In This Section

Introduction
Eligibility
Application
Next steps

Frequently asked questions
Other documents
Contact us

Introduction

Applications for the Atypical Working Scheme must be submitted using the new Immigration Online Portal. Emailed or posted application forms and Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) are not accepted. If you email or post an application, it will not be processed. Your application will be returned to you and you will be advised to use the online application system.

As part of the online application system you, or your authorised representative, will be able to:

  • Complete the application form online

  • Upload your supporting documents

  • Pay the €250 non-refundable application fee online

  • Receive email updates when your application and fee has been received. You will also be able to find out if we need further information from you and when a decision will be made on your application.

Eligibility

General Eligibility

The Atypical Working Scheme applies to non-EEA Nationals, who in certain circumstances are required by an organisation or company based in the State to undertake work:

  • Where a skill shortage has been identified

  • To provide a specialised or high skill to an industry, business or academic institution for a short period

  • To facilitate a paid internship where the internship is either beneficial or integral (necessary for graduation) to the course being studied in respect of 3rd level students studying outside the state in approved or accredited institutions (medical and unpaid internships are not permissible)

  • As a locum doctor employed and paid by an agency – hospital sector or primary care sector (general practice)

  • Clinical adaptation and assessment programme or RCSI examination.

Not Eligible

You are not eligible to apply for an AWS permission if:

  • You are already in the State

  • Your proposed employment in the State is included on the list of Ineligible Categories of Employment for Employment Permits administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

  • You are entering the State for employment purposes of 14 calendar days or less

  • You are entering the State for business purposes (to attend a meeting, seminar, conference or for a sales trip and so on)

  • You are eligible to avail of permission under the Van Der Elst Judgment (information on this can be found here)

  • You can avail of the Highly Skilled Job interview Authorisation initiative

  • You are in possession of an Employment Permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, are eligible to be granted an Employment Permit, or are waiting for an Employment Permit to be granted to you

  • You are in possession of an Intra Company Transfer Employment Permit in another jurisdiction

  • Your employment would impact on the 50/50 rule of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment regarding employment of EEA and non-EEA nationals in an Irish based organisation (please refer to Section 12 of the Employment permits (Amendment) Act 2014 for further information).

Application

Before you apply

Online Application

After you have registered for your account, follow the steps below to submit an Atypical Working Scheme online application form:

  • Log into your Immigration Online account

  • Select Applications for permission to enter the State

  • Select Atypical application

  • Select Begin Application

  • Select the Atypical category you are applying for, for example Nurse

  • Complete all sections of the form

  • Upload your required documents (further information below)

  • Pay the fee

  • Select Submit.

Required Documents

You will be asked to upload a number of documents with your online application. These documents must be:

  • Ink signed, where applicable (physically signed and dated with a pen). Digitally signed or dated documents will not be accepted

  • Scanned and readable

  • In PDF, PNG and JPEG format only

  • Multi-page documents must be provided as a single file.

The documents you need to provide depend on the Atypical category and its conditions. Please see our required documents reference guide for details of what documents are required for each category.

Note: Please ensure you upload all of the required documents for your Atypical category when submitting your application; you will not be able to upload documents at a later stage until we get to your application and request further information. This may delay the processing time of your application.

Important

Please ensure that you:

  • Upload all your required documents correctly

  • Follow any payment instructions that appear on screen

  • Keep a copy of the application acknowledgement email that we send you.

Next steps

Processing times

Current processing times are a minimum of 20 working days. As part of this application process:

  • Applications received before 3pm on the day you submit your application, are counted as a “working day”

  • You will receive an email from us acknowledging that we have received your online application

  • You will receive an email from us when we make a decision on your application or if we require further information from you.

If your application is successful

  • You will be notified a decision has been made on your application by email. The actual decision letter will then follow separately

  • You must apply for an Irish visa, if you need one. Follow the link to check if you need a visa

  • You must enter the State within 90 days. If you do not enter the State within 90 days you must make a new online application and pay the fee again.

If your application is not successful

  • You will be notified a decision has been made on your application by email. The actual decision letter will then follow separately

  • If your application has not been successful, you will receive a letter from the Atypical Working Scheme Unit outlining the reasons why your application was not approved. If your circumstances change and you believe that you are now eligible for the Scheme, you may submit another application. Please note that the application fee is not refundable in the case of an unsuccessful application.

Frequently asked questions

Please check your spam folder for the email. If you have checked your spam folder but have not received an email from us, please wait 7 working days for us to contact you. If you have not heard from us by then, please contact us at [email protected]. If you contact us by email, please include ‘online form – issue’ in the subject line of your email.

No. You must upload all of the required documents for your Atypical category when you are submitting your online application. If you don’t you must wait until you receive a request for further information from us asking you to upload the missing documentation. Please ensure you read the documents guide before submitting your application as this may delay the processing of your application.

The non-refundable fee is €250 and this is payable when submitting the application form. We accept debit and credit cards from most major providers. We do not accept payments from American Express cards. Payments are charged to your card in your card currency.

Other documents

Contact us

If you have any questions about the operation or the requirements of the Atypical Working Scheme, please feel free to contact us. Please note that this office does not respond to requests for information about the status of any application.

All other queries should be directed to [email protected]

The Atypical Working Scheme Unit does not provide advice by telephone. Please note that no correspondence should be directed to individual staff members. All correspondence should be directed to the email addresses above.

This page was last updated on July 25, 2024