WE would like to wish the readers of this column a joyous holiday season. Thank you for your continued interest in travel to the United States, and in the services we provide to American citizens.

This week we would like to offer a look ahead to new resources coming in 2018, and a round-up of the most common resources available to those wishing to apply for an immigrant (IV) or non-immigrant (NIV) visa.

The US State Department is making it easier for US citizens to access clear, timely, and reliable safety and security information about every country in the world. Our new public safety and security messaging strategy, targeted for a January 2018 public launch, will redefine our messaging products and provide recommended actions for US citizen travelling and improve access to information.

The department’s public safety and security messaging (travel warnings, travel alerts, security and emergency messages, worldwide caution, and fact sheets) is a cornerstone of the department’s mission to protect US citizens’ safety and security overseas. We work hard to gather and evaluate the most up-to-date information to keep US citizens informed when they are abroad or considering travelling abroad. All of these resources are available to the public at travel.state.gov.

I don’t know what I need. Where should I start?

The most convenient place to start if you are looking for information is our website! We have links on how to apply for a visa, information for Legal Permanent Residents, and resources for American Citizen Services. Our website is at jm.usembassy.gov/.

What about applying for a visa?

Whether applying for an IV or an NIV, go to the portal usvisa-info.com Here you can apply, pay your visa fees, and make an appointment at the embassy. Please be sure that you are on the correct page! The NIV page (student visas, tourist visas, etc.) is blue, while the IV page (for immigration) is green.

Where should I go if I’m a Legal Permanent Resident (green card holder)?

The best place for information is the US Citizens and Immigration Service website at www.uscis.gov/greencard. If you are in Jamaica, however, and have a lost, stolen, or damaged green card, please go to the embassy website at jm.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/returning-resident-visa/

I am an American Citizen. What resources are available to me in Jamaica?

Again, the best place to start is either the travel.state.gov website, or if our website at jm.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/. The embassy can provide information, passports, and citizenship and emergency assistance as described on our website.

Anything else I should know?

Our public affairs team provides a wealth of information though the embassy’s Facebook and Twitter pages. You can find them at: facebook.com/pages/US-Embassy-Jamaica and by following @USEmbassyJA on Twitter. We also answer general visa questions on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Have a question for the US Embassy? Send to editorial@jamaicaobserver.com. Information will be forwarded to the embassy.