Work Opportunities For International Students In Ireland

International students in Ireland have several opportunities to work during and after their studies. The country's work policies for international students vary based on their country of origin and type of visa or residency permit. Students from the European Economic Area (EEA) have fewer restrictions on working in Ireland compared to non-EEA students, who may need a work permit or visa to work during their studies. After graduating, international students may be able to stay and work in Ireland through various schemes and permits, but the specifics depend on their field of study and qualifications.

Work permit requirements for non-EEA students

International students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) are allowed to work in Ireland, but they must abide by certain conditions. These conditions vary depending on factors such as the type of course, level of qualification, and immigration permission the student holds.

Non-EEA students who wish to work in Ireland must adhere to the following requirements:

• Visa Requirements: Students from countries that require a visa to enter Ireland must apply for a student visa. This application must include proof of access to a minimum of €10,000 when they arrive in Ireland. Additionally, students planning to stay for up to six months must demonstrate access to €700 per month or €4,200, whichever is less, when registering with the immigration office.
• Full-Time Enrollment: Non-EEA students must be enrolled in an eligible full-time course. Students attending a foundation or preparatory course prior to full-time enrollment are not permitted to work until they commence their full-time studies.
• Immigration Permission: Students must hold a valid immigration stamp, such as Stamp 2, which permits non-EEA students to work. The number of working hours allowed depends on the terms of the concession, which specify the number of hours permitted during term time and outside of term.
• Working Hours: Non-EEA students with Stamp 2 permission are generally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week outside of term (June, July, August, September, and December 15 to January 15).
• Degree Level: Students who obtain an honours degree at the bachelor level are entitled to a 12-month extension of their student permission, during which they can work up to 40 hours per week. Graduates with an ordinary-level degree receive a six-month extension.
• Prohibited Work: Non-EEA students are not permitted to work as taxi drivers or engage in self-employment, including holding a taxi licence in their own name.
• English Language Proficiency: Students must meet a certain standard of English language proficiency, as well as demonstrate progress in their course, such as passing exams.
• Financial Support: Non-EEA students are not entitled to social welfare payments. They must have sufficient funds to support themselves and live in Ireland without relying on state benefits.
• Family Restrictions: Non-EEA students generally cannot bring their families with them to Ireland based on their student status. Family members must apply to enter and live in Ireland independently.
• Internships: Students enrolled in courses at the NFQ Level 7 or equivalent and above are allowed to undertake internships as part of their course, subject to certain rules and duration limits.
• Personal Public Service (PPS) Number: To work in Ireland, a PPS number is required. This is obtained from the Department of Social Protection and is necessary for tax purposes and accessing employment, benefits, and public services.
• Third-Level Graduate Scheme: Upon graduation, non-EEA students may apply for an extension under this scheme, allowing them to find employment and apply for a General Employment Permit or Critical Skills Employment Permit.
• Research Opportunities: Qualified researchers from outside the EEA can be recruited by approved research organisations without the need for a Green Card or Work Permit, provided there is a "hosting agreement" in place.

It is important for non-EEA students to carefully review the specific conditions and requirements associated with their immigration status and course of study to ensure they comply with the work permit regulations in Ireland.

Work hour restrictions for international students

International students in Ireland have work hour restrictions that depend on their country of origin and their immigration stamp.

Students from the European Economic Area (EEA) can work full-time or part-time while studying without any restrictions. They do not need special permissions to live and work in Ireland after their studies.

Full-time students from outside the EEA can work for up to 20 hours per week during term time (up to 40 hours per week during the holidays). There are two standardised holiday periods when non-EEA students can work full-time: from 15th December to 15th January and from 1st June to 30th September. These dates are fixed and do not correspond to the actual college teaching calendar.

Students on a Stamp 2A visa are not allowed to work. Students with a Stamp 2 visa can work 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week outside of term.

International students in Ireland are entitled to the national minimum wage, which is 13.50 euros per hour. They are also subject to income tax and will need a Personal Public Service (PPS) number to work. This is a unique reference number that ensures they are registered with the Irish taxation authorities.

Immigration stamps and their impact on work

International students in Ireland must abide by the conditions of their immigration stamp, which indicates what they are allowed to do and how long they can stay in the country. Stamps are numbered, with the most common being Stamp 1, Stamp 2, Stamp 2A, Stamp 3, and Stamp 4. The type of stamp an individual receives depends on their purpose for entering Ireland, such as work, study, or joining family.

The impact of these immigration stamps on work is significant. For example, those with a Stamp 1A are permitted to take on full-time, paid accountancy training or be employed as a trainee accountant. This stamp, however, restricts them from engaging in any other business, trade, or profession unless specified by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). Similarly, Stamp 1 is given to doctors with a two-year General Employment Permit to work as non-consultant hospital doctors. Holders of Stamp 2 are allowed to work 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours outside of term. On the other hand, Stamp 2A indicates that the holder is not allowed to work.

Students from non-EEA countries enrolled in full-time courses and possessing an Irish Residence Permit card are entitled to casual employment, defined as up to 20 hours of part-time work weekly. They can work full-time during the traditional summer and winter college holidays, from December 15 to January 15 and June 1 to September 30.

To work in Ireland, individuals must obtain a Personal Public Service (PPS) number, which is necessary for tax registration. This number is required to access employment, benefits, and public services in the country. International students intending to work in Ireland must ensure they understand the conditions of their immigration stamp and obtain the necessary permissions and registrations, such as the PPS number, to comply with Irish immigration and employment regulations.

Internships as part of a degree programme

International students in Ireland are allowed to work while studying, provided they meet certain criteria. These criteria vary depending on whether the student is from a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) or outside of it. For international students from outside the EEA, they are only entitled to work if they are attending a full-time course and have an Irish Residence Permit card for a course that is included on the government's list of visa-eligible courses (ILEP). During term time, they can work a maximum of 20 hours per week, and full-time during the traditional summer and winter college holidays.

For international students enrolled on a degree programme, internships can be a great way to gain work experience in their field of study. These internships are typically a mandatory part of the course and can last from six months to a year, usually taken after the second or third year of university. Some universities in Ireland offer co-op programs where students alternate between periods of academic study and work experience.

To undertake an internship as part of a degree programme in Ireland, international students must obtain an Internship Employment Permit. This permit is a crucial component of the process, allowing the student to work in the country for a maximum of 12 months. It is important to note that these permits are non-renewable. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment assesses applications for these permits based on several factors, including remuneration and the internship field. The internship must be related to one of the employments on the Critical Skills Occupations List, and the intern must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage.

Additionally, international students must ensure that their internship is accredited by the QQI, which is required for obtaining a Personal Public Service (PPS) number. A PPS number is necessary for anyone working in Ireland as it ensures registration with the Irish taxation authorities. While it is possible to secure an internship independently, some universities provide support through Work Placement Officers based in the Student Development and Employability Department.

Overall, internships as part of a degree programme can provide international students with valuable work experience and contribute to their academic and professional development. By following the necessary steps and obtaining the required permits, international students can take advantage of these opportunities to enhance their skills and build their careers.

Post-graduation work options for international students

International students in Ireland have several post-graduation work options, depending on their nationality and type of degree. Here are the key pathways for international students seeking to work in Ireland after graduation:

• EEA and Swiss Nationals: Citizens of countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland have more flexibility regarding working in Ireland after graduation. They do not need special permissions to continue living and working in Ireland after their studies. They can take up full-time or part-time employment while seeking more permanent opportunities.
• Third Level Graduate Scheme: Non-EEA graduates and postgraduates can apply for a Green Card or Work Permit under the Third Level Graduate Scheme. This scheme allows graduates to find employment and apply for a General Employment Permit or Critical Skills Employment Permit. The length of the extension depends on the graduate's qualification level. Those with a level 8 qualification can get a 12-month extension, while level 9 or higher qualifications may receive a 24-month extension.
• Stamp 1G Work Permit: Non-EU graduates can apply for a Stamp 1G work permit, enabling them to work full-time in Ireland for up to 12 months from their graduation date. For those with a level 9 degree or higher, this permit can be extended for an additional 12 months if they are actively seeking or engaged in graduate-level work.
• Employment Permit: After the Stamp 1G Work Permit expires, non-EU graduates can only seek employment in specific sectors with significant skills shortages, such as information technology, healthcare, and financial services. To continue working in Ireland, graduates will need to obtain either a General Employment Permit or a Critical Skills Employment Permit.
• Research Opportunities: Qualified researchers from outside the EEA can be recruited by approved research organizations to conduct research in Ireland without requiring a Green Card or Work Permit. A "hosting agreement" must be in place between the researcher and the organization, and normal immigration requirements still apply.
• Internships: International students in Ireland are allowed to undertake internships as part of their degree program. These internships must not exceed 50% of the course's duration and must be an integral part of the academic program.
• Part-time Work: While studying, international students can work part-time, up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours outside of term. This can help cover living costs but may not be sufficient to fund studies.
• PPS Number: To work in Ireland, a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number is required. This unique reference number ensures registration with the Irish taxation authorities. It is typically obtained when an individual has an offer of employment or needs to deal with a "specified body."

It is important to note that specific details and requirements may change, and students are advised to refer to official government sources and immigration services for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding their specific situation.

Frequently asked questions