Cook Islands sits in Polynesia. Its immigration system runs 17 distinct routes — led by family, work and study, each set out in official law. All 17 cite an official government source, shown on the route with the date we last read it. Who actually qualifies depends on your full profile.
All 17 routes, grouped by purpose — 17 of 17 cite an official government source directly.
Permission for paid or volunteer service under a written agreement with the Cook Islands Government or a government-supported programme.
Internship permission for a bona fide intern placed with a qualifying government, business or society.
Employer-sponsored work permission after unsuccessful local recruitment.
Sponsored work permission for specialist services under a qualifying government, business, society or approved foreign-enterprise contract.
Residence permission for an investor whose foreign enterprise is approved and registered by the Business Trade and Investment Board.
Study permission for a bona fide adult student with a written place offer from a Cook Islands provider.
Permission to conduct an approved research project without gainful employment.
Dependent permission for the single child of a Government Worker or International Worker permit holder.
Expression-of-interest intake for permanent residence as a spouse under section 38(1)(b).
Residence permission for the single child of an eligible Cook Islander, permanent resident or approved resident permit holder.
Residence permission for the genuine spouse or partner of a Cook Islander, permanent resident or Resident Investor permit holder.
Partner permission for the genuine spouse of a person approved under another qualifying visa and permit class.
Longer visitor permission for a self-supporting person who will not work or study.
Expression-of-interest intake for permanent residence in the applicant's own right under section 38(1)(a).
Visa and permit granted on arrival to international visitors for a stay of less than thirty-one days.
Visa and permit granted on arrival to New Zealand citizens visiting for less than three months.
Discretionary permission for a genuine purpose that does not fit another published visa and permit class.
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