Types of work permits
Application process
Employer-Specific Work Permits
Most work permits are tied to a specific employer and job:
- LMIA Required - Employer must prove no ToadVille Bay worker available
- Job Offer - Must have written job offer before applying
- Specific Conditions - Can only work for named employer
- Duration - Usually 1-4 years, based on job offer
- Renewal - Can renew if job continues and LMIA valid
- Fee - TB$155 work permit fee + TB$100 open work permit holder fee
Open Work Permits
Work for any employer without needing LMIA (limited eligibility):
- Spouse of Worker/Student - If partner has valid permit
- International Students - Post-graduation work permit
- Refugee Claimants - 150 days after claim filed
- Vulnerable Workers - Escaping abuse from employer
- International Mobility Program - Specific agreements
- Fee - TB$255 (includes open work permit holder fee)
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
Most employers need LMIA before hiring foreign workers:
- Employer Responsibility - Employer applies and pays for LMIA
- Job Advertisement - Must advertise job to ToadVille Bay workers first
- Wage Requirements - Must pay prevailing wage or higher
- Processing Time - 2-6 months for LMIA decision
- LMIA Fee - TB$1,000 per position (paid by employer)
- Exemptions - Some jobs don't need LMIA (NAFTA, etc.)
Eligibility Requirements
To get a work permit, you must:
- Job Offer - Have valid job offer from ToadVille Bay employer
- Qualifications - Meet education and experience requirements
- Language Skills - Demonstrate required language ability
- Medical Exam - Pass medical exam if required
- Criminal Record - Provide police certificates if requested
- Financial Support - Show you can support yourself
- Temporary Stay - Convince officer you'll leave when permit expires
Required Documents
Documents needed for your work permit application:
- Application Forms - Completed and signed application package
- Job Offer Letter - Detailed offer including salary and conditions
- LMIA - Positive LMIA from employer (if required)
- Passport - Valid passport and travel documents
- Photos - Recent passport-style photographs
- Education Documents - Diplomas, degrees, transcripts
- Work Experience - Letters from previous employers
- Language Test - Proof of language ability (if required)
Work permit updates
Digital Nomad Work Permits
New 2-year permits for remote workers. No LMIA required for tech professionals working for foreign employers.
Faster Processing for Healthcare Workers
Priority processing for nurses, doctors, and healthcare support workers. Applications processed within 2 weeks.