International Candidates
We’ve helped thousands of people, and the best compliment we get is that they keep coming back to us throughout their careers.
In order to obtain an employment permit for Ireland, all nurses must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
At NUVO, we understand that the pathway to obtaining an employment permit for Ireland can be complex, especially for non-EU nurses. Our experienced team is dedicated to simplifying this journey by providing clear guidance and comprehensive support at every stage. From understanding NMBI requirements and assisting with documentation to helping secure the necessary permits and visas, NUVO ensures a smooth, efficient process, so you can focus on your career with confidence.
Pathway for International Nurses to Work in Ireland
2 step process requiring recognition of qualification & then registration (4-13 months overall)
STEP 2
Apply for Qualification Recognition with NMBI
3 months – application is online.
STEP 3
Outcome of NMBI Recognition Process
- Qualification Recognised (proceed straight to registration, employment Permit & then Visa).
- Further info / docs required
- Recognition refused
- Compensation Measure required (most likely outcome for non-EU nurses)
STEP 4
Compensation Measures
Requirement is adaptation period at NMBI approved facility (6-12 weeks & may be extended).
General Nursing also has choice to do aptitude test.
STEP 5
Compensation Measures
Applicant must come to Ireland to either do adaptation period or aptitude test.
Route is the same for both options.
Atypical Work Scheme & Visa needed.
STEP 6
Apply for Atypical Working Scheme
Apply for AWS – min. processing time of 20 working days.
Must apply from outside of Ireland.
Requires employment contract from registered & licensed Irish healthcare facility.
STEP 7
Receive AWS Approval
AWS Letter of Approval valid for 90 days.
No work allowed – only adaptation period or test.
AWS permission is for 6 months in Ireland.
STEP 8
Apply for Long-Stay Visa
Use AWS letter to apply for Visa to enter Ireland.
Processing time is 8 weeks.
STEP 9
Visa Granted & Enter Ireland
Candidate can enter Ireland to complete test or adaptation period (& remain until NMBI registration completed & Employment Permit obtained).
STEP 10
Apply for IRP Card
Attend Irish immigration to obtain Irish Residence Permit (legal requirement).
STEP 11
Successfully Complete Compensation Measures
Receive recognition confirmation letter from NMBI.
STEP 12
Complete Registration with NMBI
Apply online (from Ireland) with recognition to complete full NMBI registration requirements.
Proof of English competency required.
STEP 13
Compensation Measures
Requirement is adaptation period at NMBI approved facility (6-12 weeks & may be extended).
General Nursing also has to do aptitude test.
STEP 14
Receive CSEP & Start Working
Once permit received, applicant can start working full-time.
STEP 15
Update Visa & Apply for IRP Card
Applicant must update Visa permission to employment Visa with Irish immigration.
Applicant must apply for / update IRP Card with immigration.
More Information
NUVO is here to guide you through every step, providing personalised support and resources to make your registration and employment process in Ireland smooth and straightforward.
Route
Non-EU nurses are classified as G3 applicants – i.e. they are not covered by the Recognition of Qualifications EU Directive. G1 and G2 applicants are EU/EEA nationals with EU/EEA qualifications who can avail of a slightly less onerous route.
NMBI Processing Times
Processing time for G3 applicants (non-EU applicants) is 3 months for recognition decision + 20 working days for registration decision = 4 monthstotal processing time (once all documents correct, certified and translated if not in English). Applications are processed in date order – no fast track available. NMBI states that average time from document submission to registration is 13 months for G3 applicants requiring compensation measures.
NMBI Fees
Recognition fee is €350.00 + €145.00 registration fee = €495.00 total. Fees not refundable if applicant fails to be recognised or registered, or doesn’t provide correct documentation
NMBI Documentation Requirements
Once applicant answers initial questions on NMBI website, it will show them the list of documents they need to submit for their application
Certified Copies: Applicant must provide certified copies of certain documents – i.e. a photocopy of the original document taken by & signed by a solicitor, notary, UK post office, Commissioner for Oaths etc. ID documents & qualifications must be certified copies.
Certified Translations: Applicant must provide certified translations (signed by qualified translator & shows all of their details) for any documents not in English.
Documents Required: Applicants will be furnished with a list of what exact documents they need to provide at each stage based on their division and route. The Applicant User Guide provides a comprehensive glossary of all possible documents required on pages 25 – 30. This guide is comprehensive and I don’t see a need to reproduce it here. All documents are attainable by applicants.
Nursing & Midwifery Divisions
Applicants must apply for recognition and registration on an individual basis for different divisions of nursing – e.g. General Nursing, Midwives, Children’s Nurses, Psychiatric Nurses, Intellectual Disability Nurses, Public Health Nurses, Nurse Tutors, Midwife Tutors, Nurse Prescribers, Midwife Prescribers, Advanced Nurse Practitioners or Advanced Midwife Practitioners divisions.
NMBI Appeals
Candidates have the right to appeal within the prescribed timeframes:
- Re. Decision re. Qualification Recognition:
a) Appeal re. decision to refuse recognition of qualifications
b) Appeal re. decision of NMBI to require a compensation measureAnd/or
- Re. Decision to Refuse Registration
Fraud & Misleading Info
They take fraudulent & misleading info very seriously and have a whole process for if this is suspected in an application, so we should be sure at the outset that our candidates are genuine (insofar as we can). Past that, we can’t do much and we wouldn’t be on the hook for it.
Visa & Work Permit Processing
Our Sister Company VisaWork offers Visa Processing Solutions for Irish Companies, removing the complexity of the Visa & Work Permit application process, with a 100% success rate. For more information please visit VisaWork.io
Stay informed
with NUVO
Stay up to date with the latest Healthcare recruitment insights, Career advice and guides, and First looks at our latest jobs or featured candidates.
Splash