Expert: Robert Clark - 10/10/2010

Question
Hi,

I have just received a job offer to work as an accountant on the Cayman Islands. However, I have some concerns when my fiancee joins me later:

1) We are going to get married in December this year, so currently when my employer applies the working visa for me, I would declare myself as single. But after the marriage, is it ok to change my own status as married and can my wife-to-be get the dependent visa and stay with me on the Cayman Islands by that time?

2) My fiancee works as an English teacher in Singapore for a few years. I would not expect she's going to get similar jobs given that she is not a native English speaker. In your opinion, is it optimistic that she can get some other jobs like administrative clerk or working in the hospitality sector when she arrives in the Cayman Islands with the dependent visa?

Thanks a lot for your advice!

Answer
John

1) Yes, a work permit can be altered to add a dependent.  However, dependents are usually only approved if the monthly salary is over $3,000 for the first dependent and $500 for each subsequent dependent.  Dependent can only be direct family; your fiancee couldn't be added until after your wedding.

2) As a dependent she can't work.  If she finds a suitable position, then the employer would have to apply for a work permit in her own name.  

The economic climate isn't good in Cayman.  A lot of expats have left as they have come to the end of their seven years (work permits can only be renewed up to a maximum of seven years).  However, there are usually jobs in the hospitality sector.

Good luck!
Robert
http://www.gotocayman.com