As your sublime summer holiday on the Cayman Islands nears its end and you are faced with the long hard trek back to reality, you may find yourself wanting to extend your tropical island escape. Below we’ve outlined how you can draw out your days of lounging on white sands, sipping on sweet drinks seaside and soaking up the Caribbean sunshine for just a few magical days longer.
When you wish to apply for an extension to stay longer in paradise as a visitor, whether to enjoy more days on Cayman's idyllic beaches or because you have accidentally missed your flight, you'll need to visit the Immigration Office in central George Town and fill out an extension form.
Below is a list, supplied by the Cayman Immigration Office, of those eligible to apply for an extension:
- Any person married to a Caymanian and has not applied for Residency with Employment Rights Certificate
- Any person whose work permit (any type except for a Business Visitor Permit) has expired, and who wishes to remain in the Islands past that expiration date
- Any person born in the Islands and who is not Caymanian (i.e. children born to non-Caymanian workers)
- Any person who is by Right a Caymanian, but was born outside the Cayman Islands, while they await their Acknowledgement application
- Any person who is being adopted within the Cayman Islands
- Any student whose visa has expired
- Any person who has had an application such as a Right to be Caymanian, Permanent Residence, work permit or student visa revoked, cancelled or refused
What are the submission requirements?
For your application to stay longer to be considered, you will have to appear in person at the Department of Immigration (94A Elgin Avenue, George Town) with your application form and relevant documentation. The hours for application are between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
If you are applying for an extension you will also be required to provide proof of your ability to financially support yourself for the duration of your extended stay. If you are dependent on the help and hospitality of friends or family members, the Department of Immigration encourages you to have your host accompany you in order to avoid any complications or delays.
What to bring, along with your application form:
Your Passport or travel document (or means of identity)
Your return airline ticket stating the date of your departure as well as the landing card given to you upon arrival in the Islands.
Your visitor’s extension fee of CI$50.00 if it's your first application. For every subsequent application, you will be required to pay a CI$100.00 for each.
Please note that your extension fee is for the processing of your submission and does not necessarily guarantee that your application will be successful.
Next, a friendly Immigration officer will advise, at the time of application, whether or not your request to extend your stay has been successful and for how long you are allowed to stay on in the Cayman Islands.
For more information visit the Cayman Island Immigration website: www.immigration.gov.ky
