IMMIGRATION DEEP DIVE

Once your work permit has been approved and you arrive in Trinidad, there are some additional steps that you will need to complete to close out the immigration process.

•      Visa Waiver 

–     Once an assignee is issued a TT Work Permit and entering the country without a TT VISA, they must apply for a VISA waiver for themselves and each family member.

–     The VISA Waiver Form is completed and submitted to the immigration officials at the airport along with a fee of TT$400 / US$67 for each family member.

•      Immigration Medical

–    Required by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Therefore all persons are required to complete a medical examination once the duration of the work permit is more than one (1) year.

–    Make appointment with company or personal doctor.

–    Immigration medical forms must be completed by the doctor and submitted with your completed VISA application form.

Here is the link to the immigration medical forms: http://sta.uwi.edu/media/documents/2012/HR%20Immigration%20Medical%20Form.pdf

•      Extension of Landing Certificate and VISA Application

–      Extension of Landing Certificate is required by all

–      TT VISA is required by all except for UK and Canadian citizens

–      Documents required for TT Visa:

•      Passports

•      Copy of Work Permit

•      Immigration Medical Report – including x-ray report

•      Visa Application Form (required by all persons except UK and Canadian citizens)

–      Fees – Extension of Landing Certificate –TT$100 per person: Visa Application Fee - $400 per person.

The application for your extension of landing certificate will need to be done in person at the immigration offices:

Immigration Division
Permanent Residence and Citizenship and Extensions (Variations)
Student Permit, Visas, Certificate of Immigration Services
Moonan Building
#116 Frederick Street
Port of Spain
Trinidad
Tel: 625-9261
Fax: 627-9735

STUDENT PERMITS

If you are moving to Trinidad and Tobago with your kids and plan to enroll them in school, you will need to apply for a student permit for each child. The Immigration Division does not issue Student Permits to students prior to their arrival in Trinidad and Tobago. This application will need to be done after your arrival in country, once they have successfully been accepted and enrolled into their school of choice. The list below includes the relevant documents required for submission to Immigration:

·         Student Permit Application Forms 

·         Letter and Receipt from the School (the schools are familiar with the letter required)

·         Passport of applicant (student) and assignee

·         Applicant’s TT Visa

·         Copy of Work Permit

·         Fees – TT$200

Additional information can be obtained from the Ministry’s website using this link: http://www.immigration.gov.tt/Services/Permits/StudentPermit.aspx

There are various agencies in Trinidad that can assist with applying for a student permit. I have included the info for you as well:

·         Aegis Business Solutions http://www.aegistt.com/

·         LARM http://www.larmgroup.com/trinidadytobago.html

LANGUAGE & CULTURAL TRAINING

When moving to any new country it is important to consider differences in both language and culture. Seeking some form of intercultural training, prior to your move can serve as important tool in helping both you and your family assimilate. An Intercultural briefing will assist you to:

−      Understand the role of culture in business and social relationships

−      Learn vital information about Trinidad.

−      Develop the skills for successful adaptation to life and work in Trinidad

−      Look at opportunities and Challenges for the Spouse/Partner/Children

Here are some useful links:

trinidad@larmgroup.com

http://www.cartus.com/en/

http://www.soleilintercultural.com

http://www.canadawise.com/page/intercultural-training/

TRINIDAD BANKING

If you are in the country on a long term basis you may need to open a $TTD bank account to facilitate currency conversion or bank wires. The following is a list of the requirements to open a local bank account:-

·         Two forms of Identification for Assignee and spouse (if applicable)

·         A banker's reference letter from your home bank 

·         Credit score from the country of residence

·         Proof of address from your present home location (overseas) e.g. A utility bill

·         Job letter from TT employeer

·         Copy of your work permit

Click here http://www.tntisland.com/ttbanks.html for a listing of Trinidad and Tobago Banks by location.

MOTOR VEHICLES

If you are coming to Trinidad on Assignment, some companies offer vehicles to employees. This most likely will be some form of leased vehicle or company rental where maintenance and insurance are included. If you are making the move independently you may want to look at all the options to suit your style and budget. Trinidad has a diverse offering of both new car dealerships and flourishing foreign used market.

The major dealerships cover the top brands, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Toyota, Porsche, Honda, Kia etc. I have included the links below for easy reference. If your pocket is a bit more budget conscious, you may want to take a look at some foreign used options, which offer similar brans with low mileage, for a much cheaper price. Alternatively you can search for used vehicles in the local paper, but this can be risky. Using an approved dealer or verified used site like www.trinicarsforsale.com will save you the unwanted hassle.

Foreign Used Dealers: 

·         Japan Motors: http://www.japanmotorstt.com/

·         D&D Auto: http://dndautoworld.net/v2/

New car Dealers:

·         http://lifestylemotors.com/

·         http://www.massymotors.com/

·         http://www.bmw.tt/tt/en/

·         http://www.classicmotorstt.net/ku/autos

DRIVING IN TRINIDAD

To drive in Trinidad and Tobago you need a valid international driver's permit or one issued in the United States of America, UK, Bahamas, Canada, France or Germany. You are permitted to drive on your valid home country driving license for 90 days from the first date of entry, after which you will need to secure a local TT license. The country has a network of both multi-lane highways, and secondary access roads in addition to rural routes. Traffic moves on the left side. Fuel is subsidised by the government, and is relatively cheap.

Useful Tips:

·         If your Drivers Permit is not in English, please secure a certified translation prior to your arrival to Trinidad. This will ensure that you will just have to do the written exam. If not you will need to complete the entire process, road test included.

·         Speed Limit: Built up areas - 55 km and Highways - 80 km

·         Seatbelts are required for drivers and front seat passengers.

Click the link below for direct access to the Highway Code and for exam preparation to take the regulations test.

http://www.ttregs.com/

HEALTH CARE

On the Island, both private health care facilities and public health care facilities are available. While heath care at the private facilities can be a bit pricey, public health care is free and is provided on a walk in basis. If you are receiving current medical care you have the option of returning to your home country, or seeking care at the nearest point of medical excellence in Miami which is just a 4 hour plane ride away. Private medical facilities are better than the public clinics and hospitals. If you have existing international coverage from a medical provider such as Cigna, this is accepted at the private hospitals. I have included the links below to some private institutions:

West Shore Private Hospital: http://westshoreprivatehospital.com/home.html

St Clair Medical: http://medcorpltd.com/web2/

St Augustine Medical Hospital: http://www.saphtt.com/services.aspx

If you are interested in getting local personal medical insurance here are some options:

Pan American Insurance: http://www.palig.com/caribbean/trinidad-and-tobago

Guardian General Insurance: http://trinidad.myguardiangroup.com/guardian-general-insurance/

Beacon Insurance: http://www.beacon.co.tt/