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.