The Irish government has added several occupations to the Critical Skills Occupations List for Employment Permits for workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom and Switzerland following a comprehensive review by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. These occupations include: pharmacist, cardiac physiologist, medical scientist, occupational therapists, physiotherapist, podiatrist/chiropodist, psychologist and speech language therapist. Additionally, the quota of General Employment Permits that may be issued for bricklayers and plasterers was removed. Finally, the quota of General Employment Permits that may be issued to Meat Processing Operatives has been increased by 425. These changes open the door for companies to hire more workers from outside the EEA to counteract the skills shortages and pressures on the health, construction and agri-food sectors.
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].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Chad Ellsworth discussed the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee and ongoing demand for specialized talent across the US tech industry.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Kate Hooper and Associate Naomi Nyamaah explain the importance of maintaining sponsor licences for care providers in the UK.
Media mentions
Counsel Brian Hunt outlines how the US could scan social media as part of proposed entry requirements for travellers applying through ESTA.
Video
In the Mobility Minute, Practice Leader Colm Collins outlines upcoming changes to Ireland’s employment permit qualifying criteria and the steps employers should take ahead of the 1 March 2026 implementation.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Slocombe discusses what travellers to the US under the Visa Waiver Program need to disclose and consider before travelling.
Media mentions
Counsel Brian Hunt discussed US Customs and Border Protection's proposed changes to the ESTA application process regarding social media and additional personal information.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler explains key considerations for Indian applicants under the new Gold Card program.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui outlines key legalisation requirements when the Apostille Convention does not apply or when country-specific exceptions exist.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that visitors to the US under the visa waiver program for the 2026 World Cup could face a more extensive ESTA application process.
Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and K. Edward Raleigh outline how recent US visa policy changes affect H-1B and H-4 workers and how employers are adjusting compliance and work authorization processes.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer emphasizes the importance of legal support in helping skilled professionals navigate work-based immigration to Germany.
Blog post
The UK expands its High Potential Individual (HPI) visa for 2025, broadening eligibility for global graduates and entrepreneurs while introducing new requirements and application caps
Media mentions
Partner Chad Ellsworth discussed the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee and ongoing demand for specialized talent across the US tech industry.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Kate Hooper and Associate Naomi Nyamaah explain the importance of maintaining sponsor licences for care providers in the UK.
Media mentions
Counsel Brian Hunt outlines how the US could scan social media as part of proposed entry requirements for travellers applying through ESTA.
Video
In the Mobility Minute, Practice Leader Colm Collins outlines upcoming changes to Ireland’s employment permit qualifying criteria and the steps employers should take ahead of the 1 March 2026 implementation.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Slocombe discusses what travellers to the US under the Visa Waiver Program need to disclose and consider before travelling.
Media mentions
Counsel Brian Hunt discussed US Customs and Border Protection's proposed changes to the ESTA application process regarding social media and additional personal information.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler explains key considerations for Indian applicants under the new Gold Card program.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui outlines key legalisation requirements when the Apostille Convention does not apply or when country-specific exceptions exist.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that visitors to the US under the visa waiver program for the 2026 World Cup could face a more extensive ESTA application process.
Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and K. Edward Raleigh outline how recent US visa policy changes affect H-1B and H-4 workers and how employers are adjusting compliance and work authorization processes.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer emphasizes the importance of legal support in helping skilled professionals navigate work-based immigration to Germany.
Blog post
The UK expands its High Potential Individual (HPI) visa for 2025, broadening eligibility for global graduates and entrepreneurs while introducing new requirements and application caps