In an effort to attract highly skilled individuals to the Irish labor market and encourage them to establish permanent residence in the country, the Critical Skills Employment Permit has replaced the Green Card type employment permit. This permit is designed to address the shortage of highly demanded and highly skilled professionals in key occupations, fostering economic growth and development.
Eligible Occupations and Requirements
The Critical Skills Employment Permit is reserved for occupations that are vital to Ireland’s economic growth, identified as highly skilled, and facing a significant shortage of supply within the labor market. Occupations such as ICT professionals, professional engineers, and technologists fall under this category. These occupations are determined in accordance with the analyses conducted by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, which assesses the strategic skills required by the labor market. The list of eligible occupations can be found in the Critical Skills Occupations List.
Key Benefits of the Critical Skills Employment Permit
The Critical Skills Employment Permit offers several attractive features for eligible professionals:
- No Labour Market Needs Test: Due to the identified shortage of skills, a Labour Market Needs Test is not mandatory for this permit.
- Immediate Family Reunification: Permit holders can apply for family reunification through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of the Department of Justice and Equality. Dependents, partners, and spouses can seek employment and apply for a Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit, issued free of charge.
- Residence and Work Permission: Upon completing the permit’s duration, permit holders can apply for permission to reside and work without needing an employment permit.
- Employment Rights: Employment permit holders are protected by Irish Employment Rights law.
- Change of Employer: After one year with the original employer, permit holders can change employers by applying for a new employment permit.
Application Process
Prospective employees or employers can apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit. The permit is issued to the employee and the employer receives a certified copy. The permit specifies the employer, occupation, and location of employment. This permit is issued for job offers of at least 2 years’ duration. Job offers under 2 years may be eligible for a General Employment Permit.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the Critical Skills Employment Permit is based on the occupation and remuneration level. The following criteria apply:
- Minimum Remuneration: Occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List require a minimum annual remuneration of €32,000. Occupations with remuneration over €64,000 are also eligible.
- Relevant Qualifications: Relevant degree qualifications or higher are required for specific occupations.
- Job Offer: The applicant must secure a 2-year job offer in the eligible occupation.
- Additional Criteria: The applicant must possess the required qualifications, skills, and experience.
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Remuneration and Application Fee
Minimum remuneration for the permit is achieved through basic salary and health insurance payments. The processing fee for a Critical Skills Employment Permit is €1,000, with a 90% refund for unsuccessful applications.
Residency and Renewals
Upon approval, applicants should apply for an entry Visa at an Irish Embassy/Consulate. An employment permit does not grant residence; registration with the Garda National Immigration Bureau is necessary. Permit holders may apply for Stamp 4 permission, allowing residence and work without a further permit.
Renewal procedures vary for Critical Skills Employment Permit holders and Green Card Employment Permit holders issued before October 1, 2014. Renewal involves a support letter from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, followed by registration renewal at the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
Change of Circumstances and Cancellation
Employment permit holders experiencing circumstances beyond their control resulting in unemployment can seek alternative employment within 6 months. Changing employers due to a transfer of undertaking is possible, subject to certain requirements.
In the event of termination or cessation of employment, the permit and certified copy must be returned to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment within 4 weeks to avoid penalties.
Conclusion
The Critical Skills Employment Permit program serves as a gateway for highly skilled professionals to contribute to Ireland’s economic development while establishing their lives in the country. With its streamlined application process, attractive benefits, and focus on addressing skills shortages, this permit plays a pivotal role in creating a thriving and diverse labor market.
