Landing permits are issued to assist work permit holders who have a need to travel during the period of time when a new Standard Work Permit is being processed by the Department of Immigration on their behalf. In all cases, although the application has been submitted, there is no decision on the work permit at the time of travel. A landing permit provides proof that the work permit holder has a right of residence in Bermuda (after their work permit has expired) and allows the work permit holder to be appropriately landed upon return to Bermuda. A landing permit does not allow a work pemit holder to continue to work after they return to Bermuda. Rather, they must wait until there is a decision on their new work permit.

The issuance of a landing permit is only applicable when a new work permit is submitted in accordance with Section 4.1; i.e. the application must be complete and must be submitted no less than one (1) month and no more than three (3) months prior to the expiration of the current work permit. If the application is incomplete or is submitted late (less than one (1) month before expiry), then a landing permit cannot be applied for or issued, unless the appropriate appeal has been lodged and fees have been paid.

If the new work permit is submitted after expiry of the current work permit and a landing permit application is submitted at the same time as the new work permit application, the landing permit will be refused. Work permit holders whose work permit falls to this scenario, will, upon return to Bermuda, be subjected to landing parameters as listed in Appendix IV. The employer may submit an appeal to the Minister at the same time the new work permit application is submitted, requesting permission for the employee to continue working during the consideration of the work permit application.