Antigua and Barbuda student permit

Non-immigrant students, other than citizens of OECS countries who have acquired indefinite status, need a student permit to attend an educational institution. A visitor who arrived on holiday cannot change status to student; the permit must be approved before arrival. Attending school without a valid permit is an offence under the Immigration and Passport Act 2014.

The student visa application form, an acceptance letter from the Ministry of Education, an acceptance letter from the educational institution, the applicant's passport, proof of financial support, a health certificate, a birth certificate, the passports of the parents or guardians and a passport photo. If the accompanying adult is not a parent, a family court custody order from the country that issued the child's passport is required, specifying the period. Only parents or lawful guardians can apply for a minor.

A sponsor's health insurance does not automatically cover the student: the student must hold cover or be named on the policy, with evidence for the whole period requested and proof that premiums are not in arrears. To be approved for another year, the student submits a sealed report from the school principal showing grades, attendance and any disciplinary infractions. A student permit is a temporary resident status (class C); after four years of continuous lawful residence, or on marriage to a citizen, the holder may apply for a normal resident permit.

Student permits are usually granted one year at a time. The Immigration Department processes the first permit, after which the student renews it every year; continuing to study on an expired permit is an offence.

For a student under 18, only the lawful parents or a lawful guardian may apply. A step-parent or partner of the custodial parent who has not adopted the child can act only as a sponsor and must sign the sponsorship undertaking. Both lawful parents must consent unless one has died, is not named on the birth certificate, or a custody order grants sole custody. If the accompanying adult is not a parent, a family court order from the country that issued the child's passport must give that adult sole care, control and custody and allow the child to stay for a stated period. No extension is granted if the parents or guardians with custody live in Antigua and Barbuda unlawfully.

Students may not engage in gainful or unpaid occupation, except unpaid activity connected with their studies. An internship of more than three months that is an integral part of the course, or work in an approved research or training programme, requires a work permit. The permit is tied to the named institution; to change school, apply for a new study permit, which can be done in the country.