Work Permit & Permanent Residency FAQ

WORC Offices location and opening hours?

The WORC offices at Apollo House West located at 87 Mary Street, George Town is open daily from 8:30am to 4:00pm and is offering all services.

What is the process to apply for Cayman Status following Residency approvals?

Eligible persons may apply for the acquisition of the right to be Caymanian by grant of the Board pursuant to Section 28 of the Immigration (Transition) Act (2022 Revision). There are several categories and the applicant must determine which category and section of the Law is applicable to his or her particular situation.

Generally, Permanent Resident holders are seeking to apply for the right to be Caymanian on the grounds of Naturalisation and such persons must determine whether they are eligible under one of the following sections:

Section 28 (3) “A person who, by virtue of the person’s connection with the Islands, is a British Overseas Territories Citizen by reason of a certificate of naturalisation or registration issued under the British Nationality Act, 1981 or any Act preceding, amending or replacing that Act preceding, amending or replacing that Act, may apply to the Caymanian Status and Permanent Residency Board for the grant of the right to be Caymanian if the person has been legally and ordinarily resident in the Islands for at least fifteen years or if the person has been legally and ordinarily resident in the Islands for at least five years after the receipt of the certificate of naturalisation or registration.” Or;
Section 28 (4) “A person who is a British Overseas Territories Citizen by virtue of the person’s connection with another overseas territory may apply to the Caymanian Status and Permanent Residency Board for the grant of the right to be Caymanian if the person possesses the right to reside permanently in the Islands and the person has been legally and ordinarily resident in the Islands for at least fifteen years.”

Contact the Deputy Governor’s office website at www.odg.gov.ky to review the criteria for qualifying for naturalization.

Applications for the Right to be Caymanian can be found on this site under "Forms" > “Living” > application type C28 – Right to be Caymanian and select the appropriate “Checklist” type.

How do I submit an express application?

To ensure timely processing, it is recommended that the express application(s) is/are submitted in person at the WORC offices during normal operating hours.

Where do I go to get an endorsement stamp?

If you are travelling and need passport endorsement stamp because your work permit application is still under review, you can come to the WORC Apollo House West office and ask the Customer Care officers for an endorsement stamp. However, if your Work Permit has been approved and you have received a Work Permit License (approval letter), your Work Permit License (approval letter) will act as the authority you need for any travel purposes.

How do I make a variation to my Residency and Employments Right Certificate?

Visit the “Applications/Forms” tab on worc.ky and look for the applicable application under the heading “Residency” . Customers can download the “RV37a – Variation of PR/RERC dependents” application. There is a checklist provided which sets out the fees and documentation to submit.

If my dependent listed on my Residency and Employments Right Certificate is reaching the age of 18 years, what do I need to do to keep him as a dependent?

The process would be the same as submitting a request to make a variation on an application. Download and complete “RV37a – Variation of PR/RERC dependents” application. There is a checklist provided which sets out the fees and documentation to submit.

What approved providers and Centers for ELT (English Language Test) will be accepted with work permit applications?

Results from Test for English for international Communication (TOEIC) and from International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS)

How do I get a visa waiver to go to the USA?

Please contact the Passport Office at 943-7678 or email passport&corporate@gov.ky

How do I get a visitor extension at this time?

Visitor Extensions are handled by Customs and Border Control (CBC). The CBC office is now open and Extensions can be applied for in person Monday - Fridays from 8:30am to 4pm or using their new online system by clicking on the link ww.cbc.gov.ky.

Go to Travel then Visitor Extension. The process asks that you make the payment first then complete and submit the application form. For persons wanting to make an appointment to avoid long wait times, this can be done by emailing Caymanvisa@gov.ky or calling 244-3318.

If we have a work permit amendment which needs to be submitted for a job title change (e.g. a lateral department transfer, or a promotion) whether as a planned change from before or a change due to our current scenario and challenges, are we able to do this electronically with either an online or credit card payment (where we aren’t able to attend in person with a cheque) or can we hand deliver it somewhere?

We are now accepting all types of amendments. Application amendments should be paid for online using the Jobs & Online Payments Service. The work permit amendment application can be uploaded at the same time the payment is made online using a debit or credit card. Click here for Online Payments FAQs and Video Guides or Click here to Access Services

If we have a work permit amendment which needs to be submitted for adding a dependant (e.g. new-born baby or spouse), what is that process?

We are now accepting all types of amendments. You may drop off the amendment application along with the payment to the WORC Apollo House office or make payments via the Jobs & Online Payments Service using a debit or credit card. Click here for Online Payments FAQs and Video Guides or Click here to Access Services

My Permanent Residence annual payment is now due what should I do?

Annual PR payments can be paid in person at the WORC Apollo House West office. Alternatively payments can also be made via the Jobs & Online Payments Service using a debit or credit card. The online payment portal now allows for applications to be uploaded at the same time of the payment. Click here for Online Payments FAQs and Video Guides or Click here to Access Services

How can I check the status of a work permit application?

Contact WORC Customer Care: Call 945-9672 | Email worc@gov.ky

Where can I pay for and submit work permit applications?

Work Permit Application forms can be downloaded on the Applications Forms page of this site. Applications can be submitted and paid for in-person at the WORC office or paid online via the Jobs & Online Payments Service using a debit or credit card. The online payment portal now allows for applications to be uploaded at the same time of the payment. Click here for Online Payments FAQs and Video Guides or Click here to Access Services

What types of applications is WORC accepting at this time?

All application types are now being accepted.

Important: A checklist of requirements are attached to the relevant application and MUST accompany the relevant forms. Note: Job Vacancies for Temporary Applications do not need to be advertised on the Jobs & Online Payments Service. However, these applications will still be vetted to see if there are any suitable and available Caymanians.

How do I enquire about payments and refunds?

If you are owed a refund it can be collected from WORC office on Tuesdays and Thursday from 10am – 2pm.

If you have questions or need to ask for a refund complete the Refund Form by clicking here or email worc.gov.ky.

How do I make a complaint?

Customers wishing to lodge a complaint can do so online by visiting the Complaints page on this site.

I have a question about Caymanian Status or Permanent Residency, who do I contact?

For Work Permits or Caymanian Status or Permanent Residency questions email worc@gov.ky

How do I cancel a work permit?

Work Permit cancellation forms can be found and downloaded under Applications. Send the completed form via email to WPcancellations@gov.ky

In the email include the following information: File Number | Employee Full Name | Employee Date of Birth (DD/MM/YY) and Reason for Cancellation.

Can I extend a current work permit?

Yes. The amendment application payment can be made online using the Jobs & Online Payments Service using a debit or credit card. Click here for Online Payments FAQs and Video Guides or Click here to Access Services

NOTE: Justification as to why an extension is needed will need to be stated.

If I have an approved work permit but the employee has not arrived within the Cayman Islands yet, can I change the start date?

Yes. You must complete the AMD1 Amendment form. Applications can be downloaded from the Applications page of this site. Application payments via theJobs & Online Payments Service using a debit or credit card. Click here for Online Payments FAQs and Video Guides and Video Guides or Click here to Access Services

Can PR holders vary their PR to allow for them to work in other areas/occupations?

Yes. However, all applications are dealt with on their own merits. You can drop off the request to the WORC Office or make the amendment application payments via the Jobs & Online Payments Service using a debit or credit card. Click here for Online Payments FAQs and Video Guides and Video Guides or Click here to Access Services

WORK PERMIT REFUNDS Employers whose work permit employees are no longer needed may apply for a refund of the work permit fee (less the administrative filing fee) provided there is 6 months or more remaining on their work permit. No refunds will be issued if there is less than 6 months remaining on a work permit.

PERSONS WITH CANCELLED PERMITS OR THOSE WITHOUT WORK Employers are encouraged to cancel work permits if they do not have sufficient work for their employees or the genuine need to employ a person on a work permit falls away.

Employers with cancelled work permits and there is no work available for their employees must inform WORC and cancel the existing work permit and ensure the employees time extension remains regularized through Customs and Border Control (CBC) or make arrangement to return home.

CAYMAN BRAC/LITTLE CAYMAN APPLICATIONS: Cayman Brac/Little Cayman Applications can be submitted in person at District Administration building or online using the applications found under the Forms page of this website.

Payment can be done online using the Jobs & Online Payments Service. You must be registered as a person to use the online payment option.

Questions about the new Medical form?

Click here to download the FAQ Document.

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Grand Cayman

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