The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service has announced that the new estimated processing time for Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) applications is a minimum of 20 business days, instead of the previous estimated processing time of one to two weeks. This change was made due to a significant increase in AWS applications. This is an estimated time only, and while some application may be processed faster, there is a chance they could also take longer.
Background
The AWS is a work authorization category designed for short-term stays of up to 90 consecutive calendar days, calculated from the foreign national’s date of entry into Ireland. AWS permission cannot be extended, and can be obtained only once every 12 months.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
The change in the estimated processing time will impact both visa-exempt nationals and visa nationals entering Ireland. It will not impact visa application processing since AWS processing occurs before a visa application is submitted.
Employers and foreign nationals should allow for additional time when planning assignments in Ireland under the Atypical Working Scheme.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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