Marshall Islands dependant visa (G-1)

The G-1 is open to the legal spouse of the principal, children under 18, dependants aged 18 to 27 who rely on the principal, and dependent parents or parents-in-law. The principal can be a foreign visa holder, such as an E-1 worker, or an RMI citizen. A non-citizen spouse who wants to work can instead seek the Spouse of a Marshallese Citizen work permit after at least one year of marriage.

The Immigration Regulations 2009 define the categories. A dependent child is an unmarried child under 18, or one physically or mentally unable to support himself or herself, who depends on a parent or guardian working in the Marshall Islands. A dependent spouse is a person over 18 with an official marriage certificate. The regulations place unmarried children aged 18 to 26 and parents or parents-in-law of a non-resident worker in a separate Dependent Adult Visa (DA-1), valid for up to two years with multiple entries; its application adds a letter from the person responsible for the dependent adult and evidence of the relationship.

The application includes a letter of guarantee, the principal applicant's documents, a marriage certificate or proof of dependency, a health certificate, a police record, a bond or return ticket and proof of the fee, together with the standard visa form, photos and passport.

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.

Under regulation 17 of the Immigration Regulations 2009 a visa is issued only to an applicant of acceptable character and health who has not been deported or removed from the Marshall Islands or any other country, has no conviction for an offence punishable by 12 months' imprisonment or more, has not breached an earlier visa, has no link to terrorist groups, can support himself or herself and any dependants, and carries a passport valid for at least six more months. The Director may also ask for a bond where there is a risk the visa terms will not be kept, an onward ticket, further documents, an interview in person or by telephone, or an extra medical examination.

Submit the complete file to the Division of Immigration in Majuro in person, by mail or by email. The same three-level review applies, and refusals are notified in writing with reasons and a right of appeal under 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.

The G-1 does not authorise employment or business. Its validity follows the principal's visa, or runs up to two years for dependants of RMI citizens, and it must be renewed before expiry.

The G-1 and DA-1 may be renewed by application on the prescribed form, but a DA-1 holder cannot change to another status while in the country, and DA-1 holders may not seek or take employment or business. Anyone staying more than six consecutive months must obtain an alien registration card, which expires every 31 December and is renewed annually between 1 November and 31 December, with a 55 US dollar late fee; the card must be carried at all times. A visa can be revoked with immediate effect for a later conviction, false or misleading information, forged documents, breach of conditions or conduct prejudicial to peace and good order.