A story in last Thursday's edition of The Royal Gazette alerted thousands of readers to the fast-looming June 22 deadline for compliance with the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Amendment Act 2007.

The law requires some Bermudians married or living with foreigners to get a licence for homes they own — or face a possible five-year jail term or fine of up to $1 million.

The need for a licence depends on personal circumstances and, prompted by the article, the Department of Immigration has drawn up the following list of questions to help you determine if you need to apply:

1a. Did you own your house prior to the beginning of your relationship with your spouse/partner?

1b. If yes, have you and your spouse/partner subsequently undertaken any renovations together?

If the answer is 'no' to 1a and/or 'yes' to 1b, then answer questions 2 to 7 below.

2. Is your spouse's/partner's name on the deeds?

3. Is your spouse/partner a guarantor on the mortgage?

4. Did your spouse/partner provide you a gift or a loan towards the house?

5. Did your spouse/partner sign the loan application?

6. Did the bank take into account both your incomes when granting the mortgage?

7. Does it require both your incomes to maintain your home (i.e. the mortgage payments, in particular)?

If you answer 'yes' to any question from 2 to 7, it is likely you need a licence. If you answer 'no' to questions 2 to 7, you do not need a licence.