Author
Sometimes, employers in Ireland may request an in-person interview with a job candidate based abroad. In such cases, the government of Ireland facilitates the hiring process by allowing the candidate to come to Ireland for the interview.
Highly Skilled Job Interview Authorisation is only applicable to candidates from a non-EU/EEA country. Candidates from another EU/EEA country or Switzerland are able to come to Ireland for the interview without the need for authorisation.
Authorised candidates must be arriving as a candidate for a position for an occupation on the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations list (see below). Subject to normal immigration requirements and procedures, candidates may be granted permission to enter Ireland on a temporary basis (up to a maximum of 90 days from date of arrival).
During this period, if you are successful at interview (i.e. if you are formally offered the position you interviewed for) you may apply for an Employment Permit and await the outcome of the application. Applications should be submitted 12 weeks before the proposed start date of the employment. The processing dates for applications can be found here.
For the purpose of the Highly Skilled Job Interview Authorisation initiative, dependant family members are not permitted to accompany the interviewee, unless otherwise authorised to do so. This matter may be addressed should the interview and subsequent Employment Permit application process prove to be successful.
Job candidates intending to come to Ireland under the Highly Skilled Job Interview Authorisation initiative should note the following documentation that must be available for inspection by an Immigration Officer at the port of entry:
- Passport (must be valid for at least six months after date of arrival in Ireland).
- Persons requiring an entry visa must ensure that they are in possession of a valid visa. Visas must be obtained in advance of travel. The invitation to attend interview must be included as a supporting document when applying for a visa. Please note that the processing of a visa application may take up to eight weeks. This time element should be taken into consideration when agreeing a date for interview and travel.
- Original letter/notification of invitation to attend interview from the prospective employer based in Ireland. This letter should provide a detailed job description and contact details (name, phone number) of the prospective employer for verification purposes.
- Evidence of sufficient funding for the duration of the stay.
- Medical insurance.
