Europe – Ireland Visa – Long Stay – Working Holiday

1. What is the purpose of a long stay visa for Ireland?


The purpose of a long stay visa for Ireland is to allow individuals to stay in the country for an extended period of time for purposes such as study, work, or settlement. It allows the holder to enter and remain in Ireland for more than 90 days, and may be extended if necessary.

2. Who needs to apply for a long stay visa to visit Ireland?


Citizens of certain countries are required to apply for a long stay visa to visit Ireland, including those who:

– Are nationals of non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries
– Are not visa exempt
– Intend to stay in Ireland for longer than 90 days
– Plan to work, study, or conduct business in Ireland
– Have family members who are EEA nationals and are seeking reunification with them in Ireland.

Each individual’s case may vary and it is recommended to check with the Irish embassy or consulate in your country for specific visa application requirements.

3. How do I determine if I am eligible for a working holiday visa in Ireland?


To determine if you are eligible for a working holiday visa in Ireland, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Age requirement: You must be between the age of 18 and 30 at the time of application.

2. Citizenship: You must hold a valid passport from one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong (SAR), Japan, South Korea, New Zealand or Taiwan.

3. Residence: You must not have been previously approved for an Irish working holiday visa.

4. Financial requirement: You must be able to provide proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while in Ireland.

5. Health insurance: You are required to have valid medical insurance for your stay in Ireland.

6. No dependents: If you have any dependents, they cannot accompany you on your working holiday visa.

7. Intention to travel and work: The primary purpose of your visit to Ireland should be for travel and cultural experience, with temporary employment being a secondary intention.

8. Good character: You must have a clean criminal record and be able to provide a police clearance certificate if requested by immigration officials.

9. Application process: You must complete all necessary forms and provide supporting documents as required by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).

It is important to note that meeting these criteria does not guarantee that you will be granted a working holiday visa in Ireland. The final decision rests with the INIS officials reviewing your application.

4. What are the requirements for obtaining an Irish working holiday visa?


There are several requirements for obtaining an Irish working holiday visa, including:

1. Age: You must be between 18 and 30 years old.

2. Nationality: You must hold a passport from one of the eligible countries, including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States.

3. Education: You must have completed secondary education or higher.

4. Financial Requirements: You must show proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Ireland (at least €3,000).

5. Health Insurance: You must have comprehensive medical insurance for the duration of your stay in Ireland.

6. Character Check: You must provide a police certificate or similar document from your home country certifying that you have no criminal record.

7. Intention to Work and Travel: The main purpose of your visit should be to travel and experience the culture of Ireland while supplementing your funds with temporary work.

8. Application Documents: You will need to submit a completed application form, a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, application fee payment receipt and other supporting documents as required by the Irish embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

9. Processing Time: The processing time for an Irish working holiday visa can vary based on volume of applications and individual circumstances but usually takes around 8 weeks.

It’s important to note that meeting these requirements does not guarantee approval of the visa application. Additionally, some countries may have additional requirements or restrictions for their citizens applying for an Irish working holiday visa. It is recommended to consult with the nearest Irish embassy or consulate for specific information regarding visa requirements for your country.

5. Can I work in any industry with an Irish working holiday visa?


No, the Irish working holiday visa only allows you to work in certain industries, including hospitality and tourism, farm work, and small businesses. It does not allow you to work in professional fields such as law, medicine, or accounting. You are also required to have a job offer from an employer in one of these designated industries before applying for the visa.

6. How long is the validity of an Irish long stay visa?


The validity of an Irish long stay visa varies depending on the purpose of travel and type of visa. Generally, long stay visas for students are valid for the duration of their study program, while long stay visas for work or business purposes have a validity period of up to 2 years. After this initial period, the visa can be extended if necessary. It is important to note that all visas are subject to renewal and can be revoked at any time if the conditions of the visa are breached.

7. Do I need travel health insurance for my visit to Ireland on a long stay visa?


It is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended that you obtain travel health insurance for your visit to Ireland on a long stay visa. This will help protect you financially in case of unexpected medical emergencies or accidents during your stay. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that you have proper coverage during your time in Ireland.

8. Is there a limit on the number of times I can enter and exit Ireland with a long stay visa?


As long as your visa is valid, you can enter and exit Ireland as many times as you need. However, keep in mind that a long stay visa does not allow for permanent residence in Ireland. You may be required to demonstrate your intention to leave the country at the end of your authorized stay period. If you frequently enter and exit Ireland with a long stay visa, it could raise questions about your intentions and could potentially affect future visa applications.

9. Can I apply for permanent residency while on a long stay visa in Ireland?


Yes, it is possible to apply for permanent residency while on a long stay visa in Ireland. However, the requirements and process for obtaining permanent residency will depend on the type of long stay visa you have and your individual circumstances. It is important to consult with an immigration lawyer or the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) for specific guidance on your situation.

10. What steps do I need to take if I want to extend my stay in Ireland on a working holiday visa?


1. Check your eligibility: Before applying for an extension, make sure you meet all the requirements for a working holiday visa in Ireland.

2. Apply before your current visa expires: You must apply for an extension before your current visa expires. Late applications will not be accepted.

3. Prepare required documents: You will need to submit a new application form, along with a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and proof of travel/health insurance.

4. Show evidence of ties to Ireland: To be eligible for an extension, you must demonstrate that you have established strong ties to Ireland, such as having employment or a place to live.

5. Pay the required fee: An application fee is required for the working holiday visa extension. Check the current fees on the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service website.

6. Submit your application: You may submit your application by post or in person at your nearest INIS office.

7. Wait for a decision: The processing time for a working holiday visa extension can vary, but it typically takes 4-8 weeks.

8. Consider other options: If your request for an extension is denied or if you do not want to extend your working holiday visa, you may explore other options such as applying for a different type of visa or leaving Ireland and returning later on another working holiday visa.

9. Leave before the expiration of your current visa: If your current visa expires before you receive a decision on your extension request, you must leave Ireland within seven days after receiving notice of the refusal or expiry.

10. Comply with immigration rules and regulations: While in Ireland on a working holiday visa extension, make sure to comply with all immigration rules and regulations to avoid any issues with your status in the country.

11. Do I need a job offer before applying for an Irish working holiday visa?

No, a job offer is not required for a working holiday visa in Ireland. However, you must have enough funds to support yourself during your stay and show proof of this when applying for the visa. Having a job offer may strengthen your application, but it is not mandatory.

12. Are there any age restrictions for obtaining an Irish working holiday visa?


Yes, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 (or 35 for Canadian citizens) to apply for an Irish working holiday visa. They must also not have previously been granted a working holiday visa for Ireland.

13. How much does it cost to apply for an Irish long stay visa?


The cost for an Irish long stay visa varies depending on the type of visa and the duration of stay. The application fee can range from €60 -€100. Additional fees may apply depending on the applicant’s nationality and the processing time chosen. It is best to check with the Irish embassy or consulate in your country for specific information on fees.

14. Can I study while on an Irish working holiday visa?


Yes, you are allowed to study while on an Irish working holiday visa. However, the main purpose of the visa is for cultural exchange and travel experiences, so your studies should not interfere with your ability to fulfill this purpose. You are also not allowed to undertake any full-time or long-term courses, and you cannot extend your visa for the purpose of continuing your studies. It is recommended that you discuss your plans with a visa officer before engaging in any studies while on your working holiday visa.

15. Do I need to provide proof of funds when applying for an Irish long stay visa?


Yes, you will need to provide proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Ireland when applying for an Irish long stay visa. This can include bank statements, pay stubs, or a letter from your employer indicating your salary and employment status. The exact amount of funds required may vary depending on the purpose of your visit and your individual circumstances. It is recommended to check with the Irish embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements.

16. What documents do I need to submit for my application for an Irish long stay visa?


The documents required for an Irish long stay visa may vary depending on your specific situation, but generally you will need to include the following:

1. Completed visa application form (online or paper)
2. Passport and previous passport if applicable
3. Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Ireland (bank statements, letter from employer etc.)
4. Proof of medical/travel insurance valid for Ireland
5. Letter of invitation or acceptance from a recognized educational institution, if applicable
6. Evidence of accommodation in Ireland (rental agreement, hotel reservation etc.)
7. Letter from employer stating your job title, salary and leave approval, if applicable
8. Criminal record certificate from home country, if applicable
9. Two recent passport-sized photographs according to Irish visa specifications
10. Visa application fee
11. Any other supporting documents as requested by the Irish embassy/consulate in your country

It is always best to check with the relevant embassy or consulate for a complete list of required documents for your particular situation before submitting your application.

17. Can my family members join me on a working holiday in Ireland?


Yes, family members can join you on a working holiday in Ireland. However, they will need to apply for their own visas and meet the eligibility criteria for a working holiday visa. They will also need to show proof of sufficient funds to support themselves during the stay in Ireland. Additionally, family members may not be able to work in Ireland unless they also hold a valid work permit or have Irish citizenship.

18 Telephone at home -are there network problems in rural areas –


There may be network problems in rural areas depending on the specific location and coverage of the provider. Some rural areas may have weaker signal or limited access to certain networks, which can cause issues with telephone service. It is best to check with your local telephone provider for more information about network coverage in your specific area.

19.can i change my status from tourist to worker while already in ireland


Yes, it is possible to change your status from tourist to worker while already in Ireland. This process is known as a change of immigration status and it can be done by submitting an application to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). However, there are certain conditions that must be met in order for the application to be successful. These include having a valid job offer from an employer registered with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and meeting all the requirements for the specific type of visa you wish to apply for. It is recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer or contact the INIS directly for more information on the application process.

20.How soon should I apply for a long stay visa before my planned trip to Ireland?


It is recommended to apply for a long stay visa at least 3 months before your planned trip to Ireland. This will allow enough time for processing and potential delays. You should also wait until you have all necessary documents and have thoroughly completed the application form before submitting it.