visa-free access to over 80 countries.

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Jamaica safe?

Jamaica is mostly safe, as long as you stay away from areas where crime is common. Avoid doing things like strolling at night about by yourself, showing off your possessions, striking up conversations with total strangers, renting out your home to someone you cannot vouch for, and overindulging.

 

Also Read: How to apply for Visitor Visa to Jamaica from Nigeria

 

How much nurses salary in Jamaica?

An entry-level registered nurse makes an average salary of $1,797,484 after 1-3 years of experience.

 

What is the cost of living in Jamaica?

In general, the cost of living in Jamaica is lower than in many other developed countries, though this does vary widely by factors including location, way of life, and individual requirements.

However, housing, utilities, food, and transportation are some typical estimates for the cost of living in Jamaica. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost between $100 and $250 per month. A small apartment’s monthly utility costs, which include power, water, and internet, can range from USD 80 to USD 160.

Whether you cook your own meals, eat at a restaurant, or buy food from vendors on the street, the price of your meal will vary greatly in Jamaica. Whether you take the bus, a taxi, or a private vehicle will determine how much it costs to get around in Jamaica.

 

How much is the cost of flight from Nigeria to Jamaica?

The average cost of a flight from Lagos to Jamaica is between N1, 100,000.00 and N1, 800,000.00.

 

Can my family come to Jamaica with me?

Yes, your spouse and children who are under the age of 18 can join you by using the dependent visa category. I would advise that your family waits till you have travelled to Jamaica, settle down a bit before they should apply to join you.

In conclusion, traveling to Jamaica as a nurse from Nigeria involves meticulous planning and preparation. The Nursing Council of Jamaica’s standards must be met, you must have all required documentation, and you must receive a work visa.

It is also critical to become acquainted with Jamaica’s culture, customs, and healthcare system to enable a smooth transition. You can relocate to Jamaica and take advantage of the opportunities that the country offers to nurses if you maintain a level of patience and dedication.

By following the steps indicated in this article, you can realize your ambition of becoming a nurse in Jamaica.