If you are renewing a work permit in the Cayman Islands, you may be unsure whether you need to complete another medical examination. This uncertainty is common, particularly as WORC’s requirements have evolved. This guide explains when a medical is required for renewal, what it includes, and the practical points that can affect timing and documentation.
Do work permit renewals require a medical?
In many cases, yes.
WORC requires a Medical Declaration Cover Letter for work permit renewals where an up-to-date medical is needed. This letter must be completed by a doctor following the current medical examination guidance.
If your most recent medical is no longer valid, or WORC requests updated medical information, a renewal medical will be required.
Your employer or HR administrator will usually confirm whether a medical is needed for your renewal.
How long is a work permit medical valid?
Under current guidance, a work permit medical and the Medical Declaration Cover Letter are valid for one year.
If your last medical examination was completed more than 12 months ago, it will generally not be accepted for a renewal that requires medical documentation, and a new medical will be needed.
What does a renewal medical include?
A work permit medical for renewal follows the same structure as an initial medical and includes:
- Review of your medical history
- Brief physical examination
- HIV blood test
- Syphilis blood test
- Urine test
- Chest X-ray if required
- Preparation of the Medical Declaration Cover Letter
The doctor issues the Medical Declaration Cover Letter once all required results are available.
Do I need a chest X-ray for a renewal?
Not always.
Chest X-rays used for work permit purposes are generally valid for three years under current guidance. If you have had a chest X-ray within that timeframe, a repeat X-ray may not be required for your renewal.
However, a new chest X-ray may be needed if:
- Your previous X-ray is older than three years
- WORC specifically requests updated imaging
- A previous X-ray cannot be accessed or reviewed
Your employer or HR administrator will normally advise whether your renewal requires a chest X-ray.
A key practical issue: access to previous results
To issue a Medical Declaration Cover Letter, the doctor must be able to review relevant test results, including a chest X-ray where one is required.
This means:
- If tests were done elsewhere, they must be accessible
- Reports or images must be obtainable without delay
- If results cannot be verified, repeat testing may be necessary
In practice, some people choose to repeat tests or imaging to avoid delays in completing their renewal.
What if my role or health has changed?
If there has been a significant change in your role, working conditions or health status since your last permit, WORC may request updated medical information as part of your renewal.
In these cases, a full renewal medical may be required even if some previous tests are still within their validity period.
Who decides what is required for my renewal?
WORC makes the final determination on what is required for each application.
In practice, guidance usually comes from:
- Your employer
- Your HR administrator
- The instructions provided with your renewal application
We are not able to determine renewal requirements on your behalf, as they depend on WORC’s assessment of your specific application. We can provide general guidance and requirements.
How to avoid delays with renewal medicals
To reduce the risk of delays:
- Check early whether a medical is required for your renewal
- Confirm whether a chest X-ray is needed
- Gather any previous test results if they were done elsewhere
- Book your appointment with enough time before your renewal deadline
How renewal medicals are handled with our service
If your renewal requires a medical examination, you can book online and select the appropriate option. Where a chest X-ray is required, this is completed through our radiology partner so the doctor can issue the Medical Declaration Cover Letter promptly once all results are available.
Key points to remember
- Many work permit renewals require an updated medical
- A work permit medical is generally valid for one year
- Chest X-rays are generally valid for three years
- The doctor must be able to review test results to issue the Medical Declaration Cover Letter
- If previous results cannot be accessed, repeat tests may be needed
- WORC can request updated medical information at its discretion
