A spike in immigration fees will see the price of some services increase as much as 9,900 percent, according to a government announcement issued last Thursday.

Among the steepest increases is the cost of special and remote clearances: The current fee of $20 will jump to $500-$2,000 depending on location as of Oct. 1.

Other increases already took effect. On July 1, for instance, the cost of a residence certificate jumped from $300 to $1,500, the cost of a belongership certificate from $500 to $2,500.

The new structure also adds a $250 cost for applying for residency or for belongership — services that were previously free. Other increases due to take effect on Oct. 1 include a doubling of the $25 cost for applying for an entry permit form or an entry-permit extension.

Additionally, new $100 fees will be added for some services that are currently free: business visitor permit applications, request-to-reside applications, and conditional permit applications.

Landing permit extensions, which currently cost $10, will also spike, to $50 for a first extension and $100 for subsequent extensions.

Online applications

On Monday, the Immigration Department also launched a new online application system for applying for residence and belonger status.

“This user-friendly portal aims to streamline the application process, making it easier and more efficient for individuals to apply for status,” the department said in a Monday press release.

The portal eliminates paper-based submissions by allowing applicants to submit their applications and supporting documents electronically, according to the agency.

The webpage, which went live on Monday, also includes guidelines and instructions for applying.

“The government of the Virgin Islands is committed to providing a fair and transparent process for individuals seeking to acquire status in the territory,” the department stated. “This new online application is part of an ongoing effort to modernise and improve the application process, ensuring it is more accessible, efficient and secure.”

The application can be accessed at government’s website at gov.vg/immigration-department.

To contact the department’s Status Unit, call 468-4705 or 468-4700 or send an email to immstatus@gov.vg.