Part of: Foreign Employment

Apply For a New Work Permit

Cost
$50 - $200
Processing time
Four (4) to Six(6) Weeks providing all the relevant documents have been uploaded
Need more information? View eligibility, requirements, step-by-step instructions and other service details.
View full service and information details

Table of Contents

Eligibility

You may apply for a new work permit if:

  • You are an employer licensed to operate in the Virgin Islands
  • You wish to employ a non-belonger in a specific position
  • The position could not be filled by a qualified belonger
  • You reside within the territory and is changing employer
     

Legal Requirement & Permit Terms (Crucial Information)

  • Labour Code 2010 (Section 170, Subject to Section 172):

    A person who does not belong to the Virgin Islands shall not engage in employment or self-employment in the Virgin Islands unless he or she has obtained a work permit issued by the Minister."

  • Permit Duration: A new work permit allows a non-belonger to enter the Virgin Islands and work for a period not exceeding three (3) years, which may be subject to renewal or extension.

What You Need

  • Justification letter
  • Employee Resume/CV
  • Employee Certificate/Qualifications
  • Employee Passport Bio Page
  • Police Record/Certificate of Character
  • Medical Certificates
  • Police Report (ONLY incase of lost or stolen ID)

How to Apply

Follow the steps below based on whether you are applying as a job seeker or posting a position as an employer on the Labour Management System (LMS).

FOR EMPLOYEE (Job Seekers)

  • Visit LMS: Go to lms.gov.vg.
  • Create Profile: Set up your Job Seeker Profile.
  • Upload Resume: Attach your current Resume / CV.
  • Search Jobs: Browse through available job openings.
  • Apply: Submit an application for your desired job.
  • Track Progress: Periodically log in to your Job Seeker Profile for notifications and status updates.
  • Accept Interviews: If you receive an interview request, select ACCEPT to proceed.
  • Reschedule (If Needed): If you have a scheduling conflict, request a new date directly on the LMS site.
     

FOR EMPLOYER

  • Log In: Access your LMS Employer Profile.
  • Post Job: Create and publish a job posting for a mandatory period of two (2) weeks.
  • Recruit & Select: Conduct candidate selections and interviews after the 2-week posting period closes.
  • Evaluate Candidates: Complete candidate evaluations on the LMS for all shortlisted applicants.
  • Submit to WDU: Submit the evaluation to the Workforce Development Unit (WDU) on LMS for review and screening.
  • Check Updates: Periodically check your LMS profile for updates from the WDU.
  • Create Application: Once you receive a Pre-Authorised Notification, navigate to your LMS work permit profile to create the work permit application.
  • Review & Submit: Double-check all fields for completeness and submit the application.
  • Pay Application Fee:
    • Online: Pay the fee directly through the LMS portal, OR
    • In-Person: Visit the Department of Labour office to complete payment.

Types of Work Permit

1. PERIODIC WORK PERMIT

A periodic work permit allows a non-belonger to enter the Virgin Islands and work for a single employer for short periods within a one year period. 

A periodic permit is valid for one (1) year and it may take up to 30 working days to be processed. 

All the required documents of a New Work Permit application is also required of a Periodic work permit application, except for advertisement. This type of work permit is renewable.

2. ENTERTAINMENT WORK PERMIT

An entertainment work permit is one type of temporary work permit. It takes between 5-10 working days to be processed.

The name of the employer listed on the application must coincide with the company name listed on the trade license. 

Cover letter duly signed and addressed to the Labour Commissioner, should state the need for the work permit, the details of the event. It should also have the date, time, venue, etc. 

The arrival and departure date of the performer(s) should also be stated and the noise abatement certificate obtained from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Headquarters must be included. Include a copy of the passport signature page for ALL performers’/members’.

A valid trade license (current year).

3. EMERGENCY WORK PERMIT

An emergency work permit allows a non-belonger to enter the Virgin Islands on a single occasion to undertake emergency work not anticipated by the employer for a period not exceeding seven days. It is processed immediately.

4. TEMPORARY WORK PERMIT

A  temporary work permit allows a non-belonger to enter and work in the Virgin Islands for a single period not exceeding three months. 

 A temporary work permit for one month or under:

  •  Medicals are not required of the applicant
  • The Clearance is sent to the employer.

 A temporary work permit for over one month:

  • Medicals are required
  • Police certificate is required
  • The Clearance is sent to the Employer

Fees and Payments

All work permit applications are subject to a non-refundable $50.00 application fee.  Expedited service is an additional $150.00.

 Work Permit Fees Schedule

There is a $75 fee for the Work Permit Identification Card 

Income Bracket

Range Value

Percentage

Domestic Workers

 

1% Annual Salary

0 - $25,000

25,000

3%

$25,001 - $50.00

25,000

5%

$50,001 - $100,000

50,000

7%

$100,001 - $150,000

50,000

7%

Above $150,000

 

7% (up to $10,000)

What May Delay Work Permit Processing?

Processing may be delayed if an application contains errors, missing details, or requires additional departmental verification. Review the common reasons below before submitting:

Application & Information Errors
  • Incomplete work permit application
  • Missing contact information
  • Incorrect job title or salary frequency
  • Job description is inadequate and does not clearly state duties
  • Job advertisement does not match the job description
Document & Verification Issues
  • Outstanding or missing documents
  • Poorly copied or unreadable documents
  • No immigration stamp uploaded
  • Character reference letter submitted instead of a professional reference letter confirming skills
  • Incomplete resume (omitted employment dates, positions held, or educational background)
Specific Application Types
  • Periodic Permits: Cover letter does not state the number of visits per year and duration of each visit
  • Renewals: Salary was reduced without an explanation and a signed agreement between employer and employee
Verification & Local Placement
  • Business requires an inspection (business is new or has never applied for a work permit)
  • A Virgin Islander / Belonger has been identified for the position

Updating Passport Details After Work Permit Approval

My work permit has been approved. However, my clearance reflects my old passport details.  I have since obtained a new passport, will this affect my new work permit?

Your approved work permit remains valid, but your new passport details must be updated in the system prior to your arrival.

It is required that you submit via email to labour@gov.vg or lmshelp@gov.vg requesting to have the relevant information (including new passport bio page) updated prior to your arrival.

How Long is the Immigration Clearance valid for?

The Immigration Clearance is ONLY valid for a period of six (6) months.

Contact Information

Department of Labour and Workforce Development -

Ashley Ritter Bldg
Road Town, Tortola
Virgin Islands (British) VG1110

Business Hours: 

Monday - Friday  
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cashier: 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Telephone: 1(284) 468-4780

Email Address: labour@gov.vg