Best Work Permit Lawyers in Passage West

About Work Permit Law in Passage West, Ireland

In Ireland, what many people call a work permit is formally an employment permit. Employment permits are issued at national level by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and apply equally in Passage West and across County Cork. In most cases, a non-EEA or non-Swiss national needs an employment permit to take up employment in Ireland. The permit is tied to a specific employer, location, and occupation, and you must also hold the correct immigration permission from Immigration Service Delivery under the Department of Justice.

There are several permit types, including Critical Skills Employment Permit, General Employment Permit, Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit, Dependant-Partner-Spouse Employment Permit, Reactivation Employment Permit, Contract for Services, Internship, Sport and Cultural, and Exchange Agreement permits. Each has distinct criteria around job category, qualifications, minimum pay, and supporting documents. Salary thresholds, eligible occupations, and quotas are updated from time to time, so checking the latest rules before applying is essential.

If you will live in Passage West while working in County Cork, you will register your immigration permission locally after arrival and follow the same national employment permit rules as anywhere else in Ireland.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

While many applications are straightforward, legal support can help you avoid delays and resolve issues. Common reasons to instruct a solicitor or immigration adviser include:

- Choosing the correct permit category and confirming eligibility where your role falls near the boundary of an eligible or ineligible occupation list.- Verifying that the job offer, contract, and salary package meet current minimum pay and conditions rules for the permit type.- Preparing for or being exempted from the Labour Market Needs Test for a General Employment Permit where applicable.- Handling complex employer situations, such as group companies, third-party contracting, or Contract for Services arrangements.- Responding to requests for further information and addressing refusals through administrative review or, in rare cases, court proceedings.- Changing employer or role, adding a new location, or renewing a permit without breaking conditions.- Managing redundancy, lay-off, or business closure while on a permit, including time-limited job-seeking options.- Coordinating an entry visa, preclearance, and registration for you and your family, including spouse or partner work rights and dependent schooling.- Planning for long-term status, such as moving to Stamp 4 permission after a qualifying period on certain permits.- Ensuring compliance with employment law and avoiding unlawful deductions, underpayment, or discriminatory treatment.

Local Laws Overview

Employment permits in Ireland are governed mainly by the Employment Permits Acts and related regulations. Key points that matter to workers and employers in Passage West include:

- Permit type and eligibility: You must apply for the permit that matches your role and qualifications. Some roles are on a critical skills list and others are on an ineligible list. General permits often require a Labour Market Needs Test unless an exemption applies.- Salary and conditions: Each permit type has a minimum yearly pay threshold and other conditions such as hours and health insurance. Pay must be genuine, regular, and meet Irish employment law standards, including the national minimum wage at a minimum and any higher thresholds set for the permit.- Employer obligations: Employers must be registered with Revenue, typically with the Companies Registration Office, keep records, and comply with employment rights legislation such as working time, holiday entitlements, and payment of wages. Employers should not charge recruitment costs to the employee.- Tied employment: Most permits link you to a named employer, location, and occupation. You must apply to change these conditions before moving job or role, except for limited job-mobility rights that can arise after a period on some permits.- Immigration permission: In addition to an employment permit, you need the correct immigration stamp and an Irish Residence Permit card after arrival. In County Cork, immigration registration is handled by the local Garda immigration office, typically in Cork City, by appointment.- Reviews and appeals: If your permit is refused, you can usually seek an administrative review within a set time limit stated in the decision letter. Judicial review in the High Court may be possible on legal grounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an employment permit to work in Passage West?

If you are not an EEA, UK, or Swiss national and you do not already have a permission that allows work without restriction, you likely need an employment permit before starting work. The rules are national and apply equally in Passage West and across Ireland.

Which permit type should I apply for?

It depends on the job, your qualifications, and your employer. Critical Skills suits certain high-skill roles on the critical list. General Employment Permits cover many other roles, often with a Labour Market Needs Test. Other types exist for transfers within companies, reactivation after loss of status, internships, and more. A solicitor can help assess the best fit.

Can I switch employers or change my job?

Usually you need approval before changing your employer, job title, or location. Some permits allow job mobility after a qualifying period. Changing without approval can breach your conditions. Apply to vary your permit or for a new one before moving.

How long does the process take?

Processing times vary based on permit type, demand, and the completeness of your application. Build in time for the employment permit decision, any entry visa if you need one, and your local immigration registration appointment after arrival.

What documents are typically required?

Common items include a signed job offer or contract, evidence of qualifications or experience, employer registrations, details of duties, pay, and hours, and proof of compliance with any Labour Market Needs Test. Requirements change, so follow the current checklist for your permit type.

Can my spouse or partner work in Ireland?

Partners of certain permit holders may get a Dependant-Partner-Spouse Employment Permit or a residence permission that allows work. The exact route depends on your permit type and the stage of your permission. Check the current policy before they accept a job.

Do I need a visa as well as an employment permit?

Nationals of some countries need an entry visa in addition to the employment permit. The permit allows you to work, while the visa lets you travel to Ireland and seek entry. Immigration Service Delivery publishes current visa requirements by nationality.

What if my application is refused?

You can usually request an administrative review within a set time limit stated in your refusal letter. A well-prepared review that addresses the reasons for refusal can succeed. If there is an error of law or procedure, legal remedies may be available.

What happens if I am made redundant while on a permit?

There are limited time windows to find a new qualifying job and update your permission. Notify the authorities as required and seek advice quickly. Acting within the time limits protects your ability to stay and work legally.

Can international students work in Passage West?

Students on eligible courses often have limited work permission during and outside term time. After graduation, some may get a Stamp 1G graduate permission that allows full-time work for a limited period. If you secure a qualifying role, you may progress to an employment permit.

Additional Resources

- Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment - Employment Permits Section: Sets policy, processes applications, and publishes lists of eligible and ineligible occupations and salary thresholds.- Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice: Handles entry visas, residence permissions, and Irish Residence Permit registration.- Workplace Relations Commission: Information and complaints on employment rights, minimum pay, working time, and equality at work.- Department of Social Protection: Personal Public Service Number applications and employment services.- Revenue Commissioners: Employer and employee tax registration and compliance.- Citizens Information: Plain-language guidance on permits, immigration, and employment rights.- Cork Immigration Office - An Garda Siochana: Local immigration registration for residents of Passage West and wider County Cork by appointment.- Local Enterprise Office South Cork: Guidance for Cork-based businesses that plan to hire non-EEA staff.- Nasc Ireland - The Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre in Cork: Community support and information for migrants.- EURES Ireland and SOLAS: Labour market information, skills recognition, and training supports.

Next Steps

- Confirm eligibility: Match your role to the correct permit type and check the latest occupation lists and salary thresholds.- Coordinate with your employer: Ensure the employer is properly registered and can supply the required documents. Agree a compliant contract that sets out duties, hours, and pay.- Prepare evidence: Gather qualifications, references, and proof that you meet the role requirements. For General Employment Permits, plan the Labour Market Needs Test if needed.- File a complete application: Submit through the official online system with accurate information and the correct fee. Keep copies of everything you submit.- Arrange travel and registration: If you need a visa, apply after the permit issues. On arrival, attend your Cork immigration registration appointment and obtain your Irish Residence Permit card before starting work, if required.- Protect your rights: Know your entitlements to pay, hours, and leave under Irish law. Keep your own records of payslips and contracts.- Get legal help early: If your situation is complex or time sensitive, consult a solicitor or qualified immigration adviser in County Cork. Early advice can prevent refusals, save time, and protect your status.