For an off-island contractor undertaking a local-organisation project in one continuous stay of no more than three months.
Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha sits in Western Africa. Its immigration system runs 26 distinct routes — led by work, family and business & self-employment, each set out in official law. All 26 cite an official government source, shown on the route with the date we last read it. Who actually qualifies depends on your full profile.
- Immigration routes
- 26across 9 route categories, each set out in official law
- Source-cited routes
- 26 of 26cite an official government source, with the date we last read it
- Largest category
- Work6 of the 26 routes — see them under Work below
- Region
- Western Africa
- Capital
- Jamestown
- Population
- 5,651
- Official language
- English
- Currency
- GBP
- Time zone
- UTC+00:00
Immigration routes
All 26 routes, grouped by purpose — 26 of 26 cite an official government source directly.
Work
6 routes
For an off-island contractor undertaking a local-organisation project requiring multiple entries over no more than six months.
For an off-island contractor undertaking a local-organisation project requiring multiple entries over no more than one year.
For a person holding a local employment contract with one of Ascension's local employing organisations.
For an immigrant recruited by a Saint Helena employer whose Immigrant Employment Certificate covers the occupation and headcount, with labour-market need and suitable welfare and repatriation arrangements.
For a successful applicant to an advertised fixed-term professional, scientific or technical vacancy on Tristan da Cunha.
Business & self-employment
4 routes
For a business representative conducting work-related business activities for more than fourteen days and no more than two months.
For a business representative conducting a short business or consulting visit connected with an Ascension employing organisation for no more than fourteen days.
For an entrepreneur who will personally work in a Saint Helena venture and can satisfy the Board on labour-market, skills and public-interest considerations.
For an immigrant carrying on a profession, trade, business or vocation alone or in partnership, subject to labour-market, skills and public-interest assessment.
Study
1 route
For a student who turns 18 while completing post-16 education on Ascension and needs to remain to the end of that academic year.
Family
5 routes
For the spouse, partner or dependent child under 18 of an Employment Visa holder, simultaneous applicant, or Ascension Island Government employee with accompanied status.
For a dependent child or other qualifying dependant of a person with Saint Helenian status who can prove the statutory dependency relationship.
For the spouse or life partner of a person with Saint Helenian status, after a subsisting relationship of at least three months and with an intention to continue living together in Saint Helena.
For the spouse or life partner of a Saint Helenian after at least three years of relationship and qualifying presence, with good character and restricted absences.
For a person with an existing family connection to Tristan da Cunha who is accepted under the island's restricted residence controls.
Residence-based status
1 route
For a person of good character whose principal home will be in Saint Helena and who meets the five-year presence and absence limits.
Short stay & visit
4 routes
For a person landing, ordinarily by sea, for one short stay of no more than three days under restricted local conditions.
For a holiday, family or friend visit, general visit, or a stop longer than transit limits, with insurance, accommodation and support.
For a stay in Saint Helena of no more than 183 days, with a suitably valid passport, intention to leave and resources for the applicant, dependants and repatriation.
For a visitor approved in advance by the Administrator and Island Council, with confirmed transport, accommodation, evacuation insurance and funds.
Humanitarian protection
1 route
For an adult or unaccompanied minor physically in Saint Helena who seeks recognition under the Refugee Convention, normally within seven days of arrival.
Transit
2 routes
For an outbound and return stop in Ascension, each of no more than seven days, where the return stop occurs within three months.
For one stop in Ascension while connecting to the next available outgoing flight or ship within seven days.
Other & special
2 routes
For scientific, research or environmental-conservation activity supported by an approved Ascension Research Permit.
For a stay exceeding 183 days, with a passport valid beyond the permit, sufficient support and repatriation means, and a character declaration accepted by the Immigration Control Board.
Official sources
- Government of Saint HelenaGovernment
- [NSO] StatisiticsGovernment
See which Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha routes you actually qualify for.
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