I think a quick Google search would've provided you with the answers you needed for a work permit. I knew that upon arrival. I've been here 2 months and was well aware about the work permit process prior to coming. Sounds like improper planning to me. What racism have you been feeling? Have you been feeling obligated to certain privileges because of your US citizen status? Trinis don't seem to show any bias, so I hope this isn't the case....

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Hi. It's great to know you are adventuresome and chose Trinidad and Tobago. I am a retired RN, Trinidad by birth, and have lived and worked in the US for 40+ years. I visit T'dad every winter- and hear you clearly. Do you have children? Are your friends introducing you to others? Have you joined the expat US women's club? Contacted the Embassy? T'dad has a class separation moreso than racial (which does exist as well). Get to know the culture and see the beauty of the island. People will respond positively when they see how much you appreciate their culture and foods. If your positive vibe still makes you feel unhappy, maybe it's not the place for you, but put forth an honest, heartfelt effort. All the best to you.

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I went through the proper channels and I absolutely took the time to research the country before moving. Google does this country's way of conducting business no justice. Not only do I have friends here but my parents retired and travelled here. My position still stands. I am a Black American and I have received an education so it's not like I don't know how to use Google. My mother is a Psychologist and my Father is a retired Firefighter so it not a matter of just a Google search. I have received worse treatment for my nationality than I have ever received in the US for the color of my skin.

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Thank you for your reply... I have made some new friends and enjoyed seeing the tourist side of things like the ocean, savanna, and zoo. I have a 4 year old son and a husband with me as well so it's been interesting. We actually befriended a woman with a daughter that is an RN but she also had to go back to the US because of the inability to get a permit and find work. Ive met a few Nationals that lost their citizenship that are in a similar position or worse. Ive had some days where we get cursed out walking down the street for being "spoiled Blacks from America" then there's other days when things are great and we meet new interesting people and learn things about the island. I was going through different forums trying to find groups but have been unsuccessful and we sought out an immigration attorney but so far we haven't found one we fully trusted. After hearing from a lot of people in my situation both online and in person I figured I would post to see what others had to say regarding my experience as well as their own.

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Trinidad is a unique little nation. My impression is they only foreigner they like, is the tourist they are charging 3 times what a Trini would pay.

I spent several years there working, if I didn't have a Trini company behind the work permit process, I would have never gotten one.

The problem you are having is that you are trying to do things legitimately. Getting anything done within their system requires knowing someone, and that person will need to "pay" additional expenses that you won't get a receipt for. Takes about a week after you find that someone, then there is the visa process which is about as frustrating.

I haven't heard any mention of a visa in your posts. Once/if you get a work permit, then you have to get a visa.

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Thank you for your reply... I definitely agree. We have had plenty of illegal job offers but working legally is the problem. I have noticed that things are much more expensive in some areas when you actually look at the currency conversion.

Thanks for bringing the Visa up and yes we have researched the Visa process as well but we still haven't made it past the work permit stage.

I would say the most confusing thing is that many 0f the businesses have the exact same name and are all located near Independence Sq. We went to 3 different buildings before finding the correct building for the work permit and that's after asking at least 4 different employees.

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Navigating their government agencies is fairly difficult.

I remember getting a traffic ticket and spending 2 days trying to pay it, never ended up paying the fine. Went to 4 different places, each telling me to go somewhere else. The locals kept telling me not worry about it, they would never do anything if I didn't pay it.

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this thread has been helpful. I posted in a separate thread that my gfriend is a medical doctor and was unable to secure a US residency. I've been looking for info on how to move and believe me Google isn't all that helpful.

the mere fact that it's difficult to obtain a legit work permit is a nuance that only those who have tried can comment on. my gfriend seems to think with my IT skills and my soon to be MBA degree, I shouldn't have a problem. but who knows. A skilled practitioner like a RN having issues? In my visits to the island for most of my life, most non nationals I've come across where older Europeans with money in hand already. Or folks working off the books or standing up a business. With the unemployment situation, it does only make sense there would be protectionist policies in place.

I met a Norwegian fellow who owns property out West down "de islands" and he did tell me once immigration did not allow him back in! But he found that that 3 month rule becomes 6 months if you arrive by ship..hmmm lol. He's looking to just bite the bullet and become a resident. His national benefits won't be lost, but I'm not sure about a US citizen and doubly unsure about any tax treatments.



I was contemplating doing a phased move. contract work in the US, spend extended periods in Trini. The idea is you do need to get into that right circle. it not race as much, as someone said, it's class ranks.

Culturally, I think what you experience isn't unique. there are places you'd move to within the US and feel the same way, resented. Nothing you can do about that. The beurocracy does kill me though. I was visiting and had an issue with my Digicel Sim card and had to go in POS to get customer service. After 3 hours I was sorted out and issued a credit. But this same issue I could have handled over the phone in the US and done in 10 min....this is the island life tradeoff. You take the good with the bad or you'll be miserable.

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Good Night,

Trinidad Law does not permit non residents to work for more than 30 days without a pre approved work permit.

Typically if you have a skill which is in high demand, or a unique skill which no other national can provide your sponsor (employer) will receive the work permit on the condition that during the duration of the work period, a national is trained to carry on the duties when the permit expires.

Work permits are seldom renewed. Yes it is a pain in the azz to do business with Government Offices and yes a rule of thumb is that if you expect something to be done in three months multiply that by a factor of 6.

Public servants don't care about the needs of the public and are practically inured from being fired under existing law, and they have a job security for life.

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Good Night,

Trinidad Law does not permit non residents to work for more than 30 days without a pre approved work permit.

Typically if you have a skill which is in high demand, or a unique skill which no other national can provide your sponsor (employer) will receive the work permit on the condition that during the duration of the work period, a national is trained to carry on the duties when the permit expires.

Work permits are seldom renewed. Yes it is a pain in the azz to do business with Government Offices and yes a rule of thumb is that if you expect something to be done in three months multiply that by a factor of 6.

Public servants don't care about the needs of the public and are practically inured from being fired under existing law, and they have a job security for life.

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Kenwyn: Great information! That pretty much some up my experience. That's a shame to here about the public servants though. Many of the people I spoke to you said the healthcare workers do little for the people in Trinidad. This post is isa great example of what should really be listed on the website. Thank you!

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After visiting the place of my deceased husband's childhood, I want to move there. I also am a registered nurse here in California. I have many questions I hope that we can email each other. I want to do this. This is my email address. heather.rn.70@gmail.com

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Thank you for your comment, I am thinking of moving and I did not know that I had to leave the country every 3 months, that's why our company offeres this as a gift into the contract...

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