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CARICOM Skills Certificate in Trinidad and Tobago
How to apply for a CARICOM Skills Certificate (also called the CSME Skills Certificate) in Trinidad and Tobago, with the office to apply to, who qualifies, and what you need.
Where to apply in Trinidad and Tobago
Office: Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs
Apply through the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, either online through the CSME e-Application or in person at Prada Street.
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 Trinidad and Tobago
Confirm you qualify
Check that you fall into one of the twelve approved categories of skilled CARICOM nationals. Whichever field your certificate is issued for is the field you must work in.
Start the e-Application
Trinidad and Tobago is the only country with a full online portal. Begin at csme.foreign.gov.tt, or prepare a paper application if you prefer.
Gather your documents
The Ministry is strict about the list below. Your name on every document must match your passport exactly.
- Bring your actual degree certificate. Transcripts and university letters are not accepted in its place.
- The Police Certificate of Character is only valid for six months from its issue date, so time yours to land inside your application window.
- Non-nationals also need completed medical forms.
Appear in person with originals and copies
Attend at 2 Prada Street, St. Clair with your original documents and copies. The Ministry certifies and keeps the copies and returns your originals on the spot, so you are never without them.
Committee review, 6 to 8 weeks
A committee reviews every application and the process cannot be expedited. Expect six to eight weeks. There is no fee at any stage.
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 Trinidad and Tobago
- Your actual degree or qualification certificate (transcripts and university letters are not accepted)
- Police Certificate of Character (valid within 6 months of issue)
- Passport (name must match your documents exactly)
- Medical forms (for non-nationals)
Good to know
- You must work in the field the certificate was issued for.
- Common-law spouses are not recognised as dependants.
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.