Ireland: Work Permits and Visas
2012-01-02
by Mary Anne Thompson
Ireland is a member of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). EU and EEA-member citizens can visit, study and work in Ireland with little difficulty. Ireland also waives visa requirements for citizens of numerous countries; a work permit, however, is still required. The labor market for non-EU/EEA nationals is restricted, and in most cases, those interested must be in a field with a labor shortage in Ireland or else be a highly-paid employee. Some students entering Ireland from outside the EU or EEA may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full time during school vacation periods.
The granting of an Irish visa is, in effect, only a form of pre-entry clearance and it does not grant permission to enter Ireland. Visa holders are subject to normal immigration control at the point of entry where immigration officers grant or deny admission. Thus, travelers should always carry with them the originals or copies of the documents submitted with their visa applications for possible inspection by immigration officers. Furthermore, a visa does not grant permission to remain in Ireland. The date of validity shown on the visa indicates only the date before which it must be presented to an immigration officer. The length of stay is decided by an immigration officer at the port of entry.
All citizens of non-EU countries, whether they require visas or not, are subject to immigration control at the point of entry to Ireland. Please note Schengen or UK visa or residence permission is NOT valid for travel to Ireland. Nationals of visa-required countries need to apply for Irish visas in advance of travel to Ireland.
Period of Validity
Tourist and business visas are issued for up to three months. Student visas are issued for the duration of study though student visas for longer than 18 months are only issued to full-time, degree-seeking students. Employment visas are issued to last the duration of a work permit, but not more than two years.
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