Ireland – Changes to Stamp 4 Immigration Permission Process

Ireland’s Department of Justice (DOJ), in conjunction with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), has advised that from 30 November 2023, DETE (employment permits section) will cease issuing Stamp 4 support letters.¹

This announcement will impact holders of Critical Skills Employment Permits, Researchers on a Hosting Agreement, and Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors with a Multi-Site General Employment Permit, who meet the eligibility requirements to transfer from a Stamp 1 to a Stamp 4 immigration permission.

This is a significant update in the Stamp 4 application process and its eligibility criteria.  A Stamp 4 immigration permission permits the holder to work and live in Ireland without the requirement to hold a separate employment permit.

Currently, applying for a Stamp 4 permission is a two-step process for the above outlined employment permit holders who wish to transfer immigration permissions:

(1) an application to DETE for a Stamp 4 support letter, once 21 months on an eligible employment permit in Ireland has been completed, (amongst other criteria); and, once approved

(2) an application to the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD – a division of the DOJ) for an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) Stamp 4.

The change eliminates the requirement to submit a Stamp 4 support letter application to DETE (at step 1 above), simplifying the process to one step.  From 30 November 2023, the application to transfer immigration permissions can be submitted directly to the Registration Office, ISD.

There is an additional eligibility requirement to complete 21 months under an IRP Stamp 1 card in Ireland, which is the corresponding residence permission issued to holders of a Critical Skills Employment Permit, Researchers on a Hosting Agreement, and Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor with a Multi-Site General Employment Permit.

• All applications for Stamp 4 support letters received by DETE prior to 30 November 2023, will continue to be processed as usual.
• If a non-European Economic Area (EEA) national has already been issued with a Stamp 4 Support Letter, the Registration Office, ISD will continue to accept these support letters for applications to register a Stamp 4 permission.
• Post-30 November 2023, an application can be made through the online renewal system with the Registration Office, ISD if the individual resides in Dublin, and by booking an appointment at the relevant Garda Station if he or she resides outside of Dublin.
• Applications for these specific Stamp 4 permissions will be accepted 12 weeks prior to the expiry of the holder’s existing IRP Stamp 1 permission, to allow sufficient time for processing. 

This will streamline the Stamp 4 application process for employers and applicants by removing the extra application step to DETE.  Applicants will need to make sure that they meet the ”21 months of residence” criteria, in addition to the other criteria as part of their eligibility. 

If employers or individuals have questions regarding their Stamp 4 permission eligibility and the change in process, they should consult with their qualified immigration counsel, or they can contact a member of the Immigration and Employment Law team with KPMG Law in Ireland.

1  See Department of Justice, Immigration Service Delivery, “Notice regarding Stamp 4 support letters Issued by the Dept. of Enterprise Trade and Employment.”  

* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Ireland.