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Internship Employment Permit
IrelandIreland•Europe
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Internship Employment Permit

Study PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

4 weeks – 2 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €860–€1,400

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 year

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Overview

Short-term work permit for foreign third-level students completing a required Irish internship on the Critical Skills Occupations List.

This permit is for full-time students at foreign universities to undertake internships in Ireland. The role must be on the Highly Skilled qualifying Occupations List. It is a non-renewable permit valid for up to 12 months.

Cost Breakdown

Permit Fee (Short)EUR €500
Permit Fee (Long)EUR €1,000
Visa Fee (Single)EUR €60
Visa Fee (Multiple)EUR €100
IRP Registration FeeEUR €300
TotalEUR €860–€1,400

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant1 year

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

CSEP — Critical Skills Employment Permit
Ireland flagIreland

CSEP — Critical Skills Employment Permit

ValidityDuration of contract
Processing2–4 weeks
View Visa Details
GEP — General Employment Permit
Ireland flagIreland

GEP — General Employment Permit

ValidityUp to 24 months
Processing2–3 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Full-time student (including postgraduate) enrolled at a third-level institution outside Ireland

Course of study substantially or wholly concerned with identified skills shortages

Internship must relate to a role on the Critical Skills Occupations List

Internship must be a required component of the course of study

Must return to the institution outside Ireland at the end of the internship

Employer must be registered with Revenue and currently trading in Ireland

Employer must have at least 50% EEA nationals in its workforce at application time

Application must be submitted at least 12 weeks before the proposed start date

KEY CRITERIA

Education

high_school or higher

Min. Income

28,696 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Letter from home university

Employment contract

Proof of enrollment

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Up to 12 months in Ireland for a study-required internship
  • No Labour Market Needs Test required for internship permits
  • Hands-on professional experience in roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List
  • Lower €500 fee for permits of 6 months or less
  • Can later convert to Critical Skills or General Employment Permit
  • Petitioner workload sits with the employer, not the student

Worth Knowing

  • Non-renewable — maximum 12 months and must leave Ireland after the internship
  • Requires an internship offer that is integral to your course of study
  • Employer must be Revenue-registered with ≥50% EEA staff
  • Apply at least 12 weeks before the proposed start date
  • Annual income threshold of €28,696 applies
  • Role is not on the Critical Skills Occupations List
  • Not a full-time student at a third-level institution outside Ireland
  • Internship is not a required component of your course

Application Process

1

Secure a qualifying internship offer with a qualifying Irish employer

2

Apply at least 12 weeks before the proposed start date via the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS)

3

Pay processing fee (€500 for ≤6 months, €1,000 for 6–12 months)

4

Respond to any DETE requests for additional information within 28 days

5

If visa-required, apply for an Irish entry visa via AVATS

6

On arrival, register with Immigration Service Delivery and obtain an Irish Residence Permit (IRP)

Application Forms

EPOS Online SystemFill online

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