Expert: Drew Wilmoth - 11/12/2009

Question
Hi Drew,
My work visa has just been approved and I'll be heading out to start my new job in a few weeks time. After the visa application was submitted I became engaged. If I enjoy the job and life in Cayman my fiance will come to join me in March/April time. Will he be entitled to a work permit as my dependent? And how would I add him as my dependent, will it be via my employer? Also will it be easier if we get married before he moves out?
Many thanks for your help!!

Answer
Ani,

Congratulations on the approval of your work visa and your engagement! That is quite a set of life changing events.

There are a few common options for having your fiancé join you in Cayman. He could secure a job with his own work permit or be listed as a dependent on your work permit. He could visit you on a tourist visa but would not be permitted to work in Cayman with such a visa.

In order to secure his own job with his own work permit he would need to go through a process much like you have completed. He can seek a job and complete the medical and police background checks required for a work permit. Once his permit is approved he can then take up residence in Cayman.

In order to be listed as a dependent on your work permit you must be married - an engagement is not sufficient. After the marriage you must submit a Change of Circumstances form to your employer. (You must submit this form regardles of whether he will be listed as a dependent on your work permit.) Your employer can then apply to amend your work permit to list your spouse as a dependent.

In order to qualify to have a dependent on your work permit you must earn a sufficient salary. Normally the minimum is CI$3500 per month to have one dependent listed on your permit. Higher wages are required for each additional dependent. As a dependent you must also list him for health insurance through your employer. You are legally responsible for the full cost of his insurance premiums, though some employers offer to cover a portion of dependent's premiums.

Once he is approved as a dependent on your work permit he can then live in Cayman but not work. He can seek employment in Cayman and transition to a work permit of his own. He would not be required to leave the islands while his application for a permit is being processed.

Finally, he could repeatedly visit you on a tourist visa. You can apply to extend a tourist visa in one month intervals. The first month is an additional CI$50 for application. Each additional month is CI$100. If he applies for a work permit while in Cayman on a tourist visa, he would be required to leave the islands while the application is in process.