Marshall Islands business visa: B-2 and B-1

The B-2 is for visitors who want to look into starting a business in the RMI before obtaining a Foreign Investment Business License. It is valid for up to 90 days and does not permit conducting business or taking employment. Its fee is set by regulation.

Regulation 10 sets the B-2 provisional business visa at three months with a single entry, for a person intending to seek business who does not yet hold a licence; once the Foreign Investment Business License is issued, the holder may apply for a B-1. The B-2 cannot be renewed or extended, and the B-1 is valid for up to two years with multiple entries.

The B-1 is for people conducting or establishing trade with an RMI business who hold an approved Foreign Investment Business License. It lasts up to two years, and under section 151(b) of the Immigration Regulations 2009 the holder also needs a valid work permit from the Labor Division. Foreign investors implementing an investment can receive a Foreign Investor work permit, which requires a valid licence.

B-2 applicants submit the same documents as a V-1 visitor, namely the form, passport, two photos, itinerary with return ticket, police clearance, health certificate, proof of funds and fee, plus a letter explaining the business purpose with supporting evidence. B-1 applicants add the Foreign Investment Business License and the Labor Division work permit letter, a police clearance and medical clearance issued within three months, and a bond payment or confirmed return ticket.

Supporting documents must be originals or certified copies, and anything in another language must be translated into English by an official body or translation company acceptable to the Immigration Division. The health certificate must state that the applicant is free from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and other contagious diseases notified by the Ministry of Health, and both it and the police record must be issued within three months of the application. The form is completed in English and signed, by a parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18.

Submit the complete file to the Division of Immigration in person, by mail or by email. Processing starts only when all documents are received. A processing officer checks the file and the alert list, the deputy director reviews it and the director gives the final decision. Refusals are explained in writing and can be appealed under section 170 of the Immigration Act 2006.

The Director must decide within 21 working days of receiving a complete application and must give reasons for any refusal. Where the Director approves an application on electronic or faxed copies, a letter of authorisation can be issued so that the applicant may board and enter, with the visa then issued on arrival.