Ireland Visas

Immigration to Ireland has seen a sharp rise in recent decades due to a strong economy and a relatively uncomplicated system of Irish visas and immigration services. The result has been a shift in Ireland from being a country of emigration to a country of immigration with overseas nationals from more than 150 countries choosing to begin a new life on the ‘Emerald Isle’ Ireland offers excellent healthcare and working conditions with low unemployment and a strong cultural history and identity.

Global Visas provide Irish immigration and visa solutions including the Irish green card and Irish work permits both of which may ultimately lead to the opportunity to apply for permanent residency in Ireland. To find out whether you qualify for an Irish visa today visit the online assessment area.

Living and Working in Ireland

Irish green cards, unlike the well known US green card do not immediately offer permanent residency in Ireland, however, after two years of living and working in Ireland, providing the conditions of the visa route continue to be met an applicant may apply to remain in Ireland indefinitely, and ultimately apply for Irish citizenship.

Irish green cards are issued where positions offer a high level of remuneration and where a client will be receiving at least €60,000 p.a. any occupation may be considered, though for positions offering a salary of between €30,000 and €59,999 p.a. only jobs in certain areas will be considered. Your Global Visas consultant will be able to discuss the eligible sectors with you in your initial consultation.

As with all Irish work visas, green card applications are based upon a candidate obtaining a prior offer of employment and the same is true for the Irish work permit which applies to jobs which offer at least €30,000 p.a. Unlike the Irish green card, job offers must undergo labour market testing to ensure that an overseas national is not being employed at the expense of an existing Irish citizen or permanent resident. Like a green card, a work permit may lead to permanent residency, however, the process is not as direct, and applicants must live and work in Ireland on their work permit status for at least five years before they may apply to immigrate to Ireland permanently.

Finally, Ireland offers an Intra Company Transfer visa or ICT which is a specific category of Irish work permit designed to help Irish companies to transfer existing employees from overseas to work in Ireland in a pre-arranged role or project. ICTs may also be used to transfer employees to Ireland for training although it should be noted that unlike work permits, ICTs do not lead to the opportunity to remain in Ireland indefinitely.

Irish Study Visas

Studying in Ireland can ultimately lead to the opportunity to switch into another Irish visa service and remain in Ireland beyond the completion of an applicant’s course. Ireland issues two types of study visa, the ‘c’ visa for courses of up to three months duration and the ‘D’ visa for all courses with a duration of more than three months. Student visas can be issued for the duration of the course however; Ireland also offers the graduate scheme which grants an extra six months of leave to remain in Ireland. During this time, a graduate may seek employment in Ireland and if successful, they may remain in Ireland through one of the work visas outlined above. The main requirement for an Irish student visa is that a candidate must have a confirmed offer of a place on a course of study. The course of study must be full time and must be carried out at a recognised Irish educational institution.

Visiting Ireland

Visiting Ireland for a short time requires a short term Irish tourist visa which may be granted for a maximum of ninety days. Short term study is permitted and although a candidate may not work in Ireland under this visa service, they may seek employment and if successful in obtaining a job offer, they may switch to an Irish work permit or green card. However, in practice, due to the length of the application procedure it is likely that a candidate will have to return to their country of residence before re-entering Ireland with their new visa status.

Family Members – Immigrating to Ireland as a Dependent

With the exception of short term Irish visit visas the immediate family members of a client, i.e. their spouse and dependents will be permitted to join them in Ireland. Irish citizenship may also be obtained by the spouse of an existing Irish citizen.

At Global Visas, our specialist team of immigration consultants can help you to obtain the right Irish visa for you. Just visit our online assessment area today to begin your application.