Can you change employer on a work permit?

Some Critical Skills Employment Permit and General Employment Permit holders can change employer after nine months in their first permitted employment in Ireland.

The change is not automatic. You must apply through Employment Permits Online, stay within the occupation limits for your permit type and receive the reissued permit before starting with the new employer.

If the new job falls outside those limits, a new employment-permit application may be required instead.

The nine-month rule

DETE expects a person on their first employment permit in Ireland to remain with the initial employer for nine months from the date they commenced that employment.

After nine months, a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit holder may use the change-of-employer process if the other conditions are met.

The nine months run from when you started the permitted employment, not simply from the permit's issue date. Keep evidence of your start date, such as the contract, employer confirmation and payslips.

There are limited situations in which DETE may consider a different application before nine months. Do not assume that dissatisfaction with the role automatically creates an exception. If safety, exploitation, redundancy or another serious issue is involved, get advice promptly.

The new job must stay within the allowed occupation

The permitted move depends on the original permit type:

• A General Employment Permit holder can move within the type of employment shown on the original permit, identified by its four-digit Standard Occupational Classification code.
• A Critical Skills Employment Permit holder can move within the broader employment category identified by its three-digit Standard Occupational Classification code.

This means a CSEP holder may have somewhat more flexibility within a related professional category. It does not mean they can move to any occupation.

Do not judge this only by job title. Compare the duties and occupation code. If the new role is outside the change-of-employer scope, DETE says a new employment-permit application is needed.

Your current permit must still have enough time left

To use the change-of-employer process, the current permit must be in force and have at least two months remaining when you apply.

Changing employer does not extend the permit. Its existing duration remains unchanged. If the permit is close to expiry, check the appropriate renewal or new-permit route rather than assuming the change process will add time.

You need an offer from the new employer

The new employer and employment must meet the applicable conditions. Before applying, obtain clear written terms covering:

• the legal employer name;
• job title and duties;
• occupation classification;
• salary and hours;
• work location; and
• proposed start date.

An employer's previous permit activity can help you research the company, but it does not prove that this vacancy supports a permit change. Permit history is company-level evidence only. The new employer must explicitly agree to participate in your specific application.

Apply before starting the new job

The request is made through Employment Permits Online. DETE may ask for documents from the permit holder and the new employer.

You must not begin working for the new employer until DETE has approved the change and reissued the employment permit. Having submitted the request, signed the new contract or completed notice with the old employer is not enough.

Once the updated permit is issued, DETE requires the employee to begin the new employment within one month.

The change-of-employer route does not require a new Labour Market Needs Test. However, all other relevant conditions still need to be met.

DETE currently limits a permit holder to three approved change-of-employer applications under this process.

Check your immigration permission as well

An employment permit and immigration permission are different. A change to the permit does not remove your responsibility to keep your Irish immigration permission valid.

Check whether you need to update any details with Immigration Service Delivery and make sure your passport and Irish Residence Permit remain valid. If you hold a permission that no longer requires an employment permit, different rules may apply.

If you are made redundant

Redundancy has a separate DETE process. Permit holders should notify DETE within four weeks of dismissal using the current redundancy notification procedure.

Do not wait until the permit is nearly expired. The rules can provide time to seek another qualifying job, but the steps depend on your permit and circumstances. Keep the redundancy letter and evidence of the termination date.

Leaving voluntarily is not the same as redundancy. If the distinction is unclear, seek employment and immigration advice before relying on the redundancy rules.

Before giving notice

Changing jobs involves immigration risk as well as normal career risk. Before resigning, confirm:

1. that nine months have passed if this is your first permitted employment;
2. that the new role is within the occupation scope allowed for your permit;
3. that the current permit has at least two months remaining at application;
4. that the new employer will provide the required information and documents;
5. that your immigration permission will remain valid; and
6. that the proposed start date allows time for DETE to reissue the permit.

Avoid agreeing to start "while the paperwork catches up". Working for an employer not covered by your permit can place both you and the employer in breach of the rules.

Common misunderstandings

"After nine months I can work for any employer"

No. You still need approval, and the new role must fit the occupation limits of the change-of-employer process.

"Changing employer gives me a new two-year permit"

No. DETE states that the duration of the existing permit remains unaffected.

"I can start when the application is submitted"

No. You must wait until the permit has been reissued for the new employer.

"The new company has sponsored before, so the change is safe"

Previous permit history does not confirm support for your vacancy or approval of the change. It is company-level evidence only.

This guide provides general information, not legal advice. Check the current DETE rules and obtain advice for your circumstances before leaving a permitted job.