Irish Working Visa Application Process in 6 Steps | How long does it take?

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to the Irish working visa application process, specifically tailored for Filipinos looking to work in Ireland. It outlines the key stages involved and offers practical advice to help streamline your application journey.

Chapter 1: Offer Letter

• Receive the Offer Letter: When you get your job offer, it's common to convert the salary from Euros to Philippine Pesos.
• Negotiate Your Salary:
  • Don’t rush to accept the initial offer.
  • Consider negotiating for a better salary or additional benefits.
  • Remember, negotiating shows your understanding of your worth and is usually welcomed by employers.
• Timeline: Expect 1-2 weeks for negotiation before proceeding.

Chapter 2: Qualification Assessment

• Document Submission: Your employer or the immigration agency will request:
  • Diploma
  • Professional license
  • Transcript of records
  • Membership proof in a regulatory body (e.g., PICPA for CPAs)
• Assessment of Eligibility: This step assesses your qualifications for the work permit.
• Travel Plans: Be ready to provide any travel plans, as they can influence the onboarding timeline.
• Timeline: This stage typically takes 1-2 weeks.

Chapter 3: POLO Contract Verification

• Verification by POLO: The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) ensures your contract meets minimum overseas employment standards.
• Document Submission:
  • Employment contract
  • Additional documents, such as an exemption for the Iraq hiring ban
• Note: Since there is no Philippine Embassy in Ireland, documents must be sent to the embassy in London for processing.
• Timeline: Expect around 2 weeks for this process.

Chapter 4: Irish Work Permit Application

• Complete the Application Form:
  • Collect detailed information about your education and qualifications.
  • Include the number of non-EU employees already working at your company.
• Longest Stage: This is typically the longest part of the process, taking about 6 weeks.
• Additional Time: Add an extra week for the work permit to be sent to you in the Philippines.

Chapter 5: Employment Visa Application

• Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment with the Irish Embassy in your home country.
• Gather Required Documents:
  • Employment contract
  • Work permit from the previous stage
  • Bank statement to show financial stability upon arrival
  • Payment fee receipt (usually reimbursed by the employer)
• Timeline: This stage generally takes about 4 weeks.

Chapter 6: OEC Application

• Obtain Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC):
  • Submit the POLO-verified contract from the previous stage.
  • Provide your company profile, which your employer should assist you with.
  • Include proof of insurance coverage from an accredited provider.
  • Write a notarized statement explaining how you secured the job.
• Training Requirement: Attend an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) training session at the POEA building in Manila.
• Timeline: Expect this stage to take around 2 weeks.

Conclusion

In summary, the Irish working visa application process involves several key stages, from negotiating your offer to obtaining the OEC. The entire process can take around 4 to 5 months, but with careful planning and preparation, the wait is well worth it. Stay organized, keep communication open with your potential employer, and ensure you have all necessary documentation ready. Good luck with your journey to working in Ireland!