🩺 How to Become a Healthcare Assistant in Ireland on a Stamp 2 Visa: A Complete Guide
- Olga Villarreal
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
By OPRO | Career & Immigration Experts in Ireland
If you're an international student in Ireland on a Stamp 2 visa and are interested in starting a career as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA)—you’re not alone. Many immigrants want to begin working in Ireland’s growing healthcare sector but don’t know where to start, what qualifications are needed, or whether it’s legal on a student visa.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about working as a Healthcare Assistant on a Stamp 2 visa—including training options, where to apply, agency recommendations in major Irish cities, and tips to stay compliant.
🔍 What Is a Healthcare Assistant?
A Healthcare Assistant (HCA) provides essential support to nurses, caregivers, and medical professionals by helping patients with daily tasks such as bathing, feeding, dressing, mobility, and companionship. They work in:
Nursing homes
Home care agencies
Hospitals
Intellectual disability support services
🇮🇪 Can Stamp 2 Visa Holders Work as HCAs?
✅ YES, but with restrictions:
You can work up to 20 hours/week during term time
You can work up to 40 hours/week during holidays (June, July, August & 15 Dec–15 Jan)
You must remain enrolled in your course and comply with your attendance obligations
⚠️ You cannot accept full-time permanent roles or work hours outside these limits.
📚 What Qualifications Do You Need?
To work as an HCA, most employers and agencies require:
✅ QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support Certificate
At minimum, you should complete:
Care Skills (5N2770)
Care of the Older Person (5N2706)
Even if you’re still studying the rest of the QQI modules, many agencies will let you work part-time once you’ve completed these two.
🎓 Where Can You Study Healthcare Support (Free & Paid)?
🆓 Free Options
Your Local ETB (Education and Training Board)
Website: www.fetchcourses.ie
Search for “Healthcare Support” or “QQI Level 5”
Filter by your city (Dublin, Galway, Cork, etc.)
Often free for Stamp 2 students if eligible
💶 Paid/Flexible Options (Online & Weekend)
Chevron Training – Fully online QQI Level 5
The Open College
Portobello Institute
CMIT
College of Progressive Education
💡TIP: Many agencies allow you to work while studying if you’ve completed the 2 core modules.
🔎 Where to Find Jobs as a Healthcare Assistant
🖥️ Job Boards
www.hse.ie (for public hospitals)
Search terms:
“Healthcare Assistant”
“Carer”
“Care Worker”
Include the city you're in: “Dublin”, “Galway”, etc.
👥 Top Agencies That Hire Healthcare Assistants (Stamp 2 Friendly)
📍 Dublin
Servisource Recruitment
Comfort Keepers
Caremark Dublin
Bluebird Care
TTM Healthcare
Myhomecare
📍 Galway
Bluebird Care Galway
Comfort Keepers Galway
Servisource Galway
📍 Cork
Excel Recruitment Cork
Bluebird Care Cork
Servisource Cork
📍 Limerick
TTM Healthcare Limerick HQ
Bluebird Care Limerick
CPL Healthcare
📍 Waterford
Comfort Keepers Waterford
Bluebird Care Waterford
📍 Kerry
Home Instead Tralee
Bluebird Care Kerry
Kerry Respite Care
🧭 TIP: Always check if the agency understands Stamp 2 limits before signing a contract.
📑 Required Documents for Job Applications
To apply as a Healthcare Assistant in Ireland, you’ll need:
PPS Number
IRP/GNIB Card (Stamp 2)
Garda Vetting (the agency helps with this)
Proof of QQI modules or enrollment
Updated CV tailored to healthcare
Proof of address and course enrollment
References (even from volunteer work)
Extra Tips for Success
🗣️ 1. Improve Your English for Healthcare
Take extra English classes focused on medical terminology or customer care. Some great free options:
ETB (English for Healthcare)
OPRO STAR Interview Coaching (ask us!)
📄 2. Create a Healthcare CV
Focus on:
Empathy and patience
Teamwork and flexibility
Any care you’ve done informally (e.g., family care)
💼 3. Apply Strategically
Apply to:
Agencies first (easier for beginners)
Nursing homes next
Hospitals last (require more experience or Irish references)
🌱 Growth Path: From HCA to Nursing or Social Care
Many Stamp 2 students who start as HCAs go on to study:
Nursing degrees (via CAO or Graduate Entry)
Social Care
Healthcare Management
Occupational Therapy Assistant roles
Your experience as an HCA can count toward future healthcare careers in Ireland or Europe.
💬 Final Thoughts from OPRO
If you’re on a Stamp 2 visa and dream of working in healthcare, starting as a part-time Healthcare Assistant is one of the best entry points into the Irish job market. It’s meaningful work that gives you legal income, experience, and opens long-term career opportunities.
Need help creating a CV, finding a QQI course, or getting ready for an interview?
We help you turn your visa into opportunity—with guidance, CV services, and legal advice to work smartly in Ireland.
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