BUNAC

Work in Ireland eligibility

You must be a US citizen or permanent resident of the USA aged at least 18*

and,

A full-time student (at least eight credits) at an accredited US university/college or a recent graduate (within one semester).

Please note that if you are submitting student status for:

  • Fall 2007 semester, you must enter Ireland by 30th June 2008;
  • For Spring 2008 semester, you have until December 31, 2008 to enter Ireland. USIT does not recommend arriving in Ireland during December and January as it can be difficult to find work during these months.

Costs

The Work in Ireland program fee is $400 plus insurance. This covers administration and support in America and Ireland, overnight courier fees, program handbook, Lonely Planet guidebook and the first night's accommodation in Dublin with breakfast and orientation. Applicants in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico need to send an additional $10 for extra courier charges.

It could be some time after arrival before you receive your first paycheck so it is vital that you arrive in Ireland with sufficient funds in-hand to pay for accommodation, food, travel and other expenses during these initial weeks.

All participants are required to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau in Dublin within a month of arrival. The registration fee is currently 100 Euros. At the time of registration you will receive your work authorization.

BUNAC recommends that participants have at least 1000 Euros available to them to ensure an anxiety-free start to the program. You should also be aware that when you first move into your permanent accommodation you will probably have to pay two month's rent (one month in advance and one month as security deposit).

Ireland/Britain combo package

With this option participants can combine four months in Ireland with the additional six months available through BUNAC's Work in Britain program to work and travel in the UK . In order to qualify for the discount price, participants must take part on Work in Ireland first and then arrange their trip so that they are able to enter both countries while eligible to do so.

Eligibility for Work in Ireland and Work in Britain is essentially the same so someone planning to do the combo package must be sure to allow the time to enter Britain while their work authorization (the Blue Card) is still valid. In order to take full advantage of the Work in Ireland program, you would have to enter Ireland no later than 1st September 2008.

The standard fee for Work in Britain is $290. The special discount fee for Ireland/Britain combined is $590 – an overall savings of $100. You must indicate on the Application Form that you are applying for both programs in order to qualify for the discount. A money order for $590 payable to BUNAC USA should be included with your applications.