Appeal Employment Permit Refusals in Ireland (2025)

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01 9081113

enquiries@expertconsultants.ie

01 9081113

enquiries@expertconsultants.ie

Receiving a refusal for your Employment Permit in Ireland can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience, especially when your future career and relocation plans are at stake. Fortunately, not all refusals are final. In many cases, you have the right to appeal the decision and provide additional information to strengthen your application.

At Expert Consultants, we help individuals and employers understand the reasons behind employment permit refusals and assist in preparing strong, well-structured appeals. Whether you’re applying for a General, Critical Skills, or other employment permit types, this guide outlines how to appeal a refusal effectively in 2025.

You can also visit our page on the Labour Market Needs Test to understand when it applies and how it affects your employment permit application.

Appeal Employment Permit Refusals

Can You make Appeal Employment Permit Refusal in Ireland?

Yes. If your employment permit application has been refused by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), you have the legal right to submit an appeal within 28 calendar days from the date the refusal letter was issued.

An appeal gives you the opportunity to:

  • Address the reasons listed for the refusal.
  • Submit new or corrected documents.
  • Clarify misunderstandings or errors.
  • Reaffirm the eligibility of both the applicant and employer.

The appeal will be reviewed by a senior official who was not involved in the original decision.

Common Reasons for Appeal Employment Permit Refusals

Understanding why your application was refused is essential before lodging an appeal. Some of the most common reasons include:

  • Missing or incomplete documentation.
  • Incorrect or expired job offer or employment contract.
  • Salary not meeting the minimum threshold for the permit type.
  • The occupation is listed on the Ineligible List of Occupations.
  • Employer not registered with Revenue or Companies Registration Office.
  • Labour Market Needs Test not completed or invalid.
  • The position offered does not meet the criteria of a genuine vacancy.
  • Applicant lacks required qualifications or work experience.
  • Inconsistencies in personal or employment details.

At Expert Consultants, we thoroughly review the refusal letter and the original application to identify weak points and determine the best strategy for appeal.

Appeal Employment Permit Refusals Process: Step-by-Step

1

Review the Appeal Employment Permit Refusals Letter

Carefully read the refusal letter to understand:

  • The specific reasons for Appeal Employment Permit Refusals.
  • Whether the appeal window is still open.
  • Which documents or evidence may be missing or unclear.

2

Gather Supporting Documents

Prepare documents that directly address the points raised in the Appeal Employment Permit Refusals. This may include:

  • Updated or corrected employment contracts.
  • Revised salary confirmation.
  • Proof of the employer’s registration.
  • Additional qualifications or work history documents.
  • Clarifying letters from the employer or academic institutions.

3

Draft the Appeal Letter

Your appeal letter should:

  • Reference the original Appeal Employment Permit Refusals application number and date.
  • Clearly respond to each reason for refusal with supporting evidence.
  • Explain why the application meets all legal criteria.
  • Remain formal, clear, and fact-based.

We help applicants draft tailored appeal submissions that directly address the issues raised and present a strong case for reconsideration.

5

Wait for a Decision

  • Appeal Employment Permit Refusals are reviewed by a different decision-maker within DETE and typically take 4 to 8 weeks to process, depending on case complexity and workload.

4

Submit the Appeal

  • Submit the appeal through the DETE Online Account or by email as directed in the Appeal Employment Permit Refusals letter. You must submit it within 28 days, or the appeal may be rejected on procedural grounds.

There is no fee to submit an appeal.

1

Review the Refusal Letter

Carefully read the refusal letter to understand:

  • The specific reasons for refusal.
  • Whether the appeal window is still open.
  • Which documents or evidence may be missing or unclear.

2

Gather Supporting Documents

Prepare documents that directly address the points raised in the Appeal Employment Permit Refusals. This may include:

  • Updated or corrected employment contracts.
  • Revised salary confirmation.
  • Proof of the employer’s registration.
  • Additional qualifications or work history documents.
  • Clarifying letters from the employer or academic institutions.

3

Draft the Appeal Letter

Your appeal letter should:

  • Reference the original permit application number and refusal date.
  • Clearly respond to each reason for appeal employment permit refusals with supporting evidence.
  • Explain why the application meets all legal criteria.
  • Remain formal, clear, and fact-based.

We help applicants draft tailored appeal submissions that directly address the issues raised and present a strong case for reconsideration.

4

Submit the Appeal

  • Submit the appeal through the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) or by email/post as directed in the refusal letter. You must submit it within 28 days, or the appeal may be rejected on procedural grounds.

There is no fee to submit an appeal.

5

Wait for a Decision

  • Appeals are reviewed by a different decision-maker within DETE and typically take 4 to 8 weeks to process, depending on case complexity and workload.

Can Employers Appeal on Behalf of Applicants?

Yes. In fact, most appeal employment permit refusals are submitted by the employer, especially for employment permits such as:

  • General Employment Permit.
  • Critical Skills Employment Permit.
  • Contract for Services or Intra-Company Transfer Permits.

The employer can also provide clarification on business registration, salary compliance, job responsibilities, or any procedural issues.

What if the Appeal Is Refused?

If your appeal is also refused, your options include:

  • Submitting a new application with corrected information and improved documentation.
  • Seeking legal advice for a judicial review if you believe the decision was legally flawed.
  • Exploring other visa or permit categories that might suit your circumstances.

At Expert Consultants, we evaluate whether a reapplication or a legal review is the best next step, depending on the refusal reason and your long-term goals.

Why Expert Consultants?

Your Pathway to a Successful Work Visa in Ireland

At Expert Consultants, we specialise in:

Reviewing and interpreting refusal letters

We analyze your refusal letter to identify the reasons and best course of action.

Preparing detailed, well-documented appeal submissions

Expertly drafted appeals with strong supporting documentation to boost approval chances.

Liaising with employers to correct or supplement information

We coordinate with employers to address gaps or errors in your application.

Advising whether an appeal or a new application is more suitable

Strategic advice on whether to appeal or reapply based on your unique case.

Providing end-to-end support until the permit is granted

Complete guidance from appeal to approval, ensuring a smooth outcome.

We’ve successfully helped numerous clients reverse permit refusals and resume their professional journey in Ireland.

Talk to our Consultants

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You must file your appeal within 28 calendar days of the date on the refusal letter.

No. Appeal Employment Permit Refusals decision is free of charge.

Yes. You are encouraged to submit new, updated, or corrected documents to support your case and directly address the reasons for refusal.

No. Family members may apply to join you typically 4 to 8 weeks of holding the permit. You’ll also need to meet income and accommodation requirements.

No. You are not permitted to work until your employment permit is approved. However, you may remain in Ireland legally if you still hold valid immigration permission.

This depends on the refusal reason. If the issue was minor or easily addressed, an appeal is usually faster. If the issue was fundamental (like ineligible job or employer), a new application might be more effective.

Don’t Let a Permit Refusal Stop Your Future

An employment permit refusal can be a temporary setback—but with the right support, it can be resolved. Whether due to documentation gaps or misunderstandings, a well-prepared appeal often results in approval and restores your right to work and live in Ireland.

Let Expert Consultants help you navigate the process with confidence. Visit to book a consultation and take the next step toward securing your Irish employment permit.