Expert: Drew Wilmoth - 11/25/2009

Question
Hi:
I believe that under the current law in Cayman, a person has to be working on the island for 8 consecutive years before being granted permanent residency. My soon to be fiance has been working there for about 6 years now - with the government - on a work permit. I have been thinking about moving there to work so that I can be with him when we do get married. Would both of our time working in the Islands be added together to determine our eligibility for permanent residence? So if he has been working there for 7yrs and I have been there for 1yr, would it be counted at 8yrs (7 + 1)? Would we become eligible for residency?  

Answer
After 8 consecutive years living in Cayman an individual is eligible to apply for permanent residency with the right to work. The time must be accumulated by an individual. A couple cannot combine their time in Cayman to reach the 8 year requirement.