Nurse Work Permit to Ireland
Are you a nurse looking to advance your career by moving to Ireland or an employer seeking to hire qualified nursing talent from overseas? Then, you need to understand the process of obtaining a Work Permit for nurses in Ireland.
At IAS, we specialise in assisting individuals and businesses through the complexities of the Irish immigration system. For personalised assistance, call us at +353 061 518 025.
Overview of the Nurse Work Permit to Ireland
For nurses who want to work in Ireland, they must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). This ensures their qualifications and experience meet Ireland’s standards. For employers, understanding the NMBI’s requirements is a vital part of the recruitment process for international nursing talent.
Once registered, securing a Work Permit comes next. Ireland offers multiple options based on the nurse’s nationality, qualifications, and specific employment offer. Employers will need to demonstrate that the position cannot be filled locally.
Obtaining a Work Permit for nurses in Ireland can be a complex process. However, with the right guidance and understanding of the requirements, this process can be made smoother and more accessible. Call our expert lawyers at IAS on +353 061 518 025 for assistance.
Page Contents
- Overview of the Nurse Work Permit to Ireland
- NMBI Registration Requirements to Work In Ireland As a Non-Irish Nurse
- Work Permit Routes for Nurses in Ireland and Requirements
- Application Process for a Nurse Work Permit in Ireland
- Application Fees for the Nurse Work Permit in Ireland
- Processing Time of the Nurse Work Permit in Ireland
- Nurse Work Permit Validity And Renewal Options
- How IAS Can Help You
- FAQs
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NMBI Registration Requirements to Work In Ireland As a Non-Irish Nurse
The NMBI is the regulatory body overseeing the practice of nursing and midwifery in Ireland, ensuring that all professionals meet the requisite standards of competence and conduct.
For international nurses, the NMBI assesses whether their education and professional experience align with Irish standards.
As part of obtaining registration with the NMBI, foreign nurses who have secured a contract of employment in Ireland may need to fulfil additional requirements before they can begin working as nurses.
This involves completing a Clinical Adaptation and Assessment Programme (CAAP) or Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) aptitude test. However, other pathways to NMBI registration may be available depending on individual qualifications and experience.
Foreign nurses must submit the following documents for the NMBI registration:
- Passport
- Academic transcripts
- Copy of current nursing licence
- Proof of work experience
- English language proficiency test results (IELTS or OET)
- A minimum of a B in three areas and a C+ in one is required for the OET.
- An IELTS Academic score of 7.0 overall, with no band below 7.0 in speaking and listening, and no less than 6.5 in reading and writing
- Registration with the nursing regulatory body in their home country, if applicable
The general nursing qualification must be equivalent to the level of Irish nursing programs. In some cases, nurses may need to undertake a period of adaptation and assessment or an aptitude test to demonstrate their competence.
Work Permit Routes for Nurses in Ireland and Requirements
For foreign nurses who have completed their registration with NMBI, understanding the different Work Permit routes available in Ireland is essential. Below are the different Work Permit routes for Nurses in Ireland:
General Employment Permit (GEP)
The GEP is a common and broad option, which requires a formal job offer from an Irish employer in a nursing role. Typically, this permit involves a Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) to ensure that the position cannot be filled by a resident worker from Ireland or other European Economic Area (EEA) countries.
The permit has a minimum annual remuneration threshold of €30,000 and is typically issued for two years. It can be renewed, leading to the possibility of long-term residency and eventual citizenship.
Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)
The CSEP is for specifically highly skilled professionals, including nurses in certain specialisations that are considered critical to the Irish healthcare system. This permit streamlines the application process by waiving the labour market needs test, allowing a faster route for eligible applicants.
It requires a qualifying job offer with a minimum salary, which is generally higher than that required for the General Employment Permit. One of the significant advantages of this permit is its pathway to long-term residency, as holders can apply for residency after two years.
The permit is initially issued for two years, followed by the ability to apply for a Stamp 4 visa, granting extended residency rights.
Atypical Working Scheme
The Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) is a type of short-term ‘C’ working visa intended for non-EEA nationals who want to work in Ireland for a maximum of 90 days per calendar year. This scheme allows non-EEA nurses to enter the country after passing the RCSI aptitude test or the mandatory Clinical Adaptation Programme.
Non-EEA nurses who fulfil the requirements of the scheme and obtain their certificate of registration from the NMBI will be able to apply for an employment permit. AWS approval grants exam completion, not immediate work authorisation.
Applicants can only submit one application per year. A signed and dated employment contract is mandatory, with a start date aligned with the RCSI Aptitude Test or Clinical Adaptation.
For guidance, reach out to our immigration experts at IAS, we will assist you through the process. Call +353 061 518 025 to get started.
Requirements
Below are the general requirements for the different Work Permit for nurses in Ireland:
- Job offer from an approved Irish employer
- NMBI registration
- Minimum salary based on your experience and speciality
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself in Ireland
- Clean criminal record
There is no age limit for nurses in Ireland as long as you maintain your NMBI registration and demonstrate physical and mental fitness, you can continue working as a nurse regardless of age.
Application Process for a Nurse Work Permit in Ireland
After the NMBI registration, the employer will be required to initiate the Work Permit application. The process starts with an official job offer to the foreign nurse.
The employer then needs to determine the most appropriate type of Work Permit for the nurse based on the nurse’s role and qualifications. For both the GEP and CSEP, the application is typically submitted online through the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) operated by the DETE.
This application demands detailed information about the employer, the job’s nature, the salary, and the nurse’s qualifications. When applying for a GEP, the employer may need to conduct a Labor Market Needs Test, although certain nursing roles might be exempt from this requirement.
To initiate your application, complete and submit the online overseas application request form along with supporting documents. You also need to pay the application fee at the time of submission, which varies depending on your chosen permit type.
Once the application is submitted, it undergoes a thorough review by the relevant Irish authorities. Upon approval, the Work Permit is issued, authorising the foreign nurse to work in Ireland
Nurses and employers are advised to seek professional guidance to ensure a smooth and successful application. At IAS, we are always ready to assist you. Call us at +353 061 518 025 to book a consultation.
Application Fees for the Nurse Work Permit in Ireland
For the GEP, the cost structure is tiered based on the duration of the permit. For a first-time application, the fee is €1,000 for permits lasting up to 24 months, and €500 for those valid for six months or less. When it comes to renewing the GEP, the fees adjust to €750 for a permit of six months or less and €1,500 for renewals extending up to 36 months.
The initial application fee for the CSEP is €1,000, covering a period of up to 24 months. It’s important to note that renewals are not typically applicable for the CSEP, as this permit is designed as a pathway to longer-term residency.
Dependent Employment Permits are issued free of charge, both for the initial application and renewals, easing the financial burden for families relocating to Ireland.
Processing Time of the Nurse Work Permit in Ireland
The processing time for a work permit in Ireland is around 13 weeks. However, this timeframe can vary based on several factors. For instance, the type of permit, especially the CSEP, might have longer processing times due to more stringent eligibility requirements.
Applications with missing documents or errors can face significant delays. Additionally, the workload at the DETE can impact processing times, with longer waits during peak application periods.
It is recommended for applicants to ensure that all documentation is thoroughly complete and accurate before submission. This attention to detail can streamline the application process, reducing the likelihood of delays in working as a nurse in Ireland.
Nurse Work Permit Validity And Renewal Options
The validity of the Nurse Work Permit depends on the type of permit and its duration. Generally, a Work Permit is valid for two years, but it can be extended for another three years if you meet certain criteria.
To renew your Work Permit, you must submit an application form and supporting documents to the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI). You will also need to pay the renewal fee if you have a GEP.
If you have a CSEP, you can apply for Stamp 4 permission after two years of working in Ireland. A Stamp 4 permission allows you to live and work in Ireland without needing a Work Permit. You can apply for Stamp 4 permission through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).
Contact our immigration lawyers at IAS for expert guidance. Call +353 061 518 025 for more information.
How IAS Can Help You
Applying for an Irish Nurse Work Permit can be a complex and time-consuming process, but IAS can help you every step of the way. We are a team of immigration experts with extensive experience helping nurses obtain Work Permits for Ireland. We can assist you with:
- Assessing your eligibility and choosing the right type of Work Permit for you
- Preparing and submitting your application
- Liaising with the NMBI to register your qualifications and skills
- Advising you on the documents and evidence you need to support your application
- Updating you on the progress and status of your application
- Helping you with any issues or challenges that may arise during the process
With IAS, you can rest assured that your Work Permit application will be handled professionally and efficiently. We will guide you through every stage of the process and ensure that you meet all the requirements and deadlines.
Contact us today on +353 061 518 025 to find out more about how we can help you with your Irish Nurse Work Permit.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Last modified on August 1st, 2024 at 1:30 pm
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FAQs
Once you have a work permit, you have the same rights as a nurse as any other Irish nurse This includes the right to work and live in Ireland, and to access social welfare benefits and healthcare.
Nurses in Ireland typically work 35-37.5 hours per week. They may also be required to work shifts, including nights and weekends.
The demand for nurses is high in Ireland, so qualified nurses with the right skills and experience should be able to find employment relatively easily.