non-EU trying to stay in Ireland

UBMusic

Hi,

I'm American. I originally came to Ireland to do research for my PhD, but I've decided I want to stop studying and stay here. (This decision took about 2 years to make.)

I was supposed to come in with a student permit but due to a stupid mistake on my part I didn't. So now I'm sitting here with an expired visitor's permit and no hope. I haven't applied to change my status to student permit because it takes a year to process. There's no point. They said when I called that with the request to change to student status in place I should be ok to stay here. However, I would have no proof of that request.

I have a PPS no. and tax certificate. I'm working part time at a local restaurant. They heard yesterday that the Revenue is coming round to check work permits so I basically have to confess tomorrow and lose my job, or if I'm caught face being deported. So now my only option as far as I can tell is find a work permit sort of job. I have skills in web design, graphic design, and computer support, not to mention I'm halfway through my PhD in music theory.

So finally (phew!) here's my question: Is there ANY other option to be able to stay here other than trying to find a work permit job (which is near impossible for someone from America because Irish and EU citizens get first priority)? My goal is to be able to stay in Ireland and support myself and pay a few bills back home as well. Does anyone have any advice? Please?

watna

My bf has a work permit as he's a software developer and he has a work permit under that scheme where ICT professionals are covered as those kind of jobs are classified as highly skilled and in demand.

I suggest you start looking for IT jobs that pay over 32,000 (I think this is the minimum salary you need to get before applying for a work permit). Some companies will sponsor you if you have the right skills. You just need to let them know that you need a work permit as soon as possible. I work in IT recruitment and there is definitely plenty of jobs around. it just depends on how skilled you are.

I really don't think there's any other way apart from getting a work permit or continuing on with your PHD and rushing to get a student visa.

UBMusic

watna,

I don't have a lot of professional contacts in Ireland. Since you work in IT recruitment could I send you my CV? Just in case you have something... I'm highly skilled in computer support and web design, but not programming.

chamlis

Maybe you should post this in Personal Issues UB. There may be someone there who can help with advice. The guys are usually pretty good.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=127

watna

Hi UB, if I could help I would, but I only recruit for IT contractors and you can only get a visa here with permanent work. There's a fair few good agencies out there for IT. Try Verkom or CPL.

MIN2511

I actually am a software tester with a student visa n want to get a job soon

pow wow

Wouldn't the fact that the visitor's permit is long since expired cause a problem trying to get a visa now? I know if it were the other way round you'd be booted out of America so fast your feet wouldn't touch.

c4cat

from what you are saying you are an illegal alian and the best thing you can do is get on a plane back home and apply for work and a proper visa the legal way. You have broken the law by overstaying yr welcome and illegally working and if you get charged with those crimes you will rightly have a criminal record which I am sure you do not want