Get the Facts – Applying for a CARICOM Skills Certificate

Under the Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Skilled Persons) Act, skilled nationals of CARICOM member states are entitled to move and work freely within other member states. This is made possible through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Skills Certificate, a provision of the Act that allows these freedoms without the need for a work permit or permit of stay.

How to Apply

Persons who wish to obtain a CARICOM Skills Certificate may apply for it through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Those who are interested will first need to contact the Ministry and indicate their intention to apply. Once the Ministry determines that such a person is eligible, he or she will be sent an application form by email. Along with the completed form, the following documents are required:

• A certified copy of the applicant’s birth certificate
• A copy of the bio data page of his or her passport. This copy should be signed by a Justice of the Peace
• A police report from the country in which he or she has resided for the last three years
• Three certified passport-sized photographs
• Documents indicating a name change (marriage certificate or deed poll documents), if applicable
• A certified copy of University Degree, Associate Degree, Diploma, professional qualifications (ACCA, AAT etc.) Certificate NCTVET – Level 2 (HEART/Trust NTA), as applicable
• For employed or self-employed persons, a cover letter detailing the purpose for application

Applicants are also required to pay a processing fee of $2,000. Applications must be submitted to the Work Permit Department of the Ministry. Processing is carried out within eight weeks.

Following this, the applicant or a representative may collect the certificate after paying a fee of $8,000.

For more information, please contact:
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
1F North Street
Kingston
Phone: (876) 922-9500-14
Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
Website: mlss.gov.jm