How can my GF get back in Ireland (visa issue)

Immquestion1

Hey guys and girls,

Basically my girlfriend of almost three years had to move back to Japan in December because her visa had expired. She came to Ireland on a student visa to do postgraduate course in UCD, and after graduating she done an internship for one year on a graduate work type visa.

Do we have any options for her to come back to Ireland? I know you can become an Irish citizen after living here for 5 years but she has only lived here for 3 years. It seems to be impossible for a company to sponsor her, as they all require a valid work visa before she can apply.

How do people from other countries outside EU such as Nigeria and India get visa to live and work in Ireland? For example, how does a taxi driver from Nigeria get a work visa in Ireland, when a taxi driver would be regarded as an unskilled profession?

Really Interested

Immquestion1 wrote: »

Hey guys and girls,

Basically my girlfriend of almost three years had to move back to Japan in December because her visa had expired. She came to Ireland on a student visa to do postgraduate course in UCD, and after graduating she done an internship for one year on a graduate work type visa.

Do we have any options for her to come back to Ireland? I know you can become an Irish citizen after living here for 5 years but she has only lived here for 3 years. It seems to be impossible for a company to sponsor her, as they all require a valid work visa before she can apply.

How do people from other countries outside EU such as Nigeria and India get visa to live and work in Ireland? For example, how does a taxi driver from Nigeria get a work visa in Ireland, when a taxi driver would be regarded as an unskilled profession?

First your GF does not have 3 years towards citizenship as student permission does not count.

Her options are as follows she can apply for a working permission if she has the required skills.

Option two did ye live together as partners in Ireland if you have for the required time she can apply for a de facto visa.

If ye are married then she can apply for spousal visa.

For the above 2 options you must have a minimum income.

Another option if you are intending to work in the EU then you are entitled to have your partner or spouse join you in the EU country, that can be the easy option.


Ye would be best advised to get proper legal advice. This would of course been easier to have been done while she was still in Ireland legally.

Immquestion1

Really Interested wrote: »

Another option if you are intending to work in the EU then you are entitled to have your partner or spouse join you in the EU country, that can be the easy option.

How this this way work? She can join me in another EU country without a de facto visa etc?

Really Interested

Immquestion1 wrote: »

How this this way work? She can join me in another EU country without a de facto visa etc?

No depending on your facts you may be able to take advantage of EU free movement of persons regulations. Either contact a solicitor or do research on “EU free movement of persons”

Immquestion1

Really Interested wrote: »

No depending on your facts you may be able to take advantage of EU free movement of persons regulations. Either contact a solicitor or do research on “EU free movement of persons”

Thanks for the answer. Unfortunately I don't graduate until 2019. However I'm free to work in EU after graduation

But why can this not work in Ireland, is there a reason why I must work in a different EU country?

Really Interested

Immquestion1 wrote: »

Thanks for the answer. Unfortunately I don't graduate until 2019. However I'm free to work in EU after graduation

But why can this not work in Ireland, is there a reason why I must work in a different EU country?

In Ireland as a Irish citizen you must show a certain level of income. If you go to EU then you do not have to have min income.

Immquestion1

Really Interested wrote: »

In Ireland as a Irish citizen you must show a certain level of income. If you go to EU then you do not have to have min income.

Ah I understand, I will research this more and see an immigration lawyer in the next few months.