Immigration Questions
Keeping PR if off-island for a year
If you leave with permanent residency do you have to start over if you ever return? Can special circumstances be considered, like your mother is in her 80’s and you wanted to spend some time with her and she lives outside Cayman? Auntie’s answer: You do not have to start the process over but you […]
Wants to hold an art retreat
I am an artist that owns a vacation home on Grand Cayman. I would like to offer an art retreat at my home – charging my students for accommodation, meals and art lessons. Do I need a work visa to run this event? Auntie’s answer: To the reader who sent in this question, I know […]
Legal entry needed for pregnant partner
If I am Caymanian and my partner is not but is carrying my child, how can I get my partner here legally? Auntie’s answer: Unfortunately, your situation doesn’t actually fall into a specific category under the law, a Department of Immigration (DOI) official explained, also pointing out the usual paths to gaining entry to Cayman, […]
When working doesn’t need a work permit
I’m the spouse of a work permit holder. I have some work for an overseas company which I can do from home. What’s the legal position for me to do so? Am I expected to get a work permit (they have no physical presence in Cayman)? Auntie’s answer: Your particular circumstances apparently are not specifically […]
Can my family apply to be naturalised?
I am an expat who has worked with the government for the last 10 years. I do not have permanent residency. My daughter and wife are dependants on my contract and they have been here with me during that time except for about a year and a half when my wife was studying overseas and […]
May a work permit holder rent out rooms?
Are there any restrictions on an ordinarily resident person renting out a room on a short-term basis (for example via Airbnb) in properties owned here on the islands? Does one need an extra work permit for this and is the dependent spouse free to get involved with the work that typically occurs with such an activity, […]
Applying for right to be Caymanian
I am a Caymanian married to a non-Caymanian. She has permanent residency with the right to work and it expires in September (seven years). She went to immigration and was told she should apply for status, but she cannot do that until after seven years. Can PR be extended to allow for the status application […]
Staying on island during immigration process
I am a non-Caymanian that has been married to a Caymanian for a couple of years and we are both living abroad at the moment. My wife has decided to move back to her Caymanian home to live. I have read the immigration requirements to apply for a Residency and Employment Rights Certificate (RERC) and it may take a few months to be […]
Former overstayer wants to visit Cayman
I have a friend who, 13 years ago, when he was 19, was “deported” because his employer held his passport and when he asked immigration for more time they informed him that he had overstayed (it wasn’t more than three months). Immigration then allowed him to stay one more week. He didn’t serve any jail […]
Remaining in Cayman after quitting work
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? 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 […]
Reasons for holding onto immigration white card
What is the purpose of the ‘retain’ portion of the white card immigration form I have to fill in when entering the Cayman Islands by plane, being the part I then must keep with my passport and re-present to immigration when leaving the Cayman Islands? What happens if I lose it? Can’t the immigration department […]
Wants to return after PR denied
I was turned down for permanent residency and am now thinking of returning after my year is up. I know I can’t return to Cayman until November 1, but can I apply for a work permit to return before that date, or do I have to wait until then to apply? Auntie’s answer: Yes, you […]
Non-Caymanian spouse seeks naturalisation
I’m married to a Caymanian and I’ve been living here for four years. I have a Residency and Employment Rights Certificate (RERC). Am I eligible to apply for naturalisation as a British Overseas Territories Citizen on grounds of marriage? I understand that I need to be married for seven years in order to apply for the […]
Reasons for denial of Caymanian status
When the Department of Immigration (DOI) refuses an application for the granting of Caymanian status, does the board have to have grounds for refusal? Also, are they required to inform the applicant why the application was refused? Auntie’s answer: When the Caymanian Status and Permanent Residency Board refuses an application, the reasons for that decision are […]
Paid work experience not allowed
As an expat on a work permit can my 16-year-old son do work experience without a work permit? Can it be paid at all and is there a time limit? He wants to become a doctor and has been offered a placement over the summer. They offered to pay him a small amount to cover […]
Can a tourist be granted a work permit?
I have a friend visiting. She is in the hospitality industry and was thinking of applying for a couple of jobs. She came in as a tourist. Is she allowed to do this or what are the restrictions? Auntie’s answer: There are actually two different issues at play. A Department of Immigration official explained, “The […]
Fiancé reaching end of term limit
My fiancé is approaching his term limit. I still have five years left. If we get married now rather than later, am I able to add him to my work permit as a dependent and give him five more years to live/work here before we have to decide on whether to apply for PR? Auntie’s […]
Puzzled by naturalisation and Caymanian status
I am confused about what is required to apply for naturalisation versus status in Cayman. What is the difference between the two, which comes first, and what is the criteria to apply for either? Auntie’s answer: Similar queries have popped up from time to time and I definitely expect to receive more questions on this […]
