– with effect from 1 September 2016
As part of a package of reforms of the regulatory regime for international education, announced in September 2014 by the Ministers for Education & Skills and Justice & Equality, some changes have been made to the terms of the concession under which non-EEA students (holding Immigration Stamp 2) are permitted to work.
At present the work concession is operated on the basis that the student can work 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during the vacations. Since term and holiday time is set by the college this has given rise to considerable variability as to entitlements to work and is open to abuse.
From 1 September 2016 students holding a valid immigration stamp 2 permission will be permitted work 40 hours per week only during the months of June, July, August and September and from 15 December to 15 January inclusive. At all other times students holding Immigration permission Stamp 2 will be limited to working 20 hours per week.
It should be noted also that the hours specified are the maximum that a student can work in any given week and not an average over time. A student who is working for more than one employer remains subject to the overall limits (e.g. during the period when the 20 hour limit applies a student could not work 15 hours each for 2 employers).
There is an exception to the general rule where a student can work for 40 hours per week outside the specified times above. Students who obtain a minimum of an honours degree at bachelor level are entitled to receive a 12 month extension to their student permission during which they can work for 40 hours per week. For students who graduate with an ordinary level degree the period is 6 months. The student will have a stamp 2 permission but should also be able to produce a transcript of their final results from the college in support of their entitlement. Students on this scheme can work without a permit and can be employed on contract/internship/probation for this time. If the employer wishes to offer employment beyond the duration of the graduate scheme an employment permit will be necessary.
Note to employers: Employing a student beyond the hours permitted and beyond the expiry date of their student permission is an offence under the Employment Permits Acts.
Note to students: Students who contravene these employment rules may have their student permission revoked.
Restricted Activities
- Students are not permitted to work as taxi drivers either as employees or in their own right as holders of a taxi licence in their own name.
- Students may not engage in self employment.
(Some additional forms of employment may be added to the restricted list from time to time).