Researchers

A scheme for the admission of non-EEA Researchers has now been established.

Full details of the scheme are available on the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment website which is available by following this link. http://www.entemp.ie/science/technology/accreditation.htm

Immigration arrangements for non-EEA nationals to whom the scheme applies and who are coming to Ireland are set out below.

Entry Process

Classes of persons which do not appear in Schedule 1 of the latest Visas Order S.I. No. 657 of 2006 - Immigration Act 2004 (Visas) (No. 2) Order 2006 (Size 16KB) as being exempt from the Irish visa requirement must apply for an Irish visa prior to entry to the State.  The researcher must attach a copy of their contract to their visa application together with supporting documents so as to satisfy the visa officer that they are coming to Ireland to take up a position as a researcher.

If there is no Embassy or Consular Office in the relevant country then the information should be sent to:

Visa Section
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
13/14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2.

Details regarding visa information/requirements can be found at:- http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Irish Visa Information

For researchers who are not visa-required, the first contact they will have with the Irish immigration system is when they present themselves at the port of entry seeking permission to enter the State.  It  is a matter for the immigration officer to decide whether the person concerned should be admitted to the State   The researcher must be in possession of their original contract to show to an immigration officer at the point of entry. Permission to enter the State will be given if the immigration officer is satisfied and accepts the bona fides of the contract  (unless there are other grounds for refusal under the Immigration legislation).

The researcher will be required to register with their local registration office.  If living in the Dublin area he/she will need to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau 13/14 Burgh Quay Dublin 2.  If living outside the Dublin area he/she should report to their local registration office. Registration must take place within the period specified by the immigration officer at the port of entry.

Registration

In order to register the researcher must show the registration officer an original copy of their Research contract.     They will receive a Stamp 1 Certificate of Registration.

Family Members

Family members (i.e spouse and dependants) may accompany or join a researcher to Ireland  subject to normal immigration rules.  For visa required nationals please click on  http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Irish Visa Information   for Visa application details.

For family members (i.e. spouse and dependants) who are in one of the classes of persons exempt from Irish visa requirements the first contact they will have with the Irish immigration system is when they present themselves at the port of entry seeking permission to enter the State.  The spouse and dependants must have all relevant documentations with them to satisfy the immigration officer at the point of entry to the State.  Documentary evidence should consist of Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate in respect of dependant(s),  copy of the researcher's contract if not accompanied by the researcher.

Permission to enter the State will continue to be a matter for the immigration authorities at the port of entry.  (Section 4 of the Immigration Act 2004 applies).  Family members and dependants who are granted permission to be in the State under these arrangements may only remain for a maximum period equal to the Registration of the researcher. 

Persons already in the State as researchers and who comply with the Researcher Scheme should contact their local registration office.