SNAPSHOT IRELAND

Visa options for work placement participants in Ireland

Ireland is a member of the EEA and as such citizens of all EEA member countries can enter freely and work unrestricted in Ireland – although there are special arrangements for people from Bulgaria and Romania.

Citizens from a wide range of countries do not need a visa to enter Ireland and if they are entering the country for study purposes – the same work restrictions apply as for student visas.

Student visa – holders can work part-time in Ireland for up to 20 hours a week and full-time during vacation periods as long as they are enrolled on a full time course lasting for at least one academic year (25 weeks) leading to a recognised qualification.

Working holiday authorisation – available to young people from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan and NZ to enable them to work and travel for one year.

How do you think the work experience sector is developing in Ireland?

“We have experienced fantastic growth over the last four years going from about four students a week to 18-to-20 students a week in 2006/7. This year there has been a drop related to a slowing down in the economy since January but we still receive approximately eight-to-10 students a week. Work experience students are mostly Brazilian or European. Korean and Japanese students usually opt for internship programmes.”
Margaret Purdy, Swan Training Institute, Dublin

“I have certainly received more enquiries over the past two years or so. Many of the applicants we have are sent to us through agents of ours but I have also noticed a number of direct enquiries coming through. I have to say that this part of our business is small and we try not to overstretch ourselves as we endeavour to maintain a high level of quality and this can only be done if we monitor the companies we deal with carefully.”
Carol Gardezi, Cork English College, Cork

MINI GUIDE
PAID WORK
EXPERIENCE IN
NEW ZEALAND

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