Hi there,
I can tell you a little about the Work Authorization (WA) scheme and a lot about the regular Work Permit scheme (WP). For all formal details, go to The Dept of Enterprise, Trade & Employement
www.entemp.ie
The WA is given to specific job categories that are deemed particularly understaffed here in Ireland. They are given to Dr, nurses, engineers, town planners, IT consultants...etc. THese permits are obtained at your home country's Irish embassy & are for 2 years at a time. You can change your employer under the WA scheme provided you stay within the same sector of work (IT in Dublin, move to a position as IT in Cork). I have heard that they can be quite particular about what documents (ie University Degree, Diploma, Certificate) you need to get the IT WA. I think that is because the IT sector is so diverse and there are so many possible qualifications out there all over the world from different countries that they want specifics. Ask what exactly they want before you get into the process, is what I would recommend.
Now, the WP option: again, check out
www.entemp.ie for full details.
Only the employer applies and pays for this permit. You must find an employer first, then apply. The employer must prove that firstly, they looked within Ireland to fill the position, then the entire EU. Once no one could be found, then they can apply for a WP for you. THe employer must register the position with FAS (the Irish employment people) then wait 4 weeks, then get a letter from FAS certifying that no Irish/EU person could be found to fill the position. The employer can then go ahead and apply for a permit for you. You cannot work while the permit is being processed (8-10wks) You cannot inquire on your own behalf about where in the queue your application is, only contact is between the The Dept of Enter, Trade and Employ and your potential employer. The permit is for a max of one year and can be renewed. It costs 500.00 Euro for an annual WP. You cannot change jobs, one WP is issued per employer per employee. If you want to change jobs, you must start all over again from scratch. There are apparently new rules set up for people on current WP who want to change jobs, but I am not sure of the specifics (check the website).
Well, that's the basics, check also The Dept of Justice
www.justice.ie for citizenship details and regular immigration details.
Good luck,
Maria