All visitors who wish to extend their visitor entry permit are able to do so for 2 x 31 days, simply by emailing their passport and flight itinerary to Immigration. No applications and no fees are required. This means NZ passport holders can stay in the Cooks for up to 152 days for free, and non-NZ passport holders can stay in the Cooks for up to 93 days for free.

• Foreign workers who are under work permit to their primary employer are permitted to get a 2nd job, with the approval of the primary employer. Immigration simply requires a letter from the primary employer stating they give permission for the employee to get a 2nd job

• Work permits can be extended for 1 year only for $320, or for 2 years for $640; there is no longer the requirement to pay for a 3-year permit extension if you only need to extend for 1 or 2 years; if you have already paid for a 3-year extension when you do not require that length of extension, you can speak to Immigration about being reimbursed for the difference.

• Resident spousal permits can be extended for 1 year for $60 (rather than only for 5 years for $470).

Additionally, the following concessions will soon be in place:

• Australian passport holders will be granted a 90-day visitor visa upon arrival, in line with NZ passport holders.

• Visitors can apply for a 12-month retiree permit (fee still TBA) and can extend for an additional 12-months without being required to leave the Cooks in between permits.

• Work permit holders will not be required to leave the Cooks for 1 month after 3 years of employment, nor 1 year after 6 years of employment.

MFAI has advised that information regarding these 7 concessions will be available on their website in writing very soon. As you are probably aware, MFAI is now requiring you make an appointment to be seen, and we encourage you to do so by emailing immigration2@cookislands.gov.ck