• Fiji's immigration policies allow immigrants to pursue work, study or retirement in the islands' sunny climate.Robinson Crusoe Island, Fiji image by Jono026 from Fotolia.com
  
  An island nation in the southwest Pacific Ocean, a little more than 2,000 miles north of New Zealand, Fiji's tropical climate attracts immigrants from around the world. The Fiji Department of Immigration extends a variety of visas and permits to those wishing to reside or work within its borders. The website (see resources) provides online access to all applicable forms. Fiji's permit programs give priority to immigrants who can demonstrate a unique capacity to fulfill a necessary job; an ability to financially support themselves or to invest in Fiji; or their pending studies or research in Fiji.
  
  

Work Permits

• There are several types of work permits available to immigrants, depending on the specific nature of the arrangement: the non-citizen skilled contracted workers (also called "time post") permit is the most common; the short-term permit applies to positions lasting less than six months; a visitor's permit provides another short-term option. Any individual wishing to live and work in Fiji must demonstrate that a Fijian employer requires the foreigner to execute the job. Therefore, for all kinds of work permits, the Fiji Department of Immigration demands a letter of request from the local employer, detailing why the foreigner is uniquely qualified for the job. In addition, the applicant must submit passport copies; police and medical records; requisite fees (averaging $650); and, potentially, a list of local candidates for the job, with an explanation why they were not selected.
  
  

Investors and Retirees Permits

• For those who wish to reside in Fiji but do not need to seek employment, a range of immigration permits are available. Foreigners with investments in Fijian businesses approved by the Fiji Islands Trade and Investment Bureau (FTIB) may qualify for an investor permit. They must submit an approval letter from the FTIB, passport copies and medical and police records. The application fee is $650. If an investor can demonstrate an investment exceeding $250,000 into the local Fijian economy, the investor permit qualifies for an extended seven-year period. Both regular and seven-year permits can be renewed through reapplication. Immigrants with sufficient funds to provide for themselves indefinitely may qualify for a residence permit on assured income. To qualify, their funds may be located either in Fijian or foreign banks. The application fee is $650, and it must be submitted with passport copies, medical and police reports, and evidence of sufficient funds.
  
  

Other Permits and Exemption Status

• For immigrants who can neither demonstrate an interested Fijian employer nor sufficient investments or funds to support themselves, the Fiji Department of Immigration offers a few other permits for specialized cases. Students, interns and researchers may qualify for permits to fulfill their courses of study in Fiji. Requirements may include letters of sponsorship or letters of acceptance to the programs. Family members of Fijians may receive permits to be reunited to live with their local family. Children of Fijians can receive special exemption status to live and work in Fiji. Other individuals receiving exemption status include diplomatic or consular personnel, members of Her Majesty's Service, families of exempted people, spouses of Fiji citizens and former Fiji citizens.