Cook Islands guidance sets 1-to-3-year worker permits and family durations
The official FAQ links the settings to amendments approved on 13 October; these are not automatic permanent residence.
The Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration says new settings apply from October 2026 following approval on 13 October. International and government workers may apply for 1-, 2- or 3-year permits, starting on the grant date.[1]
International Child and Special Spouse permits run from their own grant date for the remaining duration of the relevant parent’s, guardian’s or spouse’s worker permit. These category-specific arrangements do not confer automatic permanent residence; existing-permit transitions need separate checking.[1]
Official sources
This article provides general information. Individual applications are subject to the applicable rules and the competent authority’s assessment.