Irish Visas for US Citizens | McGinley Solicitors LLP

If you’re a US citizen looking to travel to Ireland, you may be wondering what the Ireland visa requirements for US citizens are. The US is part of the Visa Waiver Program, meaning US citizens can travel to Ireland for leisure and business purposes, without a visa, for 90 days.

If you want to stay longer or even immigrate fully, there are a few different things to consider. Here, we reveal everything you need to know about Ireland visas for US citizens.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Ireland?

As mentioned above, if you’re a US citizen travelling to Ireland for up to 90 days, you don’t need a visa. Instead, a valid passport will allow you to stay there. However, it is down to the discretion of the Irish Immigration Officer at the border, so just because you don’t need a visa doesn’t mean you’ll be allowed to enter.

There is an exception though: Ireland Visas for US Green Card Holders. Green Cards mean you’ve been granted permission to be a lawful resident of America instead of being a permanent resident, and this means you’ll also require a US visa to enter Ireland.

Irish Work Permits for US Nationals

If you’re coming to Ireland for work purposes, you’ll need to apply for a US Visa for Ireland and Irish work permit from the Irish Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation – otherwise known as DJEI. This can only be done once you’ve been accepted into Ireland as an immigrant. There are nine different employment permits, each of which has its requirements and supports different types of employment:

General Employment Permit – This type of employment permit means you can work in a wide range of occupations in Ireland.
Critical Skills Employment Permit – This permit also allows you to work in Ireland, but your job must lie on the Critical Skills Occupations List. This includes ICT professionals, engineers and technologists.
Intra-Company Transfer Permit – If you’ve transferred within your company to Ireland, this type of permit will facilitate your employment. Typically, it’s used for senior management, trainees and key personnel.
Exchange Agreement Employment Permit – This employment permit is for non-EEA nationals who have working agreements with Ireland and other countries.
Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit – If you are the spouse, partner or dependent of someone who holds a Critical Skills Employment Permit, this permit will allow you to work in Ireland.
Contract for Services Employment Permit – This employment permit allows contractors to provide services to an Irish company.
Reactivation Employment Permit – If you previously entered Ireland with a valid work permit but fell out of the system with no fault of your own, you can apply for this type of permit.
Internship Employment Permit – Those who are studying a subject that relates to jobs under the Critical Skills Employment Permit can use this to complete work experience.
Sports and Cultural Employment Permit – Those sports persons or cultural professionals can use this permit to take part in sporting and cultural activities in Ireland – as long as they have the relevant skills and qualifications.

Ireland Investor Visa

If you want to move to Ireland permanently, there are a few other routes you can take other than getting an Irish visa for US citizens. This includes the Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme, which allows individuals who invest a minimum of €1 million to relocate for up to five years.

There’s also a Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme which allows entrepreneurs from other countries to set up a business in Ireland. However, you need evidence that you have an innovative business idea, as well as at least €50,000 in funding. Business ideas relating to retail, catering and personal services aren’t eligible.

How to Apply for an Irish Visa or Work Permit

If you want to apply for an Irish visa from the US, typically, you’ll need to prove that you have a job offer or employment contract in Ireland. Once you have this, you can then fill the appropriate form out online and apply for an Irish work visa for US citizens.

Alternatively, you can visit the US Embassy for a Ireland Visa Appointment. You’ll need to provide a few unique documents, which will depend on the employment permit you’re applying for. The following documents are required for all work permit applications:

Signature
Passport-sized coloured photo
A copy of your passport
Copies of certified qualifications
Proof of your address such as a copy of your utility bills

How Can McGinley Solicitors LLP Help Me Apply for an Irish Visa as a US Citizen?

For the past 30 years, we’ve helped individuals with a range of legal services, including Irish citizenship, work permits, Ireland visas for US citizens, permission to remain and Investor Programmes – and you could be next. With offices in Donegal and Dublin, yet with a national presence, we’re the best team to turn to if you’re thinking about moving to Ireland.

Our expertise in immigration law and our friendly and professional approach means you can rest assured that we’ll take care of everything. We’re proud to support every single person – whatever their background and legal case – so if you’re looking for any help today, why not contact McGinley Solicitors LLP?

Irish Visa FAQs

What happens if you’re allowed or not allowed to enter Ireland?

Upon approval, you’ll be given Permission Stamp 1, which permits you to work in Ireland. This will also detail the duration of your contract and any conditions.

If you’re not allowed to enter Ireland, you’ll be told exactly why. You’re free to appeal this, but you must return to your country of origin until your application has been accepted. If you find yourself in this situation, we’re more than happy to help with Irish visas for US citizens.

Can I immigrate to Ireland through another route?

There are few other routes into Ireland, and this includes if you’re an Irish Citizen by birth or descent. The former states that if you were born in Ireland or have Irish ancestry, you could be eligible for citizenship even if you don’t live in Ireland.

If one of your parents was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth, and you were born outside Ireland, you could qualify for citizenship. You would still be eligible if your Irish citizenship parent died before you were born. If you’re moving to Ireland and you’re a spouse, partner or dependent of an Irish citizen, you might not need to apply for an Ireland work visa for US citizens either.