Streamlined Employment Permit Application Process Introduced for Employers

 

The Trusted Partner Initiative, which should streamline the employment permit application process for employers and EEA contractors, was launched by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on May 12. Employers, including existing companies and start-ups, can fill out a free application for Trusted Partner Status, valid initially for two years.

The primary benefits of becoming a Trusted Partner include shorter employment permit application forms, the replacement of the agent’s signature for the employer’s signature, and an anticipated maximum ten business day turnaround time for employment permit applications submitted under the program (as opposed to the current 20 - 30 days).  Although this is an anticipated processing time, this may vary depending on various circumstances such as processing office capacity.

Eligibility Criteria

In order to apply for the Trusted Partner Initiative, the employer or the EEA contractor must be registered with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and the Companies Registration Office, or Registry of Friendly Societies, if applicable, and cannot have been convicted of an offence under the Employment Permits Acts 2003 -2006, or the Immigration Act 2004 within the last five years.

Application Process

Applicants must use the Department’s Trusted Partner form to provide details and must also provide documentation related to their corporate registrations. Intra-Company Transfers will also need to provide details of related foreign employers. Contract for Services Employment Permit applicants will need to provide information regarding contract service agreements with Irish entities.

The application form must be signed by the Company Secretary, the Person of Compliance, the Person of Process or the business owner.

Once Trusted Partner Status is granted, a Trusted Partner Registration Number will be allocated and should be used only by the Trusted Partner or their agent.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

Eligible employers should see faster work permit issuance with the streamlined employment permit process.

Interested employers should contact their immigration professional to discuss eligibility and application options.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].