How to File for Unemployment in Virgin Islands
Updated July 2026
Quick Answer
In Virgin Islands, unemployment claims are filed through Department of Labor. Most initial claims are processed within two to three weeks, though it can take longer if there's an issue with your claim.
The U.S. Virgin Islands runs its unemployment program through the VI Department of Labor, and filing is a two-part deal: you submit your claim through a separate claims portal, then have to register on the territory's own jobs system to keep proving you're looking for work. With offices split between St. Thomas and St. Croix, phone support depends on which island you're calling from.
What You'll Need
- Social Security number or USCIS number
- Government-issued photo ID
- Employer names, addresses, and phone numbers for your work history
- Start and end dates for each employer
- Contact information for the VIeWS job registration system
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1
Gather your ID and work history
Have your Social Security number (or USCIS number if you're not a citizen) and full employment history — employer names, addresses, phone numbers, and start/end dates — ready before you begin.
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2
File your claim through the VI claims portal
Submit your initial application at myuiclaim.vi.gov; a printable quick-guide walks through each screen if you get stuck.
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3
Register with VIeWS
After applying, you must separately register with the Virgin Islands Electronic Workforce System (VIeWS) so you can log job searches and access job listings.
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4
Keep actively looking for full-time work
Ongoing eligibility depends on documented job-search activity through VIeWS, not just filing the initial claim.
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5
Reach out if something's unclear
For questions on a pending claim, email uiclaims@dol.vi.gov or call the St. Croix office at (340) 773-1994 or the St. Thomas office at (340) 776-3700.
File Your Claim
Compare Other States
Unemployment rules, benefit amounts, and filing steps are set state by state. These share Virgin Islands's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing how another state runs the program.
Helpful Guides
Unemployment Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies
The three tests every state uses to decide unemployment eligibility, and the separation reasons that typically help or hurt your claim.
Learn more →How Unemployment Benefits Work
A plain-English overview of how the joint federal-state unemployment insurance system works, from filing your first claim to your last payment.
Learn more →Unemployment Benefits for Self-Employed and Gig Workers
Regular unemployment insurance is built around W-2 payroll taxes, which is why freelancers and gig workers usually do not qualify — here is what does apply.
Learn more →Partial Unemployment Benefits: Working Part-Time While on Unemployment
Taking part-time work does not automatically end your unemployment claim — most states let you keep a reduced payment if you report your earnings correctly.
Learn more →