St Helenian status can either be acquired by right or by grant (through application).
St Helenian status requirements are complex and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis therefore it is recommended that you submit an application for declaration of St Helenian Status to see if you qualify.
Grant of St Helenian status can be acquired through application if the applicant:
- Is of good character
- Intends, in the event of a certificate being granted to him, that his home or his principal home will be in St Helena
- Was in St Helena at the beginning of period of five years ending with date of application
- Meets the requirement in relation to time spent in St Helena
- Was not in that period undergoing a sentence or in breach of any laws in relation to Immigration
Grant of St Helenian status can be acquired through application to an applicant who is the spouse/life partner of a person having St Helenian status, providing that the applicant:
- Is of good character
- Intends, in the event of a certificate being granted to him, that his home or his principal home will be in St Helena
- Was in St Helena at the beginning of period of three years ending with date of application
- Meets the requirement in relation to time spent in St Helena
- Was not in that period undergoing a sentence or in breach of any laws in relation to Immigration
Dispensation from the requirements in relation to the number of days absent from St Helena.
The Governor in Council may grant dispensation from the requirements in relation to the number of days absent in St Helena if:
- The applicant for dispensation has substantial economic, social or historical connections with St Helena
- Exceptional circumstances why strict compliance with the requirements should be dispensed with
- Would be in the public interest to grant the dispensation
For further information please contact evisaenquiries@sainthelena.gov.sh
Note: A person who is exempt from Entry Permit requirements is not necessarily exempt from permission to work requirements. Generally, dependants of St Helenians are exempt from permission to work requirements but dependants of migrants are not and must apply for permission to work under one of the work based categories.