Immigration

CUSTOMER NOTICE

Sponsorship applications

With effect from 6 April 2017, all applications made on or after that date for Sponsorship Licences and Certificates of Sponsorship should be submitted to the Passport, Immigration and Nationality Office.

Applications made to the Department of Economic Development for Sponsorship Licences and Certificates of Sponsorship on or after 6 April 2017, will not be accepted by the Department of Economic Development.

All valid Sponsor Licences and Certificates of Sponsorship issued by the Department of Economic Development prior to 6 April 2017, will remain valid until the expiry stated on the relevant document.

When applying for a new, or to renew an existing document on or after 6 April 2017, the Immigration Sponsor Licensing Policy applies. 

Immigration Service

The Immigration Service manages visa applications from non EEA nationals (also referred to as Foreign Nationals) looking to come to the Isle of Man for work, study or visit. We also manage visa applications from those already in the Island who wish to vary their leave to remain in the Island.

Our aim is to support Government priorities by providing a strong and effective border control, whilst also supporting the local economy.

The Isle of Man Immigration Service are regulators for immigration services in the Isle of Man. Accordingly, its officers are unable to give advice on immigration matters as this could result in a conflict of interest when considering an application which might be made.

Foreign Nationals wishing to apply for an entry clearance visa for the Isle of Man should apply online using the link in the top right corner of this page, which will be progressed via their nearest British Embassy or High Commission. 

Visa requirements for non EU / EEA nationals visiting the Isle of Man

  • If you have a valid visa issued by the Home Office, United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the Bailiwick of Jersey or the Bailiwick of Guernsey then you will be able to visit the Isle of Man, without the need for an additional visit visa.
  • While visiting the Isle of Man you will not be able to work or study and there is no recourse to public finds. You should bring your passport with you when you visit which shows your current visa in case you are requested to demonstrate you hold valid leave to be in the Isle of Man.
  • ​​​​​The Isle of Man visa requirements are broadly the same as the UK visa requirements. You can find out if you need a visa by visiting the
    UK visa's website.
  • Schengen visas are not valid in the Isle of Man.
  • If you require a visa to enter the Isle of Man, you must apply for it before you travel.
  • Your online application will be sent to the British Diplomatic Post in the country where you live. You should ensure you indicate your intention to come to the Isle of Man so that your application is forwarded to the Isle of Man Immigration Service for consideration. If you do not, it could be considered in the UK instead.

Entry to the Isle of Man as a Standard Visitor Visa

You can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa valid for up to six months if you wish to visit the Isle of Man. For full guidance and information relating to the application process refer to the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

Standard visitor visas allow certain business related activities:

  • You are coming to the Isle of Man for a conference, meeting or training
  • You want to take part in a specific sports-related event
  • You’re an artist, entertainer or musician and coming to the Isle of Man to perform
  • You’re a doctor or dentist and coming to the Isle of Man to take a clinical attachment or observer post

Check appendix V of the Immigration Rules to find a full list of business-related activities you are permitted to do with a Standard visit visa

Entry as a visitor for the purpose of marriage or to enter into a civil partnership

You must apply for a Marriage Visitor visa if:

  • You want to get married or enter into a civil partnership in the Isle of Man
  • You want to give notice of a marriage or civil partnership in the Isle of Man
  • You’re not planning to stay or settle in the Isle of Man after your marriage or civil partnership

You must demonstrate that you are:

  • 18 or over
  • Free to give notice of marriage, to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the Isle of Man within 6 months of your arrival
  • In a genuine relationship
  • Visiting the Isle of Man for less than 6 months
  • Leaving the Isle of Man and UK at the end of your visit
  • Able to support yourself without working or help from public funds, or that you can be supported and housed by relatives or friends
  • Able to meet the cost of the return or onward journey
  • Not in transit to a country outside the UK Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands

For further details refer to Appendix V of the Immigration Rules and the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

Note

The above notes are intended as a general guide only and should not be taken as a comprehensive extract of the Isle of Man Immigration rules or immigration advice. It is the responsibility of any person seeking entry clearance as a visitor to the Isle of Man to satisfy themselves that they meet the requirements for the category to which they are seeking entry under, before making such an application. 

Normal public counter opening times
Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 4.30pm       
Friday 9.30am to 4pm