Ministry of Immigration - Fiji

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Prohibited Immigrant Status (PI Uplift)

All foreigners in Fiji must ensure to maintain a valid permit at all times while in the country. Foreigners should also apply for extension of their permit within 30 days of expiry to avoid overstaying and being declared a Prohibited Immigrant (PI) as covered under Part 4, Section 13 (2) of the Immigration Act 2003.

In the event a foreigner overstays his/her permit, he/she may apply for Uplift of PI Status.

This section gives you an overview on how to apply for PI Uplift.

IMPORTANT:

  • Non- citizen currently working, residing or studying in Fiji may apply for PI Uplift should they overstay in Fiji.
  • This is not applicable to those on exemption status under spouse or child of Fiji citizen.
  • For applicant who had departed the country and are on valid/active PI Status, applicant must await the decision on his/her application before making any travel plans to return to Fiji.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OVERSTAYING REGIONAL STUDENTS.

  • The Ministry of Immigration would like to advise regional student who may have overstayed their current permit to note that you are to wait for PI Uplift approval before lodging your student permit applications.
  •  You are required to await the decision on your PI Uplift application before lodging the student permit application online.
  •  Prior lodgment of student permit application while overstaying can result in REFUSAL of the application.
Eligibility
  1. Application must be made by persons over 18 years of age;
  2. All documents must be submitted as per PI Uplift Requirements
Criteria
  • The Department reserves all rights to acquire additional documents for further verification, as and when required;
  • Providing false information in this application can lead to imprisonment or a fine or both;
  • Applicant will be required to pay applicable application fee.
Documentary Requirements
  • Request Letter clearly explaining the reason for overstaying and the need to re-enter/stay in Fiji. Letter to be addressed to Director Immigration and should contain the address and contact details [phone/email] of applicant.
  • Copy of applicant’s valid passport.
  • Copy of permit stamped in passport [if applicant has been working/residing in
    Fiji]

  • Student – copy of acceptance letter from school for current year and sponsorship letter for sponsored student.

  • Family Members of permit holders [Proof of relationship e.g. birth/marriage certificate]

  • Parents’ Consent – if child/children residing with guardian.

  • Medical Ground– letter/confirmation from hospital or medical practitioner.

You Must:
  • Lodge your application online.
  • If applying from abroad, you may upload your application online through our website.
  • Submit translated certified copies of all non-English documents in English (registered translator).
Fees

Application Fee – FJD$189.15

Apply Online

Standard application processing period is 21 working days. However, actual processing times may vary due to individual circumstances including:

  • Whether the applicant has lodged a complete application which includes all required documents;
  • Response to any requests for additional information
  • Time taken to perform required checks; and
  • Receiving additional information from external parties.

We will let you know when the decision is made on your application through email.

Further Enquires:

For further inquiries, please contact: fidpermits@gmail.com

Update on Prohibited Immigrant (PI) Uplift Applications 

All staff are advised of the following policy updates regarding the classification and processing of PI status, effective 1 March 2025:

  1. Classification of PI:
    All PI applications must be made while the applicant is outside the country. Applications submitted from within Fiji will not be considered.
  2. Applications for PI Uplift:
    Applications to uplift PI status must also be submitted and processed only while the applicant is outside of the country. Applications lodged while the person is in Fiji will not be considered.
  3. Exemptions for Students from Pacific Island Countries
    Students from Pacific Island Countries, along with their immediate family members are exempt from these conditions.

These measures have been reinstated to ensure full compliance with legislative requirements and established immigration protocols. While these policies were in place before COVID-19, they were temporarily relaxed during the pandemic due to global travel restrictions and border closures.

The reinstatement of these procedures underscores Fiji’s commitment to upholding the integrity of its border.