Ireland | Eligibility requirements updated for Stamp 4 permissions

Irish officials announced that Stamp 1 CSEP holders or Stamp 1H permission holders are now eligible for a Stamp 4 upgrade upon completion of 21 months from the date of commencement of employment.

Key Points:

• As BAL previously reported, Immigration Delivery Service updated the application process for Stamp 4 applications in November 2023, removing the requirement for Stamp 4 support letters to be submitted to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
• As part of that policy change, the department also reviewed eligibility requirements for a Stamp 4 upgrade.
• Effective immediately, after review ISD has updated the policy so Stamp 1 CSEP holders or Stamp 1H permission holders are now eligible for a Stamp 4 upgrade upon completion of 21 months of employment in the State.
  • This determination will be based on an individual’s status in one of three categories:
    • Critical Skills Employment Permit
    • Hosting Agreement as a Researcher
    • Multi-Site General Employment Permit as a Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor

Background: Foreign nationals who have completed 57 months of employment on the basis of a General Employment Permit or an Intra-Company Transfer permit can now also apply for a Stamp 4. Previously, General Employment Permit holders were only eligible for a Stamp 4 upgrade after five years of employment, and Intra-Company Transfer Permit holders were not eligible for upgrade to a Stamp 4. The document requirements at registration for any employment category have not changed.

BAL Analysis: This change is welcome for employees who may no longer require second permits in order to satisfy the 21-month eligibility period for Stamp 4. The changes in policy should simplify the application process and provide additional access for eligible foreign nationals to live and work in Ireland.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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