The various immigration procedures for ireland.

Ireland is undergoing a major economic boom. Unemployment is virtually Zero, and a country that has been a net exporter of skilled staff for decades has now turned into a net importer. In recognition of the skills shortage, the Irish government has introduced one of the most liberal work permit regimes in the western world. Irish Immigration and Work permit applications are no longer handled in Dublin – any Irish consular post can grant a work visa to someone who meets their liberal criteria (basically the offer of a skilled job by a bona fide Irish company).

Green Card Permit Scheme

A Green Card Permit is an employment permit issued to a person which allows the individual to work in Ireland with the specified employer in an occupation where skills shortages exist. It is issued for an initial period of two years, after which it can normally be renewed indefinitely. A job offer with a bona-fide company registered for trading in Ireland is required.

The permit allows an individual to apply for immediate family reunification and time spent under the permit can count towards permanent residency.

There is no need for a labour market assessment test prior to applying for the permit.

Qualified Applicants

Either an employer or an employee can apply for the permit. The employee must possess the relevant qualifications, skills or experience for the desired employment.

Green Card Scheme Occupation Categories

There are two categories of occupations under which the Green Card Scheme can be applied for:

The annual salary is EUR 60,000 a year or more (excluding bonuses). In this case, the Green Card Permit is available for all occupations, other than those which are contrary to the public interest.

The annual salary is EUR 30,000 - EUR 59,999 (excluding bonuses). In this case, the Green Card Permit is only good for a restricted number of strategically important occupations.

Job Offer

To receive a Green Card Permit, an individual must have a job offer from a bona-fide company registered with the Companies Registration Office and the Revenue Commissioners. The company must be trading in Ireland. The offer must be on company-headed paper, dated within the previous sixty days, and the offer must be for a period of two or more years.

The offer must specify the following:

A full description of the proposed employment
Starting date of employment
Annual salary, not including bonuses
Information on required qualifications, skills or experience required for the employment

Processing Fees

First time application: EUR 1,000
Indefinite Renewal after two years: EUR 1,500

Work permit scheme

The Work Permit Scheme is for issuance of work permits for occupations with a salary of EUR 30,000 a year or more where Green Card Permits are not available. In very limited circumstances, they can be issued for salary ranges below EUR 30,000 a year.

The work permit can be issued to the applicant for the occupation specified on the permit. It is issued for an initial period of two years and can be renewed for a further three years. The work permit can be issued indefinitely after a period of five years.

Qualified Applicants

Either an employer or an employee can apply for the permit. The employee must possess the relevant qualifications, skills or experience for the desired employment.

Work Permit Scheme Occupation Categories

There are two categories of occupations under which the Work Permit Scheme can be applied for:

The annual salary is EUR 30,000 a year or more (excluding bonuses). In this case, the work permit is available for all qualified occupations, other than those which are contrary to the public interest.
For salary ranges less than EUR 30,000 a year, only a very limited number of occupations will be considered for issuance of a work permit.
In either case, work permits will not be considered for any job categories specified in the ineligible job categories list.

Labor Market Needs Test

A job vacancy in which an individual or employer wishes to make an application under the Work Permit Scheme must be advertised in the FAS/EURES employment network and in local and national newspapers for three days to ensure that firstly, a national of the EEA or Switzerland, and secondly, a national of Bulgaria and Romania, cannot be found to fill the vacancy.

Processing Fees

First time application: EUR 500 for period up to six months
First time application: EUR 1000 for period from six months to 2 years
Renewal: EUR 1500 for period up to three years
Indefinite Renewal after five years: No Fee

Spouse and Dependent visa

Spouses and Dependents of employment permit holders are now allowed to apply for work permits without a labour market needs test. This scheme is designed to ease access to employment for spouses and dependent unmarried children under the age of 18 who have been admitted into Ireland as family members of employment permit holders.

Criteria

The employment permit holder must have one of the following:

A valid Green Card Permit
A valid work permit of 12 months or more duration
A valid Work Authorisation issued before 31 December 2006
A valid Intra-Company Transfer Permit of 12 months or more duration
The employment permit holder must still be working with the terms of their employment permit.

Processing Fees

There are no processing fees for this scheme.