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General Employment Permit Standard skilled work: Complete Guide

NBy Ms. Nahid Hussain, Director & Senior Immigration Advisor
|
Last Updated: May 2026
|Read Time: 9 mins
General Employment Permit pathway category illustration
Skilled Worker & Employment Permits Pathway

The GEP is Ireland's standard work permit, covering occupations not on the Critical Skills list. It generally requires a labour market needs test and has a lower salary threshold than the CSEP, with Stamp 4 available after five years. It is the route for many roles that fall outside the critical-skills shortage list.

Visa Highlights At-a-Glance

Below is a summary table representing standard processing times, statutory criteria, and typical point thresholds for Indian skilled candidates.

Visa MetricDetails & Requirements
Visa SubclassGeneral Employment Permit (Standard skilled work)
Avg. Processing TimeTBD Months
Government FeesINR From €36,605 (indicative - verify current)
English Language MinTBD
Points Eligibility BarMin. 0 Points
Visa ValidityTBD

Why Apply for this Visa Path?

  • Broader eligibility: covers roles not on the Critical Skills list.
  • Lower salary bar: a lower threshold than the CSEP.
  • Route to residence: leads to Stamp 4 after five years.

Detailed Entry Requirements

To apply under this Ireland visa track from India, your credentials must fulfill the following regulatory criteria:

  • 1Qualifying job offer: A job offer meeting the GEP salary threshold.
  • 2Labour market test: A labour market needs test is generally required (advertising the role first).
  • 3Qualifications: Relevant qualifications or experience for the role.

Step-by-Step Filing Workflow

Every applicant from Bangalore/India follows this standardized workflow to file their visa application securely:

1

Confirm GEP eligibility

Verify the role and salary qualify under the GEP.

2

Complete the labour market test

Ensure the employer satisfies the advertising/market-test requirement.

3

Lodge the employment permit

Submit the GEP application with supporting evidence.

4

Build toward Stamp 4

Maintain qualifying employment toward five-year residence. | Senior Consultant Pro Tip Where a role qualifies, the CSEP almost always beats the GEP on speed to residence and family rights. We check Critical Skills eligibility first and only default to the GEP when the occupation or salary doesn't fit the premium route. |

Official Authority Resources

Verify Ireland immigration rules directly from official government sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are critical questions and details regarding target timelines and scores for this visa path.

Free Visa Assessment

Check Your Ireland Visa Eligibility

Submit your details for this specific General Employment Permit visa track. Our Bangalore team (Koramangala HQ) led by Director Ms. Nahid Hussain will evaluate your credentials and reply directly on WhatsApp with your exact points audit.

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