H-1B Alternatives: Cayman Islands work permits in 10 business days with TechCayman.

In September 2025, the US government introduced a US $100,000 fee for all new H-1B visa petitions. While renewals and existing visa holders are unaffected, this change significantly increases the cost and complexity of hiring new international talent in the US.

For many years, the Cayman Islands has positioned itself as a global hub for technology and innovation. With English common law, tax neutrality, nearshore accessibility and modern infrastructure, Cayman has become a trusted destination for tech and IP companies seeking secure, compliant and efficient pathways to international growth. It also provides a safe community, quality schools and healthcare, and an attractive lifestyle making it appealing to both employers and employees.

TechCayman builds on this foundation by offering a government-enabled pathway to expedited Cayman work permits, approved within 10 business days. With our expertise in immigration, relocation and ecosystem support, we enable technology companies, scaleups and founders to access Cayman’s framework as a practical solution in today’s evolving immigration landscape.

Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about Cayman work permits and how TechCayman supports companies in expanding globally while staying agile.

The US government introduced a US $100,000 surcharge on all new H-1B petitions filed after September 2025. Renewals and existing visa holders are unaffected. For companies planning to sponsor new international hires, this policy introduces both significant cost and increased complexity, prompting many to consider alternative global mobility solutions.

TechCayman delivers a government-enabled pathway into the Cayman Islands for technology and IP-driven enterprises. Work permits are approved within 10 business days without lotteries or surcharges, giving employers a clear and reliable route to secure international talent. Sponsored Enterprises can set up offices anywhere in the Cayman Islands, and benefit from access to trusted service providers, professional networks and potential capital partners.

The full relocation timeline can be as little as 45 days. Once a Cayman entity is incorporated and the required business licensing is approved, TechCayman can provide its Sponsored Enterprises with expedited work permits. This combination of entity set-up and streamlined immigration offers companies both speed and predictability.

Yes. In Cayman, work permits are tied to a local employer entity, giving companies a clear and compliant foundation for relocating talent. TechCayman provides the exclusive benefit of bespoke support and curated introductions to trusted legal and professional service providers, who handle entity formation and licensing. This ensures companies are properly structured to move international teams quickly and operate in Cayman with confidence from day one.

All roles within a Sponsored Enterprise can be supported by TechCayman’s work permit programme. To qualify, the company and/or the talent must operate within technology or intellectual property (IP), and the business model must be global in scope, not local to Cayman. This ensures Cayman continues to foster innovation-driven, globally connected industries.

The new US $100,000 fee on H-1B petitions represents a significant cost for companies planning new US hires. In Cayman, TechCayman provides clear and transparent pricing for work permits, alongside government-set fees for licensing and standard incorporation costs managed by trusted service providers.

Yes. Cayman operates in Eastern Standard Time (EST), enabling seamless real-time collaboration with US teams and clients. Grand Cayman is just 90 minutes from Miami, with around 20 daily flights connecting to major US hubs and other international destinations. This accessibility allows professionals to enjoy Cayman’s lifestyle while staying fully connected to North America and beyond. Employees benefit from the rare combination of island living and global business connectivity.

Yes. TechCayman coordinates relocation services for employees and their dependants. Cayman provides clear pathways for spouses and children, making family relocation straightforward. Families benefit from a safe environment, excellent schools, modern healthcare, and a welcoming international community. This balance of professional opportunity and quality of life makes Cayman attractive for long-term stability and wellbeing.

Cayman offers several distinct advantages:

• Time zone alignment: Operates in Eastern Standard Time (EST) enabling real-time collaboration with US teams and clients.
• Proximity: Just 90 minutes from Miami with more than 20 daily direct flights to major US hubs.
• Legal framework: English common law provides globally trusted governance, contract certainty and strong IP protection.
• Tax neutrality: No corporate, capital gains or personal income tax supports efficient global structuring.
• Currency stability: The Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD) is pegged to the US dollar, removing FX risk for North American businesses.
• Ease of business: Ranked the least complex jurisdiction globally by TMF Group’s 2025 Index, supported by political stability and digitalised processes.
• Infrastructure and talent: Cayman’s world-class financial services industry has shaped a talent pool that combines global expertise in compliance, risk, technology and operations.

TechCayman Sponsored Enterprises aren’t restricted to a designated office location. You can establish your workspace anywhere in the Cayman Islands. A popular choice is Camana Bay for its central, convenient location, modern offices, high-speed connectivity, and on-site amenities. Other great options include George Town (close to government and professional services) or the Seven Mile Beach corridor (mixed-use buildings and easy client access).

The landscape for global talent mobility is changing, and companies need solutions that deliver speed, certainty and compliance. With the introduction of the new H-1B policies, Cayman, through trusted pathways like TechCayman, offers a clear and practical way to secure critical hires without disruption.

Whether you’re a start-up, scaleup or global enterprise, TechCayman provides government-enabled immigration, relocation and ecosystem support that allow your business to expand confidently and cost-effectively.

Book a consultation today to learn how TechCayman can help your organisation unlock Cayman’s advantages and keep your talent strategy moving forward.