Enrollment
Unit’s Roles and Responsibilities
- Oversees RMI Visa application process for all non-citizen seeking to work, study, and invest in the RMI, including applicable dependents.
- Enroll non-citizens registering to reside in the RMI for a period of more than 6 months.
- Monitors the issuance of extensions of stay and any changes or adjustments of status while in the RMI.
- Report matters of compliance to the Compliance Unit for necessary action.
- Assist RMIs foreign service offices with the facilitation and processing of visitor visa applications and other services.
Types of VISAs
Visitor's VISA
(V-1)
Business VISA
(B-1)
General VISA
(G-1)
Employment VISA
(E-1)
Student VISA
(S-1)
Transit VISA
(T-1)
Residence VISA
(R-1)
Cruising VISA
(C-1)
Diplomatic VISA
(D-1)
- Any other type of visa approved by the Minister and promulgated in regulations under this Chapter.
- The application procedure and criteria for the issuance of all visas shall be prescribed by regulations.
§131. Meaning and Effect of VISA
(1) Every visa shall be valid for the period or until the date specified in it, and may be expressed to be effective for any number or an unlimited number of journeys to the Republic, within that period or before the specified date.
(2) Subject to a visa being revoked under section 145, a visa granted under this Chapter shall entitle the holder to be issued with an entry permit and to remain in the Republic for the duration of that permit.
(3) Except for visas issued under section 130(1)(a) and (1)(b), all visas must be obtained prior to entry in the Republic.
§132. Residence VISAs
(1) Every person who:
(a) is the holder of a Certificate of Actual Residence that was issued prior to or following commencement of this Chapter; or
(b) is a naturalized or registered citizen of the Republic but does not hold an RMI passport; or
(c) is an honorary citizen of the Republic but does not hold an RMI passport, may apply in the prescribed manner for a residence visa.
§133. Diplomatic VISAs
(1) Every person who is outside the Republic and is a serving diplomat intending to visit or be stationed in the Republic is not required under the Act to obtain a visa prior to arrival.
(2) A person who nevertheless seeks to obtain a diplomatic visa prior to arrival shall, before proceeding to the Republic, apply in the prescribed manner for a diplomatic visa.
(3) A Diplomatic visa will be issued by the Division upon arrival, provided that the following documents have been received by the Division at least 48 hours prior to the arrival date:
(a) written notification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Diplomat’s name, arrival date, purpose and duration of visit; and
(b) a copy of the Diplomat’s valid passport.
§134. Business VISAs
Every person who is outside the Republic and intends to enter the Republic for the purposes of establishing, seeking to establish, or conducting trade with a business in the Republic, shall before proceeding to the Republic, apply in the prescribed manner for a business visa.
§135. General visas. Every person who is outside the Republic and is the legal spouse or dependent child of a person who is legally working or stationed in the Republic, that person may, before proceeding to the Republic, apply in the prescribed manner for a general visa.
§136. Work VISAs
(1) Every employer that is issued with a work permit under the Labor (Non-Resident Workers) Act 2006 in respect of a non-resident worker, shall, subject to the person’s application being denied under section 114, be entitled to be issued with a work visa in respect of that employee.
(2) Subject to any restrictions prescribed by regulations, the Immigration Division will issue a work visa that is valid for the same duration as the work permit or not more than 21 calendar days longer than the duration of the permit.
§137. Visitor’s VISAs
(1) Every person who is outside the Republic and intends to enter the Republic as a tourist or a visitor shall, before proceeding to the Republic, apply in the prescribed manner for a visitor’s visa.
(2) The Cabinet may, according to Government Immigration Policy applicable at the time, identify countries whose nationals may be granted visitor’s visas upon arrival in the Republic. Countries approved by the Cabinet shall be listed in a Schedule to the regulations.
§138. Student VISAs
Every person who is outside the Republic and intends to enter the Republic for the purpose of studying at a school or academic institution shall, before proceeding to the Republic, apply for a student visa in the prescribed manner.
§139. Transit VISAs
Every person who is outside the Republic and intends to enter the Republic for the purpose of transit to another country shall, before proceeding to the Republic, apply in the prescribed manner for a transit visa.
§140. Currency of VISAs
(1) The currency of visas issued under this Chapter shall be:
(a) for a residence visa, a period of up 5 years;
(b) for a diplomatic visa, a period of up to 2 years;
(c) for a business visa, a period of up to 2 years;
(d) for a general visa, a period of up to 2 years;
(e) for a work visa, a period of up to 2 years;
(f) for a student visa, a period of up to 1 year;
(g) for a visitor’s visa, a period of up to 3 months;
(h) for a transit visa, a period of up to 3 days; or
(i) for any other type of visa, the period prescribed by regulations.
(2) Every visa must indicate:
(a) the name of the holder and date of birth;
(b) the date on which it comes into effect; and
(c) the date on which it will expire
(3) Where a person is removed or deported from the Republic under this Chapter, a visa and any consequent permit that has been issued shall automatically be void.
§141. Grant of a VISA or permit in accordance with Provisions of the Act.
(1) No person is entitled as of right to a visa or permit and any question whether or not to:
(a) grant;
(b) impose any condition;
(c) vary;
(d) cancel or revoke; a visa is a matter for the decision of the Director or designee in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.
(2) Where an application for a visa is denied:
(a) the Director shall provide in writing, reasons for that decision; and
(b) the applicant may appeal the decision to the Attorney General in the manner prescribed by section 170 of this Chapter.
§142. Requirement of Bond
(1) The Cabinet may, in accordance with Government Immigration policy applicable at the time, identify countries whose nationals may be required to pay a bond as a pre-condition to the issuance of a visa. Countries approved by the Cabinet shall be listed in a Schedule to the regulations.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a bond may be imposed as a pre-condition to the issuance of a visa if the Director or designee determines that:
(a) there is a risk that the applicant will remain in the Republic after the expiry of the visa; and
(b) the imposition of the bond is necessary to manage that risk.