Moving to Cayman
 

Hi All,

Firstly I'm just a new member, came across this site when looking into moving to Cayman and it's very informative.

I have a question regarding moving to Cayman (I'm sure this is a standard question but with a twist).

So I'm 28, about to Qualify in June as an accountant and although I didn't go to University, I've got an impressive CV under my belt including 3 years of top tier accountancy practices, 2 years industry and now working as a contractor in an investment bank.

I've looked into moving and I'm pretty much sold on the idea of a nice life with nice people (well nicer than Glasgow anyway!!!).

My issue is that my Fiance (who will be my wife in May before we would move) worked in retail for 7 years and now works in customer service in a bank, whilst I'm sure that the salary I could command (probably around $70k) would give us a reasonable standard of living, I wouldn't want to take her over if she couldn't get a job because I'm sure she would end up getting bored and that would be unfair.

Any thoughts on whether she'd be able to get a job quite easily?

Re: Moving to Cayman
 

Welcome to the forum. I'm not an expert, but I can tell you that it's becoming more difficult to get a job over there, just like Bermuda. Unemployment is rising and unless it's a highly skilled job, they'll always employ a local. A work permit can cost several thousands for an auditor, but getting a customer service job will be impossible, as there are plenty of locals who can do that job. $70K sounds a lot but in pounds it's only 40K and life on an island can be very expensive (rent, electrics, food). The island is only 76 sq mi and if she's not working, sitting on a beach all day gets boring too. You said "I've looked into moving and I'm pretty much sold on the idea of a nice life with nice people (well nicer than Glasgow anyway!!!)". Island people can be extremely racist, especially if they have the feeling you're taking away jobs. I was born on a small island (not Carribean), left and returned when I was older and it is true. Some are happy, but when it comes to unemployment the foreigners are first to blame.

Re: Moving to Cayman
 

She could probably get a job in food and beverage - give the Ritz a call or the Westin. Can she waitress? Beach tart serving drinks? That is what I did when I first went there and then met people and got a position in hedge funds (I am qualified) !
Love the life - was just there last week on vacation. I lived there for 14 years.

Re: Moving to Cayman
 

Best of luck with your job search. In the last couple of years, the hedge funds and other financial companies have closed shop.

With Miami so closeby, it is easier to get seasonal retail F&B industry personnel. Last month the woman who took my orders at JWM, said she comes every summer after college, to chill and make money.

Without a degree in accounting, rather difficult to make a case for renewal of your papers.

Re: Moving to Cayman
 

Mikmak. I've lived here since 1978 and am now retired here. The immigration-authorities are bastards and monsters, and represent the xenophobes in the community. Many of my early blog-posts cover this topic pretty thoroughly.

Having said that, it's a very, very, comfortable place to live, if you're well paid. Your OP indicated that you were looking for advice for both yourself and your new wife. You should be OK, if you can line up a job from where you are now. She will have a bit more trouble, but as a resident she will have priority over somebody from outside. As Orangepants said, as long as she isn't fussy about what she does for work, she'll be OK too. She should head for one of the employment agencies as soon as she arrives. She might have to wait a while, but there are plenty of things to do. Not to worry.

Re: Moving to Cayman
 

Mikmak, sorry to rehash your old post but I'm I'm the same position as your fiancée at the time of posting...

Did he guys move over? Has your fiancée had any joy in finding a job?

Re: Moving to Cayman
 

Hello there,

I'm Carrie, moving from the UK to teach in Grand Cayman.

These posts have been extremely helpful- especially thanks to Gordon and Orangepants.

Those of you that have taken the plunge, how are you finding it? I'm really looking forward to the move now but I'm worried about maintaining the lifestyle I'm used to on a single teacher's salary! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Carrie

Re: Moving to Cayman
 

Hey Carrie,

I'm moving to Cayman to teach too!

Re: Moving to Cayman
 

Wonderful! When? What school? Be great to meet up!

Re: Moving to Cayman
 

I've PM'd you! :)

Re: Moving to Cayman
 

Ladies

Glad to see so many others moving over...following my original post I've decided to take the plunge and move over...now the madness really begins :)

P

Re: Moving to Cayman
 

Great! Let us know what it's like, please! Hopefully meet up over there! :thumbup:

Re: Moving to Cayman
 

Hello to anyone who has moved over to work recently

Can anyone confirm if this the correct Police clearance form? I need to have two,one for my teaching job and one for immigration. So do I need to order and pay for two instead of one original and a copy?

Thanks

Michael
PS Will be teaching at Cayman Prep and High from Sept 2015 so feel free to say hello :thumbsup:

Re: Moving to Cayman
 

Hello! Why don't you ask the HR at the school? I always got an affidavit from a lawyer so cant help there. Or call immigration?

Enjoy :thumbup:

Re: Moving to Cayman
 

Michael. Orangepants is right: ask the school. Remember, it's their Work Permit, not yours. They are the ones who lodge the application, and deal with Immigration. At a guess, I would say you need to send only the one Certificate - the original that will be lodged with the application. The School administrators will take as many copies as they want.

(I live here, as you see, but am out of touch with all the requirements.)