Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020
606. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice if a person who has entered Ireland on a volunteer visa can apply for a more permanent visa while in the country in which they would be allowed to remain legally but also allowed to work in Ireland. [23885/20]
View answerAs is made clear in the information made available on this visa, any person entering the State on foot of a volunteer visa cannot thereafter apply to change their permission while they are in the State.
A new Volunteering in Ireland preclearance process for non-EEA citizens was launched in April 2018. Under the terms of the volunteering immigration permission, an individual granted such a permission can work in a volunteering role in Ireland for a period of up to 24 months, and may be eligible for a further extension of one year, to an aggregate total of 36 months.
Applications for a third year extension should be made before the volunteer worker’s current permission expires. An extension will only be allowed for volunteer service with the applicant's current sponsor and will be considered, only if the sponsor can demonstrate a genuine need for the volunteer to continue working in that role.
Volunteers are typically granted a Stamp 3 immigration permission when they register for an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card.
