I will quit working in October. My work permit expires in December. Would I be able to stay on island another 20-30 days after I quit working?


Cayman National Bank

Ask Auntie sponsor

Auntie’s answer: First of all, for anyone who is not aware, under the Immigration Regulations (2015 Revision), it is required that if someone who holds a work permit stops working before it expires, the “employer shall forthwith  give written notice” to the Department of Immigration (DOI). Section 9 of the regulations specifies that failure to do so is an offence.

As to your specific question, a DOI official explained that immigration officers “use their discretion on the amount of time that is given” to anyone seeking a visitor’s extension, which would apply to you once you quit your job.

You would need to fill out the relevant application which can be found here.

Along with the form, you have to go the DOI office with evidence of your ability to support yourself, travel documents such as a passport or other means to identify yourself, your embarkation/disembarkation card, a plane ticket out and the appropriate fee.

“The information provided on the completed form and the accompanying documentation will assist the immigration officer in determining the authorised length of stay,” the DOI official said.

The regulations mentioned in this column can be found on the CNS Library