Renewal of an Annual Work Permit

This section has information on the renewal of annual work permits

Applying for the renewal of a work permit

A person who has a work permit allowing self-employment or an employer may apply for the renewal of a work permit (other than a temporary work permit) to the Work Permit Board or, if the employer has a Business Staffing Plan, the Business Staffing Plan Board. Where the application is in respect of employment in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman the application is made to the Cayman Brac and Little Cayman Immigration Board in Cayman Brac.

Click here for contact details.

May the worker continue to work while awaiting the outcome of the renewal application?

Provided that the renewal application was submitted prior to the expiry of the existing work permit the worker may continue to work until the outcome of the renewal application, or, if it was refused, the outcome of any subsequent appeal to the Immigration Appeals Tribunal.

Limitations on the length of time that a person may work in the islands on a work permit

The maximum period that a person who is not designated as a key employee may remain in the Cayman Islands on a work permit is seven years. Persons designated as key employees may remain for a maximum of nine years. Work permits will therefore not be renewed beyond these dates. Please follow the links for specific information on the rules for term limits and designation as a key employee.

English language requirements

If the worker whose work permit is being renewed is not a national of an English speaking country and he or she has not previously done an English language proficiency test he may be required to do so. If the worker is found not to possess a sufficient knowledge of the English language, their work permit will be revoked and they will be required to leave the Territory. For further information on the English language test, click here.

What must I provide when applying for a work permit renewal

In order to help us process your application as quickly as possible, please use the checklist below to ensure that all the information we need is provided with your application. If you have any questions concerning what is required, please telephone our Work Permit Board Secretariat on 244-2073/244-2072/244-2041 or the Cayman Brac & Little Cayman Immigration Board on 948-2222.

Application Form:

Each question must be completed fully and in BLOCK LETTERS. To download an application form, click here.

Cover Letter:

The employer must provide a letter addressed to the Secretary to the relevant Board setting out the reasons for needing to continue to employ the employee. If the work permit is being shared between two employers, both employers must provide a cover letter explaining their continued need, and both must sign the application form.

Fees:

At the time of application the following fees must be paid:

• non-refundable administrative filing fee (CI$100)
• work permit renewal fee for the appropriate employment category (See Work Permit Fees)
• dependant fee (per dependant). (See Work Permit Fees)

Photographs:

One recent full face photograph (passport size)

Advertisements:

Before submitting an application for the grant of a work permit the prospective employer must, unless exempted to do so by the Governor or the Board, advertise the position in a local newspaper to ascertain the availability of a Caymanian, the spouse of a Caymanian, the holder of a Residency & Employment Rights Certificate or a person already legally and ordinarily resident in the Islands. The advertisement must appear in a local newspaper for at least two issues for two consecutive weeks. All responses received from persons in these categories must be forwarded to the Board with the work permit application along with copies of their CVs. A copy of each advertisement (full page of the newspaper showing the date) must also be provided It should be noted that the Board has no power to consider a work permit application unless and until this requirement concerning advertising the position has been complied with.

Advertising is not required if the employee is to be employed as:

• a labourer (including carpenter's helpers and mason's helpers)
• a farm worker
• a janitorial worker
• a gardener/landscaper
• a handyman
• a food and beverage server (full-time only: positions for part-time servers must be advertised).

or is otherwise exempted by prior approval from the Work Permit Board, the Business Staffing Plan Board or the Cayman Brac & Little Cayman Immigration Board.

The advertisement must contain the following information:

• a full and accurate description of the job to be filled; and
• a full and accurate description of the qualifications the prospective employer considers are necessary for carrying out the job and the reason for requiring those qualifications; and
• the number of years experience required; and
• the name and address of the employer or agency; and
• details of salary range and benefits

Contracts:

For workers employed in the construction industry, janitorial and gardening services their employers must provide copies of contracts for works presently being undertaken

Trade and Business License:

The employer must provide a copy of the company's current Trade & Business License. (If the license is pending renewal, please indicate).

Birth/Marriage Certificates:

Where a spouse or a child has been included on the work permit application form, the relationship to the employee must be proved by submitting marriage/ birth certificates as appropriate.

Last Updated: 2010-02-25