Atypical Working Scheme

If you are a non-EEA national and you would like to work in Ireland for a short period of up to 90 days, the Atypical Working Scheme may provide you with the immigration permission you require. Before applying for an employment visa for Ireland, it is important to check that you have selected the best route for your needs. On this page, we will explain who Ireland’s Atypical Work Scheme is intended for, the eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

What is the Irish Atypical Working Scheme?

The Irish Atypical Working Scheme visa enables non-EEA nationals to travel to Ireland to work for a short period (up to 90 days). The Scheme is administered by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). The goal of the Atypical Working Scheme is to make the process of securing short term permission to work in Ireland (where it does not fit within the standard work permit system) as quick and efficient as possible. Applications for the Atypical Working Scheme must be made from outside of Ireland, and applicants must receive approval before making their journey to the country. If granted, an Irish Atypical Working Scheme must only carry out the work for which they have been given permission in Ireland.

Am I Eligible For The Irish Atypical Working Scheme?

To make a successful application for an Atypical Working Scheme visa, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Fill a role where a skill shortage has been identified
• Provide a specialised or high skill to an industry, business or academic institution
• Work as a Locum Doctor
• Be a paid researcher for up to 90 days (non-renewable)
• Working as a nurse as part of the Clinical Adaptation and Assessment Programme/RCSI Examination.

How Do I Apply For The Atypical Working Scheme In Ireland?

Applications for the Atypical Working Scheme are completed online using the INIS online application portal; this must be completed while you are outside Ireland. Having completed the online application form, you will then be given a summary application which will outline the next steps you should take, including which documents you should submit and where to. You will also need to print, sign, and date your summary application form and send this with your documents. Some of the documents you may need to submit include:

• A copy of your valid passport (in colour)
• A letter from the Irish-based host body confirming a job offer, including job description, weekly salary in Euro for the time period in the State, and duration of the contract for which the applicant is required in Ireland
• A contract, signed and dated by the applicant and their employer outlining the terms of employment for the period in the State, including salary (with details of any allowances, benefits-in-kind, or ‘top-ups’ itemised separately), job description and duration of time in the State
• Evidence of your intention to return to your home country once you have completed your work in Ireland

The summary application form will tell you how the documents required should be provided – i.e. original, copies, and which pages are needed.

Any translated documents you submit for consideration should include:

• The date the translation was undertaken
• The name and signature of the translator
• The contact details of the translator

What Happens After I Have Applied For The Atypical Working Scheme?

If granted, you will then receive a ‘Letter of Approval’ from INIS. You will then need to apply for an entry visa to travel to Ireland. The type of entry visa you should apply for depends on how long you are planning to stay in Ireland and whether you will be making multiple trips:

• 15-90 day stay: C visa
• More than 90 days: D visa

On arrival in Ireland, you will need to register with the police (Garda National Immigration Bureau) and provide your:

• current passport
• letter of approval, valid for 90 days from date of issue only, if not used within that time, a new application and a new application fee applies
• letter from Irish based host body confirming an offer of employment/internship
• for interns - letter from the sending academic institution confirming that the internship is integral/necessary to the qualification being undertaken
• appropriate entry visa (if a visa-required non-EEA national)
• proof of medical insurance

What Is The Application Fee For The Atypical Working Scheme In Ireland?

The Atypical Working Scheme application fee is €250 (this is non-refundable).

As of 2021, the application fee for all visas in Ireland is €60 for a single-journey visa. €100 for a multiple-journey visa.

How Long Will It Take To Process My Atypical Working Scheme Application?

All visa applications in Ireland are processed in the order they are received. INIS advise that applicants should wait until they have received a decision before they book their travel to Ireland.

Atypical Working Scheme applications take around 20 working days to process, and visas can take up to eight weeks.

As with all immigration applications, processing may take longer if your application is not complete, some documents are not submitted, or there are complicating matters which arise (such as a criminal conviction).

Can I Bring Family Members With Me?

Because the Atypical Working Scheme is only for short term stays, family members are not permitted to accompany the person who is coming to Ireland under the Scheme. INIS states, “Family members may not accompany the person availing of this Scheme. In the event of exceptional circumstances, INIS may be contacted in advance of an application being made; however this does not guarantee a positive decision. This is without prejudice to the right of a family member who may make an application for immigration permission in his/her own right as permitted under the Immigration Act 2004”.