Future Direct is an Irish immigration consultancy firm based in Dublin, that provides professional advice and assistance to facilitate the movement of talents for companies and meet the immigration needs of individuals. The firm focuses on work permits, visas and immigration procedures for companies who want to onboard foreign nationals and individuals who are seeking legal status to live, work, and study in Ireland (whether already residing in Ireland or planning to relocate to Ireland). It offers consultation and practical assistance in processing visa applications for employment, travel, business, family reunification, long-term residency, and citizenship. Future Direct offers a one-stop service to facilitate and simplify the hiring and movement of skilled talent globally.

Founded by a second-generation Irish Immigrant Dale Chen, the firm has first-hand experience with the issues encountered by aspiring migrants. With eight years of experience in dealing directly with foreign nationals in Ireland, Dale and his team understand the challenges and the pain points faced by its clients when moving or applying for visas to remain in Ireland. This personal experience and unique understanding of its clients set them apart from its competitors. Its values are to be understanding, professional and trustworthy to their clients. This guides Future Direct in its mission to provide professional advice and assistance to facilitate the movement of talents for companies and meet the immigration needs of individuals. This motivates the the firm to be very prompt and approachable and strive to be just a phone call away from its clients to settle their concerns in a free initial phone chat, followed by paid consultation if necessary. Future Direct has earned a trusted and long-lasting relationship with its clients, reflected in the positive reviews it receives.

“We are known for our approachable, prompt, and trustworthy services. Our clients have direct access to our consultants, and we understand the challenges they face, whether it is relocating to Ireland or applying for visas to remain in Ireland.” says Dale, Founder and Immigration Consultant at Future Direct.

As Ireland is experiencing a skill shortage, companies are seeking to recruit highly qualified talents globally. Future Direct provides efficient and practical services and assists companies to bring global talent and their families to work and live in Ireland.

It simplifies the immigration procedures by offering representations and services to apply for the necessary documents for the foreign national to travel to Ireland. The firm works closely with the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of the Department of Justice and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) to deliver applications promptly and settle any follow-up correspondences. Future Direct assists clients with every step of the process, from the initial work permit application with the DETE to the entry visa application with the ISD, until the final collection of the residence permit when the clients arrive in Ireland. In addition, it offers relocation services such as accommodation arrangements, applications for a bank account, tax registration and meets and greets and more.

Being the only English-speaking nation in the EU, Ireland is a very popular destination for many international students. Many of them come to study for a Master’s or a bachelor’s program in Irish universities on a student visa (Stamp 2). When they graduate, a majority of them are interested in staying in Ireland in pursuit of a career and long-term residency. The Irish government has structured the Third Level Graduate Stamp visa (Stamp 1G) to enable these graduates to stay in Ireland for one or two years and join the labour market. It also provides opportunities for Irish companies to recruit from a diverse group of talented graduates. If the graduates wish to stay longer, they must apply for a Work Permit (Stamp 1) which will bring them on track for long-term residency. However, this transfer from one visa type to another can be a complex process for many international students, as well as the Irish companies that are recruiting them. Every year, Future Direct guide hundreds of international students to find their way through this procedure and eventually secure work permits and finally their long-term residency in Ireland. It is also the authorized representative for many Irish companies when it comes to visa applications for their employees and prospective employees.

Future Direct is determined to evolve its services according to the ever-changing environment. For instance, during the pandemic Ireland like many other countries, experienced a recruitment freeze. This impacted hundreds of thousands of international students who were on their Stamp 1G, hoping to secure long-term employment. As the Stamp 1G only allowed them to stay back in the country for a limited period that coincided with the great lockdown, their Stamp 1G was rendered ineffective. Future Direct worked closely with the Stamp 1G community and joined in a campaign to outline this emerging issue to the Irish government. As a result, the government opened doors to accept Stamp 1G extension applications for those affected. Subsequently, the firm helped hundreds of graduate visa holders in securing an extension so they could have a fair chance to secure a job in Ireland when the economy recovered. Additionally, it publishes News and Updates on its website to better inform the general public and companies on the latest immigration news in Ireland.