American wanting to work in Ireland for the summer

finnianp

Hi all,

I have a friend who wants to come to Ireland to work for the summer. How would she go about getting a work permit/working visa?

Thanks

Siuin

Your friend may want to seriously reassess her plans. Unless she has something lined up in advance, her chances for for getting a job here are pretty slim (and I say this from personal experience- it took me months of hard work to secure a job this summer, and that was just au-pair work). There's a reason why traffic is going the other way these days.
More than likely she'd be better off just coming on a holiday to Ireland, but if she really wants to work here I'd suggest a programme like USIT http://www.usit.ie/study-in-ireland/work-and-travel-ireland - they seem pretty reputable, and as I said unless she has something lined up already, she's better off playing it safe.

loopymum

I don't know the legalities about being a woofer or www.workaway.info but I would think it would not be classed as working? Would that suit her or does she need to earn money?
I am considering a workawayer myself

Pineapple123

I work in an International Office in one of the bigger universities in Ireland and I can tell you from experience that even with quite a bit of experience, employers are reluctant to hire non-Irish residents, particularly over the summer months. Priority goes to the Irish, with experience, and who can fill longer contracts than three months.. Unlike before, employers can be very specific in what is required of those that apply for a position. Unless, as has been mentioned above, your friend can secure a job contract prior to travel, he/she should strongly question if they can live here without an income, as they may not find employment..

In order to work in Ireland, you're required to be registered with the National Garda Bureau.. it's about €100 to register, as far as I can recall, and requires you to go there in person..

Siuin

Has she considered being an aupair? Free food and accommodation, and no need for a working visa

veetwin

Siuin wrote: »

Has she considered being an aupair? Free food and accommodation, and no need for a working visa

Think you are incorrect there.

Siuin

veetwin wrote: »

Think you are incorrect there.

Oops, just checked it there, and indeed you're right! Meh, I've worked for the summer months as an aupair abroad, and nobody was aware of it- how would they? It's in a private residence.

Oh and btw, found the site regarding summer work visas for US citizens http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=73713

HOW TO APPLY?

US citizens

US citizens wishing to travel to Ireland under the terms of the agreement should make an application for a US Working Holiday Authorisation at the Embassy of Ireland in Washington or the Consulates General of Ireland in Boston, Chicago, New York and San Francisco. Please click here for contact details.

A completed and signed application form (PDF 35kb) should be presented at the Embassy of Ireland in Washington, or at the Irish Consulates General in Boston, Chicago, New York or San Francisco together with:

Valid United States passport;
2 recent identical passport photographs with your name on the reverse;
Current curriculum vitae (with references);
Original bank statement showing that you have access to €1,500 (or equivalent) plus a return ticket; or €3,000 (or equivalent);
Originals of any qualifications obtained or letter from school/college/university (where applicable)
The relevant fee of €250 or dollar equivalent as advised by the relevant Mission;

Once the Embassy or Consulate General is satisfied with the documentation above, the application will be approved in principle and the applicant notified. The Working Holiday Authorisation will be issued on submission by the applicant of:

Return airline tickets;
Certificate of medical/travel insurance valid for the duration of the trip (based on dates on tickets)
Valid United States passport that is valid for the entirety of the trip to Ireland ie for a full year after their ticketed date of entry.