Student Information and Services: Pre-departure Information - Part-time Work

Part-time Work

New legislation came into effect on the 1^st April 2011.  The most relevant details are outlined below.  For the most up to date  information you may wish to consult the following websites: www.citizensinfomation.ie  or www.inis.gov.ie

Working while Studying

Since April 2001 non-EEA nationals with permission to remain in the State as students, on immigration Stamp 2 permission and enrolled on courses with education providers listed on the Internationalisation Register, have been afforded the opportunity to work. (Details of the Internationalisation Register are available at http://www.nqai.ie/internationalisation.html).

This allows non-EEA Students to take up casual employment to supplement their income while studying in Ireland. During term time non-EEA Students can work up to 20 hours per week and during normal college holiday periods non-EEA Students can work on a full time basis up to 40 hours per week.

This has been and continues to be a valuable concession to students especially in the current more difficult economic climate. For 2011 non-EEA students will be permitted to take up employment in accordance with the rules set out below.

However, all non-EEA Students should be aware that the student work concession is being reviewed in 2011 and this may result in changes to this concession.

Note: Students attending courses not on the Internationalisation Register are not permitted to work and are registered with Stamp 2A permission.

Can I work while I am studying in Ireland?

It is permissible for Degree Programme students to engage in casual employment where they are

• Registered with Stamp 2 permission,
• Enrolled on a course listed on the Internationalisation Register,
• Attending a full time course of education at or above NFQ Level 7,
• Undertaking a full time course for a minimum of 25 weeks per annum,
• On a course of at least one year’s duration,
• Pursuing a course leading to a qualifications recognised by the Minister for Education and Skills.

Students will also be required to comply with the Universal Social Contribution, Pay Related Social Insurance, employment laws and taxation requirements

Casual employment is defined as up to a maximum of 20 hours part-time work per week during the academic semester, or full time work (up to 40 hours per week) during normal college holiday periods.

Can I work for more than 20 hours per week during term time?

No. This will breach the conditions attached to your permission. Any breach of the conditions attached to permission to remain in Ireland as a student will be taken very seriously by the immigration authorities. In the event that a student breaches the conditions of their student permission your permission to be in the State as a student may be withdrawn. Such students will be considered illegal in the State and may be required to leave the State.

Can I conduct business or be self-employed?

No. This will breach the conditions attached to your permission.

Can I work full-time in a permanent job while I am studying?

No. This will breach the conditions attached to your permission.

I have to do an internship as part of my course of study – is this allowed under the immigration rules?

Yes. Students enrolled on courses on the Degree Programme (major awards at NFQ Level 7 or equivalent and above – see Appendix 1) are allowed to undertake an internship where this forms part of their course. This is subject to the following rules.

• The internship or work placement component of the course cannot exceed 50% of the duration of the course e.g. a 4 year course would permit 2 years of work placement. In addition the employment cannot be in a self employed capacity.
• Work placements as part of an academic programme must form an integral part of the course and their completion contribute to the final award.
• Educational establishments must also ensure that the placements are appropriate to the nature and level of the academic programme being pursued

(Sourced at www.inis.gov.ie under New Immigration regime for Full Time Non-EEA Students accessed on 12 April at: Click here 

PPS no.

In order to take up casual employment you require a personal public service number (PPS no.).   In essence it is a taxation number.  PPS nos. are issued by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs located on Havover Street, Cork.

You need to present:

• Passport
• Proof of Address
• Immigration card
• Student ID card, may all be requested.

Applications may take up to two weeks to process.

How do I get a part-time job?

Part-time jobs are in short supply.    Those, fortunate, enough to have part-time work recognise this coveted position and consequently there is very little turnover of staff.  It appears Employers no longer need to advertise vacancies as they can fill posts through word of mouth, personal recommendations or speculative applications. 

The Students’ Union do operate a jobs service through their website but in recent time it has become more career focused as the part time options have declined.  Check out jobs under Service at http://www.collegeroad.ie/suwelfare

Other sources include the notice board in the Student Centre, in newspapers, in shop windows and by word of mouth.  You may also approach managers directly and ask if they have any vacancies for part-time workers. 

In the event that you do find a part-time position you will face steep completion.  You will most likely be required to complete an application form or to submit a curriculum vitae/resume. You will probably be interviewed for the post.  If you are successful it is not uncommon to have a probationary period before becoming a permanent part-time employee.

Ireland’s National minimum wage

Since 1 February 2011 the national minimum wage for an experienced adult employee is €7.65 per hour (reduced from €8.65). An experienced adult employee for the purposes of the National Minimum Wage Act is an employee who has an employment of any kind in any 2 years over the age of 18.  The national minimum wage is reviewed at regular intervals. Further information is available from http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/

Access to Employment for Non-EEA graduates from Irish Third Level Colleges – Third Level Graduate Scheme

Graduate scheme

Non-EEA students who have graduated on or after 1 January 2007 with a level 7 degree may be permitted to remain in Ireland for 6 months and those with a level 8 or higher degree may be permitted to remain for 12 months. The Third Level Graduate Scheme will allow them to find employment and apply for a work permit or Green Card permit. During this 6-month period they may work full time. They must be legally resident in Ireland and should apply for this extension of their student permission (stamp 2) to their local immigration registration office - see 'Registration and permission to remain' above.

The fee for a Green Card permit must be paid by the applicant.

 The fees for an intra-company transfer permit are as follows:

The fee for the GNIB Certificate of Registration is €150.

(Accessed on 12 April 2011Sourced at http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/migrant_workers/employment_permits/green_card_permits.html)