Fiji Immigration

Research Permit

Research Permit is granted to person to undertake research for the benefit of local universities/institution or as a part of his/her professional or educational requirement. Authority is under Section 9(2) (e) of the Immigration Act, 2003.

IMPORTANT:

Eligibility for New Applications

1. All documents must be submitted as per Research Permit documentary requirement.
2. Letter of consent and endorsement from the local institutions where the research will be undertaken.
3. Sponsor letter and financial standing for applicant.
4. For research permit undertaken for periods less that twelve (12) months a certified copy of return airline ticket.
5. Any research undertaken for a period more than twelve months will require to pay security bond prior to the issuance of the Permit.

Eligibility for Extension Application

1. All documents must be submitted as per Research permit documentary requirements
2. Sponsor Letter, copy of return ticket and financial statement

This applies to the following:
  • New students
  • Existing student permit holders
Criteria

The Permanent Secretary may grant a non-citizen a research permit if the Permanent Secretary is satisfied that:

  • The proposed research activities have been approved by the Minister responsible for education.
  • The non-citizen has sufficient funds to support himself or herself and any dependents while he or she is present in the Fiji Islands.
  • Validity of the research permit must not exceed six(06) months at any time in one issue and the aggregate total must not exceed eighteen (18) months of the research time.
Documentary Requirements

1. Completed and signed application form.
2. Copy of the applicant’s bio-data page of the passport.
3. Two (2) passport-size photos.
4. Request letter.
5. Medical Report conducted within three (03) months or less from the date of application.
6. Police Report for applicants over 18 years old from the country of citizenship/residence.
7. Approval by the institution/organization accepting the internship.
8. Sponsor letter, either locally or overseas, from the person or organization financially sponsoring the internship.
9. Copy of return ticket.
10. Application Fees.

You Must:
  1. Complete prescribed student permit application form
  2. Submit two(2) passport size photographs less than 6 months old, good quality color full face view of your head and shoulders and taken against a plain or light colored background.
  3. The applicant to submit his/her passport bio data page.
  4. Police report from country of residence if the lived there for 12 months or more in the last 10 years(less than one year from the date of issue)
  5. Medical Reports(less than 3 months from the date of issue) and
  6. Translated certified copies of all non-English documents in English (registered translator)
  7. Providing false information in this application can lead to imprisonment of a fine of both.
Fees

Application

Application Form
Apply Online

The Immigration Department will consider applications for the extension of permits on merit.

Criteria
  1. The applicant to submit Progressive Report
  2. Local police report if applicant is over 18 years ( if the applicant is in the country for more than 12 months)
  3. Any research undertaken for a period more than twelve months will require to pay security bond prior to the issuance of the Permit.
Documentary Requirements

  1. Copy of the applicant’s bio-data page.

  2. Two (2) passport-size photographs.

  3. Applicant’s Request Letter.

  4. Local Police Report (for individuals over 18 years old who have studied for 12 months or more in Fiji).

  5. Acceptance Letter from the Institution/School.

For Sponsored Students:

  1. Tuvalu Gov’t Scholarship Award/Bond (if applicable).

  2. Solomon Gov’t Scholarship Award (if applicable).

  3. Vanuatu Gov’t Scholarship Award (if applicable).

  4. Tokelau Gov’t Scholarship Award (if applicable).

  5. Kiribati Gov’t Scholarship Award (if applicable).

  6. Aus AID Sponsor (if applicable).

  7. NZ AID Sponsor (if applicable).

For Self-Sponsored Students:

  1. Letter from Sponsor.

  2. Copy of Confirmed Return Air Ticket/Bond.

  3. Financial Statement from Sponsor (e.g., Bank Statement/Pay Slip).

  4. Letter of Support from a Local Guardian or Local Sponsor.

Additional Requirement for Some Students:

  1. Fees (for secondary/tertiary school students over 18 years old).

You Must:
  1. The application to be lodge one month prior to the expiry date of the permit
  2. The Department reserves all rights to acquire additional documents for further verification as and when required.
  3. Providing false information in this application can lead to imprisonment of a fine of both.
Fees

Application fees $664.50

Application Form
Apply Online

Standard application processing period is 21 working days. However, actual processing times may vary due to individual circumstances including:

  • Whether the applicant has lodged a complete application which includes all required documents;
  • Response to any requests for additional information
  • Time taken to perform required checks; and
  • Receiving additional information from external parties.

 

We will let you know when the decision is made on your application through email.

Further Enquires:

For further inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

Fiji Immigration Department

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