Ireland Visas
Ireland has seen considerable growth in immigration since the 1990’s fuelled by a strong economy and high living standards. Irish visas and immigration services are also comparatively straightforward when compared to the immigration structures of some of the other major immigration destinations. Ireland offers excellent working conditions, healthcare and education and benefits from low crime rates and low unemployment. Ireland also has a strong cultural identity, centuries of history and the rich green landscape which has earned ‘The Emerald Isle’ its nickname.
As specialists in Irish immigration and visa services, Global Visas assist with everything from short-term visit visas through to applications for Irish green cards and citizenship. To find out how we can help you, contact Global Visas today or to begin your Irish visa application, visit the online assessment area.
Temporary Irish Visa Services
Irish Visit Visas
Irish visit visas, often referred to as tourist visas or travel visas are issued to those who will be visiting the Republic of Ireland as a tourist or to visit family and friends and are issued for a maximum period of ninety days. Visit visas are intended as a temporary visa for Ireland and candidates must return to their country of residence on or before the expiry of the visa. Irish visit visas do not permit their holders to work in Ireland although candidates may switch to an Irish work permit if they receive a job offer from an Irish company. However, in practice the lengthy process of applying for an Irish work permit will mean that applicant will need to depart and re-enter Ireland.
Long Term Irish Visa Services – Living and Working in Ireland
Irish Work Permit
Those who wish to live and work in Ireland may do so through one of three possible routes, by applying for an Irish work permit, through an Intra Company Transfer (ICT) or by obtaining an Irish green card.
The Irish work permit is based upon a candidate having a definite job offer from an Irish company and is generally issued for an initial period of two years. Beyond the two-year grant, an Irish work permit may be extended for a further three years if the position of employment still exists and the candidate continues to fulfil the requirements. After five years of living and working in Ireland in possession of a work permit a candidate may be eligible to apply for Irish citizenship.
Irish Intra Company Transfer
Irish Intra Company Transfers are a specialist category of work permit designed to allow Irish companies to transfer overseas employees to Ireland in order to fill a specific role or to work on a specific project. ICTs may also be used for overseas employees who are temporarily relocating to Ireland to undergo training. ICTs are a useful visa service for Irish employers however it should be noted that unlike a regular Irish work permit, ICT holders will not have the potential to remain indefinitely in Ireland and will be required to return to their country of residence.
Irish Green Card
The third work visa for Ireland is the Irish green card which generally applies to positions offering greater remuneration than the requirements for a work permit. Although the term green card is popularly associated with the US Green Card, a permanent residency service, it is important to note that Irish green cards do not automatically confer permanent residency in Ireland upon a successful applicant. The green card functions in a similar manner to a work permit, however, the key difference is that applicants may apply for permanent residency after two years.
Studying in Ireland – Applying for an Irish Study Visa
In Ireland, study visas may be issued in one of two categories; the ‘C’ visa which applies to those who will be studying in Ireland for up three months and the ‘D’ visa which is relevant to courses with a longer duration. In general the latter will be issued for the duration of the applicant’s course, although the graduate scheme in Ireland allows tertiary graduates to remain in Ireland for an additional six months. During this period, an applicant may seek a permanent job offer and if successful they may apply to live and work in Ireland through a work permit or green card application.
As with a work permit, applying for an Irish study visa requires the candidate to have a sponsor in place in this case a bona fide Irish educational institution. Applicants must be in possession of a letter of acceptance confirming their offer of a place on a full time course of study.
Family Immigration
Where candidates are applying to move to Ireland on a visa service other than a visit visa, their spouse and/or dependent children may join them in Ireland. In all cases dependents will be issued with the same grant of leave to remain in Ireland as the main applicant and may be permitted to work if they successfully obtain a spousal work permit or dependent work permit. The spouse of an existing Irish citizen may also apply for Irish citizenship based upon marriage and cohabitation.
To find out more about Irish visas and immigration services, explore the Ireland section of the website, or to get your application moving today visit the online assessment area.
