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Cayman Islands Work Permit Application Checklist 2026

Complete checklist for new work permit grants, updated for all May 2026 immigration law changes. Check each item before submitting your application to WORC.

⚡ Key changes effective 1 May 2026: Job advertisements increased to 21 days (from 14) and must now also appear in a local newspaper — mandatory for all applications from 1 July 2026 (a grace period allowed the 14-day standard until 30 June 2026). Employers must notify WORC within 7 days of a work permit holder’s employment ending. New dependant income threshold: CI$5,000/month. First-time work permit holders subject to a 2-year employer lock (domestic helper exception applies).

Step 1 — Before advertising

Confirm the position is not exempt from advertising requirements
Exemptions: domestic helpers, caregivers, pastors/ministers, WORC-waived positions
Confirm no suitable Caymanian or RERC holder is already available internally
Check existing employee base first
Prepare a full job description including qualifications, salary range, benefits, work location
Required for the WORC portal advertisement

Step 2 — Job advertising (21 days from 1 May 2026)

Post position on WORC JobsCayman portal (worc.ky) for minimum 21 consecutive days AND in a local newspaper
Both are now required from 1 May 2026. Applications before 1 May 2026 require only 14 days. Advertisement valid for 3 months.
Record all Caymanian/RERC holder applicants in the WORC portal
Mandatory — log outcomes for every applicant
Provide structured written feedback to unsuccessful Caymanian applicants
Required if any applied

Step 3 — Employer documents

Completed WORC work permit application form
Download from worc.ky
Regulation 6 job advertisement compliance letter
Confirms 21-day advertising. Generate with CayDocs.
Business licence (copy)
Current year
Certificate of incorporation or business registration
If applicable
Letter of good standing
From CIIPA if financial services

Step 4 — Employee documents

Valid passport (copy — all pages)
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the permit period
Police clearance certificate
From country of last residence — must be recent (usually within 6 months)
Medical certificate
From an approved Cayman Islands physician
Educational certificates and professional qualifications
Originals or certified copies
Proof of relevant work experience
Reference letters or employment history
Two passport-sized photographs
Recent, white background

Step 5 — Submission

Pay the applicable work permit fee
Use the CayDocs Fee Calculator at caydocs.ky/work-permit-fee-calculator
Submit complete application package to WORC
In person or via the WORC online portal
Keep copies of everything submitted
For your records

Step 6 — New employer obligations from 1 May 2026

⏰ Notify WORC within 7 days if the work permit holder’s employment ends
Criminal offence if missed — CI$20,000 fine or 2 years imprisonment. Generate the termination notice at caydocs.ky
🔒 Understand the 2-year employer lock for first-time permit holders granted on/after 1 May 2026
They must stay with you for 2 years or leave Cayman for 1 year
📋 Keep records of all WORC notifications and advertising logs
Retain for at least 3 years
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