Atypical Working Scheme (AWS)
An immigration scheme allowing non-EEA nationals to take up short-term or specialised work in Ireland that does not fit the standard employment permit system.
The AWS is best known as the entry route for internationally recruited nurses completing their NMBI adaptation and assessment period before qualifying for a full permit. It covers stays of typically up to 90 days and is administered by the immigration authorities rather than DETE. For healthcare employers, understanding the AWS-to-permit pipeline is essential to forecasting when an overseas nurse can actually start on your roster.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — the AWS is administered by the immigration authorities (Immigration Service Delivery in the Department of Justice), not by DETE. That distinction matters for where you apply, which processing times apply, and who to chase when timelines slip.
AWS permission covers short-term engagements — typically up to 90 days. It is not a long-term work route; it bridges specific short-duration needs that the employment permit system does not fit, with the healthcare pre-registration period being the best-known use case.
It is the standard entry route for internationally educated nurses coming to Ireland to complete their NMBI adaptation and assessment before full registration. The AWS permission covers this short pre-registration period; once registered, the nurse transitions to an employment permit. Understanding this pipeline is essential for forecasting real start dates on your roster.