Exchange Agreement Employment Permit

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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What type of worker, employment situation, occupation or professional activity is this pathway actually designed for?

The permit is for foreign nationals employed under prescribed exchange or international agreements to which Ireland is party: AIESEC, IAESTE, the Fulbright Programme, the St Joseph's University–UCC/Bord Bia exchange and the Vulcanus in Europe Programme.

See recorded sources

https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/exchange-agreement-employment-permit/
Exchange Agreement Employment Permits are designed to facilitate the employment in the State of foreign nationals pursuant to prescribed agreements or other international agreements to which the State is a party.
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/exchange-agreement-employment-permit/
The current agreements for which Exchange Agreement Employment Permits are eligible are: AIESEC
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/exchange-agreement-employment-permit/
The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE)
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/exchange-agreement-employment-permit/
The Fulbright Programme
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/exchange-agreement-employment-permit/
Exchange between St Joseph’s University, Philadelphia and University College Cork in conjunction with Bord Bia
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/exchange-agreement-employment-permit/
Vulcanus In Europe Programme (Ireland)

Does the applicant need a job offer, employer, sponsor, transfer relationship or other employer involvement? What is important about that employer relationship?

The permit requires an employer in Ireland that employs and pays the worker directly, and the application must be supported by a letter from the exchange organisation. Either the worker or the employer may apply, and at least 50% of the employer’s staff must be EEA nationals.

See recorded sources

https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/exchange-agreement-employment-permit/
The exchange or international agreement applies to the foreign national concerned and the application is supported by a letter from the exchange organisation.
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/exchange-agreement-employment-permit/
That an employer – employee relationship will exist in that the prospective employee concerned will be employed, salaried and paid directly by the employer.
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/exchange-agreement-employment-permit/
Either the foreign national or the employer may apply for an Exchange Agreement Employment Permit
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/exchange-agreement-employment-permit/
An employment permit will not issue unless at the time of application 50% or more of the employees in a firm are EEA nationals.

What are the few decisive professional characteristics of the pathway: occupation, qualifications, experience, salary, skill level, shortage status, labour-market condition or equivalent?

Pay must be at the National Minimum Wage or higher, the worker must have relevant qualifications, skills, knowledge or experience, and the exchange agreement must apply to the person; no Labour Market Needs Test is required.

See recorded sources

https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/exchange-agreement-employment-permit/
The remuneration offered is the National Minimum Wage or higher.
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/exchange-agreement-employment-permit/
They possess the relevant qualifications, skills, knowledge or experience for the occupation.
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/exchange-agreement-employment-permit/
A Labour Market Needs Test is not required for an Exchange Agreement Employment Permit.

What work does the permission allow? Is the holder tied to an employer, occupation or sector? Can family accompany where clearly established?

The permit allows employment only with the named employer in the occupation and location on the permit; a new permit for a different employer is not considered within 12 months, but the holder may apply for a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit during that period. The official source does not state whether family members may accompany the holder.

See recorded sources

Limits of the record

Source is silent on family accompaniment.

https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/exchange-agreement-employment-permit/
which permits his or her employment in the State by the employer in the occupation and location specified on the permit.
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/exchange-agreement-employment-permit/
a new employment permit (for a different employer) cannot be considered if fewer than 12 months have elapsed
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/exchange-agreement-employment-permit/
However, the Department will permit an Exchange Employment Permit holder to apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit or General Employment Permit during that 12-month period.

How long is the permission normally granted for, how is it renewed, and what longer-term residence direction exists if officially stated?

Permits are issued for periods of up to 2 years depending on the agreement; for example, AIESEC and IAESTE permits are limited to 12 months and are non-renewable. Holders do not accrue long-term residency rights.

See recorded sources

Limits of the record

Duration/renewability per agreement is only partly stated (not stated for Vulcanus).

https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/exchange-agreement-employment-permit/
Exchange Agreement Employment Permits may be issued for differing periods up to a maximum of two years, depending on the type of exchange agreement.
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/exchange-agreement-employment-permit/
Employment Permits under this agreement may only be considered for a maximum period of 12 months and are non-renewable.
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/exchange-agreement-employment-permit/
Employment Permits under this agreement can only be considered for a maximum period of 12 months and are non-renewable.
https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/exchange-agreement-employment-permit/
Holders of Exchange Agreement Employment Permits do not accrue rights for long term residency purposes

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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Exchange Agreement Employment Permit

What type of worker, employment situation, occupation or professional activity is this pathway actually designed for?

Does the applicant need a job offer, employer, sponsor, transfer relationship or other employer involvement? What is important about that employer relationship?

What are the few decisive professional characteristics of the pathway: occupation, qualifications, experience, salary, skill level, shortage status, labour-market condition or equivalent?

What work does the permission allow? Is the holder tied to an employer, occupation or sector? Can family accompany where clearly established?

How long is the permission normally granted for, how is it renewed, and what longer-term residence direction exists if officially stated?

Your story.Your next step.

Your story.
Your next step.