An Irish work permit application allows foreign nationals to live and work in Ireland on a temporary basis in order to undertake a specific position of employment with a particular company.
Irish work permits apply to all non-EEA (European Economic Area) citizens and, for some categories, applicants wishing to migrate to Ireland can receive an Irish Green Card.
Benefits
Those migrating to Ireland may do so on the premise that they have an offer of employment from an Irish based company and that they will be living and working in Ireland to fulfil this specific position. A working visa of this kind can be applied for by either the employee or the employer.
Although intended as a temporary immigration service, an Irish working permit may potentially lead to the opportunity to become a permanent resident in Ireland. The initial grant is for two years, which can be extended for a further three years.
During residing in this country, one can apply for Irish citizenship through naturalization.
Eligibility
A foreign national is considered eligible to apply for an Irish Work Permit if his/her position of employment offers a salary of 30,000 Euro or more. In some circumstances a permit for work may be issued where a job offers a salary below €30,000, however, these instances are rare.
A list of ineligible jobs is in place for which applications will not be considered.
The ineligible jobs list includes clerical/administrative, general operatives and labourers and a range of specific trades.
An additional requirement of Irish work permits is that all positions for which an application is being submitted must undergo a Labour Market Needs Test.
In Ireland, immigration requires this process to prove that no Irish residents are able to fill the role. The aim is to prevent the displacement of Irish workers by foreign nationals entering the country. The Labour Market Needs Test involves the advertising of the position to ensure that no Irish or EEA national is available for the position.
Finally, applicants must be able to provide documentary evidence of sufficient skills, qualifications or experience to fulfil the requirements of the role for which the application is being submitted.
Changing Employer
Changing employer is permitted for an applicant in possession of a permit to work in Ireland. Whilst changing employer is permitted, a new application must be made each time and in addition, whilst applicants are in possession of their first permit they are expected to stay in that position for at least one year.
Spouse Immigration and Dependant Immigration
Whilst an Irish working permit does not grant its applicant free and unlimited access to the job market, it offers at least the potential for applicants to settle permanently in Ireland.
Even in cases where successful applicants do not achieve settled status in Ireland, it is likely that they will reside in the country for a period of some years.
As a result, family immigration for the spouse and dependents of an applicant is permitted. Once family members are legal residents in Ireland, they may apply for a spousal work permit or dependent work permit in order to seek and undertake employment.