American in Ireland

LegacyUser

Im hoping someone can help with this.

Ive been with my b/f for the past 3 years, he lives in america, and im here in ireland, as i have roots here it seemed natural that he should be the one to move over here, we had thought that would be in October, however now the time is nearing, we've realised that though he doesnt need a visa to come holiday here, as far as we know, he will need a work permit to enable him to stay here.

Does anybody know if this is the case? He and i are blindly searching all over the net trying to find answers to this, from what we know, he can stay here for 90 days as a visitor, but he cant work during that time, and he cant come here on a working visa unless he has a specific job in place, we've contacted both the american embassy and the irish embassy and are currently waiting to see what they have to say, but if anyone out there can help with advice etc, it would be greatly appreciated.

merlie

I am not sure about working permits but I found a link which may be of help to you.

If in doubt check with your local Citizens Information Centre. They can provide you with all the information you need.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=work++permit+requirements+ireland&btnG=Search&meta=

Good luck

VeryBerry

Unregistered wrote: »

Im hoping someone can help with this.

Ive been with my b/f for the past 3 years, he lives in america, and im here in ireland, as i have roots here it seemed natural that he should be the one to move over here, we had thought that would be in October, however now the time is nearing, we've realised that though he doesnt need a visa to come holiday here, as far as we know, he will need a work permit to enable him to stay here.

Does anybody know if this is the case? He and i are blindly searching all over the net trying to find answers to this, from what we know, he can stay here for 90 days as a visitor, but he cant work during that time, and he cant come here on a working visa unless he has a specific job in place, we've contacted both the american embassy and the irish embassy and are currently waiting to see what they have to say, but if anyone out there can help with advice etc, it would be greatly appreciated.

AFAIK that's correct. To stay longer than 90 days he'll need to have a job in place, and essentially his employer will have to act as a 'sponsor' and sign off on the work visa. And I think If he wants to change jobs at any stage, he'll have to find a new employer willing to act as a sponsor and apply for a new work visa.

I'm not 100% sure, but I think thats right. I have a friend in who's bf is from the States, and that's how its worked for them.

iguana

I don't suppose he has an Irish grandparent as that would entitle him to an Irish passport? Or the rights to a passport of any EU country? If he can possibly get dual citizenship to any EU country that could side-step the need for a working visa. A few Americans I know have been able to live in Europe that way.

prinz

iguana wrote: »

I don't suppose he has an Irish grandparent as that would entitle him to an Irish passport?

I'd have to see him play a bit of football before I condone that :rolleyes:;)
The rest of the advice above is correct, re holiday visa, and work sponsor for longer periods.

Zillah

The 90 day thing is irrelevant. If you stay for 90 days you can just go to London for the weekend and come back, starting your next 90 day stretch. But that's only if he's not working.

I have no info on what Irish Working Visas are like for US citizens but I'd imagine they can't be very hard to arrange.

prinz

The other important thing to remember is that unlike in the States he is unlikely to be lifted off the street while he's going about his business and deported with a couple of hours notice.

GS_DBA

The only way he will get to stay is if
a) A company sponsors him and and that will be hard to do currently and he'd need a very desirable skill for them to do that.
b) You get married and he will be able to get a work visa stamp 4 which means he can change jobs and work for who he pleases

Overheal

This thread would be better purposed in NA.

http://boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1183

And yes without some loophole, like a relative, he will most need to have pre-arranged work, with a company that would sponsor his visa.

LoGiE

Well as it happens my American girlfriend just moved here so I can help. I know what your feeling the websites just seem to lead you round in circles and it was very frustrating before we finally got some answers. The first thing your boyfriend needs to do get a get permission to stay over 90 days. He does this by writing a letter to the Department of Justice at the following address

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
General Immigration Section
13-14 Burg Quay
Dublin 2

The letter needs to outline his status, ie where he's living (with you I presume) the address, health insurandce details, bank statements showing he can support himself, details of any quailifications and anything he feels relevent. Once this application has been sent in he is free to come and go until the DOJ make there decesion.

If you want more information about what there looking for you can contact the GNIB by phone. Believe it or not there very helpful

Garda National Immigration Bureau
13/14 Burgh Quay
County:
Dublin 2
Country:
IRELAND
Opening Hours:
Mon to Thurs inclusive: 8am to 10pm, Friday 8am to 4pm
Tel:
+353 1 666 9100

The work visa is a dificult one and it can be gotten without a job offer but it costs you money €500 for 6 months €1000 for 24 months up to 5 yrs then you are considered nationaliszed (A whole different process!)

If he can get a job offer from a company in Ireland they usually pay and fill out most of the forms however it has to be sent in from outside Ireland (His American address) You will find everything you need to know at http://www.entemp.ie/

If you have any other questions I'll try my best to answer them. Good luck!


PS. The fact he's American will go in his favor. Lord knows theres enough Irish in the US and theres a very close relationship between to two countries. They even have US immigration in Dublin and Shannon now.

redout

Zillah wrote: »

The 90 day thing is irrelevant. If you stay for 90 days you can just go to London for the weekend and come back, starting your next 90 day stretch. But that's only if he's not working.

I wouldnt abuse the 90 day rule if I was you. Over the pond the immigration dont take to kindly to people who try to slip off to Canada or Mexico for a day or so then re-enter. Raises their suspicions and they usually get all snotty and grill you.

Dravokivich

erm... can't he try getting in contact with an irish embassy, or looking up info on 1 foreign dept's websites...

Stuff like that should be avail there.