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CARICOM Skills Certificate in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
How to apply for a CARICOM Skills Certificate (also called the CSME Skills Certificate) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with the office to apply to, who qualifies, and what you need.
Where to apply in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Office: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (CSME unit)
Complete the application form and submit it with your documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (CSME unit) in Kingstown.
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 St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Confirm you qualify
The form lists the eligible categories: graduates, media persons, sports persons, artistes, musicians, nurses, teachers, artisans and holders of an associate degree or comparable qualification. Check which fits you, since your supporting documents depend on it.
Download and complete the form
Fill in the official application form carefully and exactly as your passport reads. The form warns that false or misleading statements can result in permanent refusal of your application.
Gather your documents
The form requires originals and a copy of each document, listed below. Your degree or diploma must be certified by the Accreditation Unit.
- The police certificate requirement is strict: an original Police Certificate of Good Character from your country of origin AND from any other country where you lived for more than three months. This applies to nationals and non-nationals alike.
- Artistes, media workers, musicians and sportspersons also need a letter from their National Federation or Ministry confirming registration in their field, plus letters from previous employers stating what they did.
- Listing children as dependants? Include a birth certificate for each.
- The two passport photos must be identical.
Submit to the Ministry and pay EC$250
Submit everything to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (CSME unit) in Kingstown. The cost stated on the form is EC$250. Your original documents are returned to you.
Wait for processing and collect
Allow several weeks for verification, then collect your certificate when notified.
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 required in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Completed application form (names exactly as in your passport)
- University degree certificate or diploma, certified by the Accreditation Unit (original and copy)
- Artistes, media workers, musicians, sportspersons: a letter from your National Federation or Ministry confirming registration in your field, plus letters from previous employers stating your function
- Birth certificate, plus birth certificates of any children listed as dependants
- Passport (copy of the pages with biographical details, date of issue and expiry)
- Marriage certificate, divorce decree or deed of separation (if applicable)
- Two identical passport-sized photographs
- Original Police Certificate of Good Character from your country of origin and from any country where you lived for more than three months
Good to know
- On first arrival the certificate gives a definite entry of six months in the receiving country.
- False or misleading statements on the form can lead to permanent refusal, so double-check every answer.
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.