Meeting a work permit consultant for the first time is a crucial step toward securing your right to work and live in Ireland legally. Preparation is key. By arriving with the right documents, clear goals, and an understanding of your situation, you can make the consultation faster, more productive, and more cost-effective. Abbey Blue Legal Ltd — Ireland’s trusted work permit and immigration experts — helps individuals and employers navigate every stage of the process with clarity and confidence.
Why Preparation Matters Before Your Consultation
Whether you’re applying for your first Irish work permit, renewing an existing one, or exploring your eligibility for a new job offer, your first meeting with a consultant can determine how smoothly the process goes. Work permit consultants are there to assess your situation, ensure compliance with Irish immigration law, and guide you toward the best permit option — but they rely on accurate information and documentation from you.
When you arrive prepared, your consultant can quickly identify the best strategy, minimise errors, and potentially speed up your approval. If you come unprepared, it could delay your application, cost you additional consultations, or even lead to mistakes in your submission.
At Abbey Blue Legal Ltd, we ensure our clients make the most of their first meeting by providing a structured consultation process designed to save time and reduce uncertainty.
Understand the Basics Before the Meeting
Before you book or attend your consultation, it helps to have a foundational understanding of how work permits in Ireland operate. This ensures you can discuss your situation clearly and ask the right questions.
Here are key resources to review beforehand:
- Types of Work Permits: Learn about the main categories such as General Employment, Critical Skills, and Intra-Company Transfer permits.
- Eligibility Requirements: Review whether you meet the salary, skills, and job offer criteria required for each permit type.
- Application Steps: Familiarise yourself with how applications are submitted through the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) and what timelines to expect.
Having this baseline knowledge means your meeting can focus on your individual case rather than general explanations, helping you get actionable advice immediately.
The Complete Pre-Meeting Checklist
To make your first meeting efficient and productive, ensure you gather the following documents and information in advance.
1. Identification and Personal Information
Your consultant needs to verify your identity and background to determine eligibility and compliance with immigration regulations. Bring:
- A valid passport (including all visa pages)
- Copies of previous Irish or UK visas or residence permissions, if applicable
- A national ID card or birth certificate (as secondary identification)
- Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
If you are already living in Ireland, also bring your Immigration Residence Permission (IRP) card or any relevant visa documentation.
2. Employment Offer and Job Details
Your job offer is the cornerstone of your work permit application. Consultants will assess whether it meets Ireland’s work permit requirements. Prepare the following:
- Job offer letter or contract of employment – must include job title, salary, hours, and location
- Detailed job description – outlines your duties, responsibilities, and skills required
- Start date and employment duration – to confirm the timeline for application submission
- Recruitment details – if applicable, evidence that the position was advertised (especially for General Employment Permits)
Having all job details at hand helps the consultant determine which type of permit fits your circumstances and whether the role qualifies for a work permit under Irish law.
3. Qualifications and Work Experience
Your qualifications and previous experience will help verify that you meet eligibility criteria for your chosen permit type. Gather:
- Educational certificates or diplomas (and translations if not in English)
- Professional licences or registrations, particularly for regulated professions (e.g. medical, engineering, IT)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your employment history, job titles, and key achievements
- Letters of reference from previous employers confirming job titles and dates
This information allows the consultant to map your experience to the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and assess if your credentials meet the required standards.
4. Employer Information
Your employer’s compliance is as important as your eligibility. Irish immigration authorities verify whether your employer is legitimate, registered, and tax compliant. Prepare to provide:
- Employer’s registered business name and address
- Company registration number and tax information
- Contact details of your HR department or manager
- Company overview or website (if available)
The consultant may also confirm that your employer is not on the list of ineligible companies and that they are authorised to hire non-EEA workers.
5. Salary and Financial Information
Work permits in Ireland are tied to salary thresholds. For instance, Critical Skills Employment Permits generally require a minimum annual salary of €38,000–€64,000 depending on the occupation. Having this information ready helps the consultant confirm compliance with current regulations. Bring:
- Proposed salary details or payslips (if already employed)
- Written employment offer specifying remuneration
- Evidence of previous income, where relevant
This ensures your consultant can quickly verify your financial eligibility before proceeding to the application stage.
6. Immigration or Residency History
If you’ve lived, worked, or studied in Ireland before, this information can influence your permit strategy. Provide details of:
- Any previous work permits or visas issued by Ireland or another EU country
- Immigration stamps or letters from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS)
- Periods of residence inside or outside Ireland
These details can affect whether you are eligible for renewal, reactivation, or a fresh permit application.
7. Your Questions and Goals
The consultation isn’t just for paperwork; it’s your chance to seek clarity. List your key questions in advance, such as:
- Which permit type best fits my job and qualifications?
- What are the timelines for application approval?
- What are my chances of success under current immigration policy?
- Will my family members be eligible for dependent visas?
- How soon can I apply for a renewal or transition to Stamp 4 status?
Knowing what you want from the meeting ensures your consultant can tailor their advice to your personal and professional goals.
What to Expect During the Meeting
A well-structured consultation typically follows a set process to ensure every detail is covered. Here’s what happens during your meeting with a work permit consultant:
- Initial review of your documentation – verifying your ID, job details, and qualifications.
- Eligibility assessment – confirming which permit options fit your background.
- Clarification questions – the consultant may ask for additional details about your role, salary, or employer.
- Permit recommendation – identifying the most suitable work permit type and strategy.
- Explanation of costs and timelines – including government fees and expected processing time.
- Next steps – outlining what you need to do before application submission.
At Abbey Blue Legal Ltd, every meeting concludes with a clear summary of your next actions and a follow-up plan to ensure your application progresses without delay.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make
Many first-time applicants unknowingly make errors that can delay their application or even lead to rejection. Here are some of the most common mistakes — and how to avoid them:
- Incomplete documentation: Missing payslips or employer letters can halt your application.
- Incorrect permit choice: Applying for the wrong category can result in immediate refusal.
- Late submission: Waiting until your current permission expires complicates renewal.
- Unverified qualifications: Failing to have your credentials recognised can delay eligibility checks.
- Miscommunication with employers: Ensure your employer understands their obligations in the process.
By preparing in advance and seeking professional advice, you can prevent these issues from arising.
After the Meeting: What to Do Next
Following your first meeting, take these steps to stay on track:
- Review your consultant’s notes and recommendations carefully.
- Collect any remaining documents they identified as missing.
- Confirm deadlines for submission and follow-up meetings.
- Stay in contact with your consultant to provide updates or new information.
- Begin the application process once your documentation and eligibility are confirmed.
Abbey Blue Legal Ltd remains available throughout this process, providing document review, submission support, and real-time updates on your application progress.
Why Choose Abbey Blue Legal Ltd
Abbey Blue Legal Ltd is one of Ireland’s leading work permit and immigration consultancy firms. We specialise in guiding individuals and employers through every aspect of Ireland’s work permit system — from initial consultations to renewals, extensions, and compliance.
Our consultants provide:
- Personalised eligibility assessments
- Step-by-step application support
- Document preparation and review
- Employer compliance guidance
- Ongoing immigration advice and renewal tracking
Conclusion
Your first meeting with a work permit consultant is your opportunity to build a clear and confident path towards working legally in Ireland. With preparation, transparency, and professional guidance, you can avoid common pitfalls and secure the right permit for your circumstances.
At Abbey Blue Legal Ltd, we make the process straightforward, transparent, and stress-free. Our experts are ready to help you understand your options, prepare the correct documentation, and submit your application successfully.
To book your consultation, visit our contact page or call 053 900 6682.
