Step 1: Apply for a visa
Working Holiday Maker programme in Ireland
Citizens of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan may apply for a Working Holiday visa. Please note that the number of visas is limited and that there are certain periods in which the application must be made. Furthermore, applicants must have sufficient funds to support themselves at least during the initial part of their stay in Ireland.
Further information on the Working Holiday Maker programme in Ireland.
Work & Travel programme in Ireland
US citizens can enter Ireland on a Work & Travel visa. Please note that, in order to qualify for the programme, participants should either be in post-secondary education or have recently graduated (i.e. within the last 12 months). In addition, they will need to present an original bank statement showing that they have access to 1,500 € (or equivalent) plus a return ticket or 3,000 € (or equivalent). Please check the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs to find out more about the Work & Travel programme in Ireland.
Student visa
Students from outside the EU / EFTA who attend a recognised full time study course of at least one full academic year may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during the academic summer and winter holidays. However, it should be noted that most host families wish their au pairs to work 30 hours per week.
Host families and au pairs should clarify in advance how many working hours per week will be expected and what the au pair's individual work schedule will be like. A full time study course may make it difficult to coordinate the au pair working hours with the planned course of study. It should be kept in mind that the immigration officials at the point of entry always have the right to refuse entry should they believe that the student is in truth intending to work full-time.
For any further questions concerning the student visa for Ireland, kindly turn to the Irish authorities.
Step 2: Registration with the local authorities
After the arrival of an au pair from a non-EU country in Ireland, she/he must register with the local authorities.
Information on registering with the Garda National Immigration Bureau and applying for a PPS number