Ireland Seasonal Work Visa Process 2025 for Pakistanis

The Ireland Seasonal Work Visa is a temporary employment permit designed to meet labor shortages in specific sectors such as:

• Agriculture (e.g., dairy, horticulture, poultry, mushroom picking)
• Food processing (e.g., meat, fish)
• Other approved seasonal industries

This visa allows non-EU nationals including Pakistanis to legally work in Ireland for up to 6 months. It is non-renewable and does not lead to permanent residency.

📝 Step-by-Step Application Process

✅ Step 1: Understand Eligibility

To qualify, the applicant must:

• Be a Pakistani citizen aged 18 or above.
• Have no prior immigration violations in Ireland, UK, or Schengen.
• Have a valid job offer from an Irish employer in an approved seasonal occupation.
• Meet health & character requirements
• Not be currently banned from entering Ireland/Schengen Area
• Return to Pakistan after the employment term (non-renewable)

🔍 Step 2: Secure a Job Offer from an Irish Employer

Before applying for the visa, you must secure employment. Seasonal jobs are usually available in:

• Horticulture / Mushroom Farms
• Poultry / Dairy Farms
• Meat and Fish Processing Plants
• Fruit Picking or Packing Facilities
• Farming and agricultural work
• Greenhouse work

🔗 Where to Find Seasonal Jobs in Ireland:

• www.jobsireland.ie
• www.indeed.ie
• Irish recruitment agencies specializing in agri-sector jobs
• Direct contact with approved employers (must be registered with Ireland’s DETE)

📌 Important: The employer will apply for your employment permit to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).

🧾 Step 3: Employment Permit Application by the Employer

Your employer applies for the General Employment Permit – Seasonal Category on your behalf via:

🔗 https://epos.enterprise.gov.ie

Required From Employer:

• Detailed job contract
• Your passport scan
• Description of role, wages, work period
• Evidence of labor shortage justification

Employment Permit Fee:

• €500 (for permits up to 6 months)
• Paid by the employer (can vary)

🕒 Processing Time: 4–6 weeks

🛂 Step 4: Apply for Visa via Irish AVATS Portal

Once the employment permit is issued, you can apply for a Type D Work Visa online.

How to Apply:

1. Go to the official Irish visa application portal:
   🔗 https://www.visas.inis.gov.ie/
2. Complete the AVATS application form.
3. Print the form and attach your photo.
4. Book an appointment at a VFS Global Center in Pakistan.

Apply at VFS Ireland Visa Application Center in:

• Islamabad
• Lahore
• Karachi

Visit: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/pakistan/

📋 Step 5: Prepare Your Visa Application Documents

Here’s a complete checklist of documents to submit at your visa appointment:

💰 Ireland Seasonal Work Visa Fees 2025

Note: Exchange rates may vary.

📆 Processing Time

🛑 Common Visa Rejection Reasons

• Incomplete or incorrect documents
• Unverifiable job offers
• Inadequate financial proof
• Poor travel or immigration history
• Intent to overstay/not return

📍 VFS Centers in Pakistan for Ireland Visa

• Islamabad
• Lahore
• Karachi

Book appointment via:
🔗 https://visa.vfsglobal.com/pak/en/irl

🏢 Irish Embassy in Pakistan

Embassy of Ireland, Islamabad
📍 Park Rd, Chatta Bakhtawar, Islamabad
📞 +92 51 835 1730
🌐 https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/pakistan/

📌 Final Tips for Success

• Apply early — at least 2–3 months before job start.
• Never use fake documents.
• Ensure job offer is genuine and traceable.
• Present a strong return intention to immigration.

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