Overview

Considering applying for a job in UCC?

If you want to work in UCC and are not an EEA, Swiss or UK national you will need to have permission to legally work in Ireland.

Please note that candidates who do not currently have permission to work in Ireland, for the duration of the position as advertised, must be eligible for an employment permit.

We welcome applications from individuals who meet the criteria for a General or Critical Skills Employment Permit, provided the role is not listed among Ireland’s ineligible occupations.

If selected, the successful candidate must secure the appropriate permit before commencing employment. Our team will support the process where this is possible, but applicants should ensure they meet the necessary qualifications, salary thresholds, and permit requirements as outlined by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Please contact recruitment@ucc.ie if you have any queries in relation to a specific post that has been advertised and its eligibility for a work permit.

Please be advised that you should only apply for a position if you have permission to legally work in Ireland for the duration of the position as advertised, or must be eligible for an employment permit

IMPORTANT: Please remember that in Ireland, work permits and entry visas are separate and are handled by separate authorities. 

All staff needing a visa can find information on the Visa section. You must apply for your own visa.

For information on immigration procedures once you arrive in Ireland please refer to our Post Arrival section.

Application Guide

Step by Step Guide to Applying for a Work Permit in UCC

1. The job must be eligible for a permit (i.e not on the ineligible Occupations list and the contract duration meets the requirements for work permit)
2. Secure a formal job offer from UCC
3. Confirm type of work permit that will be applied for
4. Candidate will prepare required documents:

• Copy of passport
• Signed contract
• Proof of qualifications

5. Candidate will create a personal profile on the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS). This profile allows applicants to manage their application, upload required documents, track progress, and receive updates directly.
6. UCC will then initiate the permit application through EPOS and link the application to the candidate profile
7. UCC will pay the required application fee
8. Processing times vary and can take up to 4-8weeks depending on volume. This needs to be considered when agreeing a start date for the contract.
9. Visa application (if required) is the responsibility of the candidate. If you are from a visa-required country, you need to apply for a visa after receiving your permit. Please be advised that obtaining a visa and the time taken should also be considered when agreeing a start date.
10. You will need your visa (if required) and your work permit to enter Ireland.
11. On arrival you will need to register with Irish Immigration (GNIB/ISD) within 90 days of arrival. An Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card is a registration certificate that proves your legal permission to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days. You will need to present this card to the People and Culture Department on receipt, and this will be saved to your personnel file.

Please be advised that the P&C Department should at all times have your most recent IRP card on file

On signing your contract with UCC you acknowledge and agree that your employment with UCC is subject to and conditional upon you being, at all times, eligible to work in Ireland. 

UCC will require sight of your original employment permit/permission to work and will retain a copy of this for the purposes of proving compliance with its legal obligations as an employer.

You undertake that you will ensure to renew the said employment permit/permission to work, as required, and further to inform UCC immediately if you lose your entitlement to work in Ireland for any reason. 

The Recruitment team will advise on eligibility for work permits at advertising/recruitment stage of the process recruitment@ucc.ie and the Contracts team will provide support and guidance throughout the work permit application process contracts@ucc.ie  

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