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CARICOM Skills Certificate in Antigua and Barbuda
How to apply for a CARICOM Skills Certificate (also called the CSME Skills Certificate) in Antigua and Barbuda, with the office to apply to, who qualifies, and what you need.
Where to apply in Antigua and Barbuda
Office: Ministry of Labour (Labour, Public Administration and Empowerment)
Apply through the Ministry of Labour in St. John's. Bring your qualification, passport and birth certificate to start the process.
Search your government website for “Ministry of Labour (Labour, Public Administration and Empowerment)” to confirm the current requirements.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are a CARICOM national in one of the 12 approved categories of skilled workers:
- University graduates (now includes associate degrees, two A-levels or CAPE)
- Artistes
- Musicians
- Media workers
- Sportspersons
- Nurses
- Teachers
- Artisans (with a CARICOM Vocational Qualification, CVQ Level 2)
- Holders of associate degrees
- Domestic workers (with a CVQ Level 2)
- Agricultural workers
- Private security officers
How to apply in Antigua and Barbuda
Confirm you qualify
The certificate is open to CARICOM nationals in the twelve approved categories of skilled nationals, from university graduates and nurses to artisans with a CVQ. Check which category fits you, since your supporting documents depend on it.
Contact the Ministry of Labour first
Antigua and Barbuda does not publish its requirements online, so call or visit the Ministry of Labour at Nevis Street and Friendly Alley in St. John's to get the current form, document list and fee before you gather anything.
Gather your documents
Expect the standard CSME package: the completed form, your passport bio page, birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable, a Police Certificate of Character, your qualification, and passport-sized photos. Bring originals and copies.
- Police Certificates of Character are typically valid for only six months, so time yours to land inside your application window.
- Bring the actual degree or CVQ certificate. Transcripts and university letters are generally not accepted in its place.
Submit in person
Hand in your application at the Ministry of Labour and pay whatever fee they confirm. Ask for a receipt and a contact for follow-up.
Wait for processing and collect
Your qualification is verified before the certificate is issued. Allow several weeks and follow up if you have not heard back.
Use it abroad
When you arrive in another member state, present the certificate to immigration for an initial six-month entry stamp. You can begin work immediately, then receive an indefinite stay stamp once that country's competent authority verifies the certificate. Spouses and dependants enjoy the same rights to live and work with you.
- Travel with your original qualification documents and a fresh Police Certificate of Character. The receiving country will want them for verification.
Documents you usually need
- Completed application form
- Original birth certificate, plus a copy
- Valid passport, with a copy of the bio-data page and the issue and expiry pages
- Your qualification (degree, diploma, or CVQ certificate). Bring the actual certificate, not a transcript or a letter
- Police Certificate of Character (usually valid for only six months from issue)
- Marriage certificate, divorce decree or deed poll, if your name has changed
- Two passport-sized photographs
Good to know
- Antigua and Barbuda does not publish a fixed fee or document checklist online. Confirm both with the Ministry of Labour before you apply.
CARICOM Skills Certificate in other countries
Travelling for your application?
If you need to travel to another CARICOM country for your application or to start work, we can sort your flights, a place to stay and your transfers in one booking.