Marshall Islands work visa: E-1 employment visa

The work permit authorises the employment relationship, and the E-1 visa authorises lawful presence for that work. The E-1 is not issued without a valid work permit letter from the Labor Division, and it lasts only as long as the permit. US, FSM and Palau nationals are exempt from the visa but not from the work permit. Work permit categories include OSL Professional for occupations on the Occupational Shortages List, Foreign Investor, Temporary Work for up to six months per calendar year, and Spouse of a Marshallese Citizen for spouses married at least one year.

For general work permits, the employer notifies the Chief of Labor, advertises the job locally in newspapers or on radio for at least three weeks and applies to the Labor Division only if no qualified and willing Marshallese citizen is found. The application includes employer and employee statutory declarations, proof of advertising, qualification documents, police and medical clearances and proof of fee payment. OSL Professional and Temporary Work permits are exempt from this test.

Submit the 2025 revised visa application form and the non-citizen registration application, a passport valid six months beyond the stay, two photos, a birth certificate, the Labor Division work permit letter, a signed employment contract with a repatriation clause under which the employer covers return travel, police and medical clearances dated within three months, proof of bond payment or a confirmed return ticket, and proof of the application fee. Government contractors add a Public Service Commission approved contract; other contractors add a labour bond or labour insurance; missionaries and volunteers add a contract or terms of reference.

A processing officer checks completeness, the alert list and the bond, the deputy director approves or returns the file, and the director signs off. An approved applicant receives the E-1 visa or an authorisation letter; a refused applicant receives a notice with reasons and can appeal to the Attorney General under section 170 of the Immigration Act 2006.

Work permits are renewed at the Labor Division and E-1 visas at the Division of Immigration, both before expiry; a 2026 public notice requires employers to start renewal at least 30 days before the work permit expires. Renewal is refused to anyone in the RMI unlawfully, under a removal order or in breach of conditions. Changing employer requires a new work permit and a new E-1 application.