POSTERN

Cook Islands

International Worker Visa and Permit. A Cook Islands employer may recruit a foreign worker after publicly testing the local labour market and offering a compliant job.

Free, with the law behind every answer

International Worker Visa and Permit

An approved work visa and permit; the published criteria describe a three-year permit and limits on successive permits.

Who qualifies

You keep your U.S. citizenship.

1

Does it fit your family?

One question, from the program’s own rules.

Do you have a binding job offer in that country?

Not legal advice.

2

What it takes.

Time
The issuing authority decides the application after the complete sponsored file and prerequisite approvals are lodged.
Cost
NZD 960 permit fee; sponsor, medical and document costs are separate.
The hard part
Employer recruitment evidence and approval; US citizenship alone does not waive these conditions.
3

This visa doesn’t lead to a passport.

  1. 2027
    First residence permit

    3 years, renewable for 3 years at a time.

  2. 2030
    Renew the permit

    Filed before the old one lapses; renews for 3 years.

  3. 2033
    Renew the permit

    Filed before the old one lapses; renews for 3 years.

  4. 2036
    Renew the permit

    Filed before the old one lapses; renews for 3 years.

  5. 2037
    Permanent residence

    Ten continuous years for a non-New Zealand citizen, the Kia Orana Values programme, 312 hours of community service in the prior five years and four community declarations. Permanent-residence selection opens every three years.

Two passports
Yes. You keep your U.S. citizenship.
  • Continuous lawful residence can reach Cook Islands permanent residence after ten years for a non-New Zealand citizen; it does not create New Zealand citizenship.
  • There is no realistic way from residence to citizenship here; permanence is where this road ends.
The law behind these dates
4

Living there.

Time you must spend there
The program sets no minimum number of days. Renewal still expects it to be your home.
Tax
Where you become tax resident follows the days you spend there and where your home is. We map it for your family before you move.

We never file a tax return. We tell you what applies and brief the professional who does.

5

Start today.

  1. Apply through Cook Islands Immigration’s online portal with the employer’s evidence.Open asypx.mfai.gov.ck ↗
  2. Gather these documents.
    • The signed job offer, salary, and recognized qualifications
    • Health cover for the move
6

Postern can’t run this for you yet.

The official application forms, submission and recovery specification are not complete. Postern cannot run this application yet.

Options open to you today →
7
ISSUED TO

YOUR FAMILY

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