Employed & Self Employed Work Permit

Question:
What steps must be followed in order to obtain a work permit?
Answer:
Follow the steps as outlined in the 1998 revised Immigration Ordinance, section 23, 24 and 25; schedule 3 and 4 of the regulations.

Question:
At what age am I eligible to obtain a permit work?
Answer:
At the age of eighteen (18).

Question:
How long should an application take to be processed?
Answer:
Not more than one (1) month.

Question:
Can I apply for a work permit if I have entered the Turks and Caicos Islands as a visitor?
Answer:
No, applications on behalf of employed persons should be submitted by the employer/company, their lawyer or an agency. Applications for self-employed persons and temporary residence should be processed by a lawyer or an agency.

Question:
Can I remain in the islands while my first time application is being processed?
Answer:
No. You must leave the country during the process. However, you can return once you have received written notification from the board that your permit was approved.

Question:
Can I continue working once I have submitted my work permit renewal three months prior to expiration?
Answer:
Yes, once it is being renewed under the same company/employer.

Question:
If I am the holder of a temporary residence permit can I change over to a work permit holder?
Answer:
No, once you have a residence permit you would not be able to apply for a work permit.

Question:
How many times could my permit be renewed if i am in the unskilled category?
Answer:
Your permit can be renewed three (3) times.

Question:
How many times could my permit be renewed if i am in the skilled category?
Answer:
Your permit could be renewed five (5) times.

Question:
If I am applying for an owner/manager's permit what should I obtain first the permit or the business license?
Answer:
You should first obtain the business license.

Question:
Would a self-employed permit be issued without a business license?
Answer:
No

Question:
Would the board renew my self employed permit without submitting proof of a valid business license?
Answer:
No

Question:
What am I required to show in order to collect work permits?
Answer:
You are required to show national insurance clearance (NIS) card.

Question:
Can the employee collect his/her permit?
Answer:
No, the permit must be collected by the employer, or its representative. Only self-employed and residence permit holders may collect their own permit.

Question:
If my permit is issued to a specfic company or individual can someone else whose name is not endorsed on the card employ me?
Answer:
No, it is against the law unless written application is made to the board on your behalf to have more than one employer endorsed on your permit.

Question:
Can the employee collect or inquire into the status of his/her permit?
Answer:
No, if you have an employed person's permit.

Question:
Can my spouse and children be endorsed on my unskilled work permit?
Answer:
No

Question:
Can I endorse my spouse and children on my skilled permit?
Answer:
Yes

Temporary Residence Permit

Question:
If I am the holder of a temporary residence permit can I change over to a work permit holder?
Answer:
No

Question:
What is the difference between a temporary residence permit (TRP) and permanent residence permit (PRC)
Answer:
A TRP is a residence permit (without the right to work which must be renewed annually). Whilst a PRC can be issued with or without the right to work, it is a one-time application.

Question:
Can my spouse and children be endorsed on my temporary residence permit (TRP)?
Answer:
Yes, as long as your dependents have not acquired the age of 18.