Important Update for Employment Permit Holders in 2024
Starting in 2024, a new provision allows certain employment permit holders in Ireland to change employers after completing just nine months of employment. Best of all, there’s no need to apply for a new permit!
Who Can Benefit?
This update applies to holders of the General Employment Permit (GEP) and the Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP).
Key Details:
- For GEP Holders: You can switch to a new employer within the same occupation type, identified by the 4-digit SOC code on your current permit. For example, if you are a meat processing operative, you can move to another role within meat processing.
- For CSEP Holders: You have greater flexibility, allowing you to change to a different employer within a broader category of employments, as identified by the 3-digit SOC code. For example, engineers can switch between various engineering roles. This flexibility reflects the high demand for critical skills in the labor market.
- No Need for a New Permit: As long as you remain within your occupation or classification, you do not need to apply for a new permit. Your current permit must still be valid for at least two more months when applying for a change.
Conditions to Note:
- Permit holders can apply to change employers up to three times.
- A new employment contract, signed by both the new employer and the employee, must be submitted with the application.
- The new role must be started within one month after the updated permit is issued.
No Labour Market Needs Test:
Unlike new employment permit applications, changing employers under this provision does not require a labour market needs test.
How to Apply:
To apply for a change of employer, submit the completed request form—signed by both you and your prospective new employer—along with the new employment contract, to eptransfer@enterprise.gov.ie.
Note: If you wish to move to a different type of role outside the scope of your current permit, you will need to submit a new employment permit application.
This new provision offers greater freedom and flexibility, allowing you to seek better opportunities while ensuring fair terms for both employees and employers.
For more details or to apply, please visit this page.
