General Information

General Information

Non EU/EEA nationals require permission to work and study in Ireland. Additionally, some non EU/EEA nationals require an entry visa  to enter the country.

A visa is a form of pre-entry clearance which allows for travel to Ireland. It does not guarantee permission to enter Ireland. Permission to enter Ireland is granted by an Immigration Officer at the port of entry.

However, non-eu researchers applying for research positions in accredited research organisations can use a fast-track work permit (Hosting Agreement) scheme. This allows the host research organisation to employ the researcher without the need for a work permit.

Additionally, this scheme allows the researcher’s immediate family to reside in Ireland for the duration of the agreement and work  without any permission to work. 

A preclearance policy has been introduced for the non-EEA de facto partners of Hosting Agreement holders. All de facto partners of Hosting Agreement holders will be required to seek permission to reside in Ireland prior to their arrival in the State. The new procedure will reduce processing times and provide clarity for these family members.

All universities, Institutes of technology (IoT) and a number of research-active organisations are accredited for the Fast Track Work Permit for Non EU R&D Personnel (Hosting Agreement) scheme.

For Non-EU researchers coming to work in UCC this is what you need to do:

1. Please compete this form Hosting Agreement Form and return as a word document

2. Email signed and completed form to HR Research Staff named below.

HR Research contacts:

Niamh Buckley niamh.buckley@ucc.ie

Orla Sharpe OSharpe@ucc.ie 

Mary Kate O'Regan marykate.oregan@ucc.ie 

Please note:

For more detailed information on visas and immigration arrangements for researchers on Fast Track Work Permits for R&D (Hosting Agreement scheme), please visit INIS (Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service)

For more information on Immigration please see this link https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-visit-ireland/visit-ireland-travel-path/