Immigration Stamp Applications

In Ireland, “Stamp 0” refers to a specific type of immigration permission or visa category. It is a type of permission that allows individuals to stay in Ireland for a specified period, typically for short visits or family reunification purposes, but it does not permit the holder to work or engage in any employment or business activities.

Here are some common situations where Stamp 0 may be issued:

1. Visiting Family: Stamp 0 is often granted to individuals who want to join family members in Ireland for a temporary stay, such as joining a spouse, partner, or dependent child who is already residing in Ireland.
2. Dependent Family Members: It can also be granted to dependent family members of non-EU/EEA nationals who hold a valid immigration permission in Ireland. This allows them to live with their family member but not work.
3. Retired Persons: Retired individuals who can prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves without needing to work in Ireland may also be granted Stamp 0.

It’s important to note that Stamp 0 does not grant the right to work or study in Ireland. If someone with Stamp 0 wishes to work or pursue further education in Ireland, they would need to apply for the appropriate permission, such as a work permit or student visa.

Immigration rules and categories can change over time, so it’s essential to check with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) or the Irish embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information and requirements regarding immigration permissions in Ireland.

Read more about Stamp 0 Applications

In Ireland, “Stamp 1” refers to a type of immigration permission or stamp that allows individuals to live and work in Ireland for a specified period of time. It is part of the Irish immigration system and is typically issued to people who are employed or are seeking employment in Ireland.

Here are some key points about Stamp 1:

1. Employment: Stamp 1 is typically issued to individuals who have a job offer or who are currently employed in Ireland. It allows them to work for the specific employer and in the role for which the stamp was granted.

2. Limited Duration: Stamp 1 permissions are usually granted for a specific period, often linked to the duration of the employment contract. It’s essential to renew or update this permission if your employment situation changes.

3. Change of Employment: If you want to change your job or employer while on Stamp 1, you generally need to apply for a new employment permit and update your immigration status accordingly.

4. Dependants: If you hold a Stamp 1 permission, your immediate family members (spouse, civil partner, and children) may be eligible for dependent permissions (Stamp 1A or 1G) to join you in Ireland.

Please note that immigration rules and policies can change over time, and it’s crucial to check with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) or the Department of Justice for the most up-to-date information on immigration permissions and requirements in Ireland, especially if you are planning to move or work there in the near future.

Read more about Stamp 1 Applications

In Ireland, “Stamp 1A” indicates permission to participate in full time, paid accountancy training (in compliance with the immigration rules or regulated by the IAASA and with a training contract with a company based in Ireland) for a specified period, subject to conditions.

Summary of conditions
You must not engage in any other business, trade or profession unless specified in a letter of permission from ISD. This permission is a time bound permission, and you must complete your accountancy course within 4 years.

If you wish to stay in Ireland past the expiry date of your immigration permission, you must apply to renew your permission and registration before they expire, or apply for an alternative permission, such as an employment permit.

Examples when used
You may be given Stamp 1A if you have permission to:

• Study accountancy as a trainee & be employed as a trainee accountant.

However, please note that immigration regulations and visa categories can change over time, so it’s essential to verify the most up-to-date information regarding Irish immigration policies and visa types from official government sources or the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website.

Read more about Stamp 1A Applications

In Ireland, “Stamp 1G” signifies that you have completed your educational pursuits in Ireland and are granted the authorisation to actively seek employment in the country through the Third Level Graduate Programme. It’s important to note that eligibility for this stamp requires the possession of your complete academic results.

In accordance with employment laws, individuals with Stamp 1G can engage in full-time employment but are not allowed to operate a business or be self-employed. Should you wish to continue working beyond the expiration of Stamp 1G, you must secure a job that necessitates an employment permit and adhere to the standard application process through the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment.

While under Stamp 1G status, all other permissions and conditions remain the same as those associated with Stamp 2.

For instance, you may be granted Stamp 1G if you have permission to:

• Pursue employment opportunities as part of the Third Level Graduate Programme.

Stamp 1G may also be granted to the spouses or de facto partners of Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) holders or researchers in the State on Hosting Agreements. Stamp 1G authorises these individuals to work in the State without the need for an employment permit.

Key employment conditions for spouses and de facto partners of CSEP holders and researchers on Hosting Agreements include:

• The ability to work in the State without the requirement for a work permit.
• The option to undertake courses of study in the State.
• The inability to establish or operate a business.
• The prohibition from being self-employed.

The renewal of Stamp 1G registration should be applied for on an annual basis, and after spending 5 years under Stamp 1G status, you may be eligible to apply for a Stamp 4.

Note: Time spent under Stamp 1G, whether as a graduate student or as a spouse/de facto partner of a Critical Skills Employment Permit holder or a researcher on a Hosting Agreement in the State, is considered as reckonable residence for the purpose of applying for Citizenship/Naturalisation.

Read more about Stamp 1G Applications

In Ireland, “Stamp 1H” signifies authorisation for doctors who hold a two-year General Employment Permit to practice as Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs) within any public hospital or healthcare facility throughout the permit’s two-year duration.

Employers must notify the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment (DETE) in advance of any alterations in location or employment terms before the changes take effect. Stamp 1H is recognised as a period of residence when applying for citizenship through naturalisation.

Key Conditions:

Initially, doctors are typically engaged on a six-month contract with their first hospital, with details provided during registration or renewal. After this initial contract, doctors are allowed to transition to a different hospital within the HSE group, contingent upon the existence of valid contracts, a matter that DETE will oversee.

It’s worth noting that, despite being issued as “General Employment Permits,” doctors granted the Multi-Site Employment Permit will enjoy similar benefits to Critical Skills Employment Permit holders, making the conditions for CSEP holders and their spouses/family members applicable to them as well.

For individuals who already possess a Stamp 1 permit, DETE will directly communicate lists of doctors falling under this permit category to Immigration Service Delivery (ISD). These doctors will then receive updated IRP cards reflecting the new Stamp 1H designation.

Instances of Use:

Stamp 1H may be granted to individuals who have permission to:

Work as a doctor under a two-year General Employment Permit as an NCHD (Non Consultant Hospital Doctor) in any public hospital or healthcare facility throughout the permit’s two-year validity period.

Read more about Stamp 1H Applications

In Ireland, “Stamp 2A” grants authorisation for full-time study in Ireland, but specifically for a course that is not included on the official Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). This permission is granted for a specified duration, with the important note that Stamp 2A does not count as a period of residence when seeking Irish citizenship through naturalisation. In certain limited cases, Stamp 2A may also be issued to the spouses of financially independent students.

Key Conditions:

• You are ineligible to receive any benefits or access publicly funded services, including public hospitals. Private medical insurance is mandatory.
• Employment, involvement in business, trade, or any profession is strictly prohibited.
• If you plan to remain in Ireland beyond the expiration date of your immigration permission, you must submit an application for permission renewal and re-registration before the expiration date.

Stamp 2A is typically granted in the following circumstances:

• Enrollment in a semester abroad program at an Irish university or college.
• Pursuing studies at a private secondary school in Ireland.
• In cases where an individual is the spouse of a financially independent student.

Read more about Stamp 2A Applications

In Ireland, “Stamp 3” signifies authorisation to remain in Ireland for a specified period, subject to certain conditions. It is considered as a period of residence when applying for Irish citizenship through naturalisation.

Key Conditions:

You are not allowed to work or engage in any business, trade, or profession unless you have been granted a work permit by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment (DETE). If you plan to extend your stay in Ireland beyond the expiration date of your immigration permission, you must seek permission and renew your registration before it expires.

Instances of Use:

Stamp 3 may be granted in cases where individuals have permission to:

1. Volunteer, such as with a charity or nonprofit organisation.
2. Serve as a minister of religion.
3. Join their non-EEA/EU/Swiss spouse, civil partner, or family member who is in Ireland based on a valid work permit.

Read more about Stamp 3 Applications

In Ireland, “Stamp 4” typically refers to a specific immigration permission category. Stamp 4 indicated permission to reside and work in Ireland without restrictions.

Here are some key points regarding Stamp 4:

1. Residence and Work Permission: Stamp 4 is a relatively unrestricted immigration permission that allows the holder to reside in Ireland and work without any specific restrictions. This means that individuals with Stamp 4 can take up employment, engage in business, and pursue professions in Ireland without the need for additional work permits.

2. Eligibility: Stamp 4 is usually granted to individuals who have completed a period of time on other immigration stamps, such as Stamp 1 (for employment) or Stamp 3 (as a dependent), and have met certain conditions, such as continuous residence in Ireland.

3. Duration: The duration of Stamp 4 permission can vary depending on the individual’s circumstances. In many cases, it is issued for one year and can be renewed as long as the conditions are met.

4. Access to Services: Holders of Stamp 4 are typically entitled to access publicly funded services, including healthcare and education.

5. Path to Citizenship: Stamp 4 is considered a favorable immigration status for individuals seeking Irish citizenship through naturalisation. It allows time spent on Stamp 4 to be counted toward the residency requirements for Irish citizenship.

Read more about Stamp 4 Applications

In Ireland, “Stamp 4D” typically refers to a specific immigration permission category. Stamp 4D indicated permission to reside and work in Ireland without restrictions.

Here are some key points regarding Stamp 4D:

1. Work Flexibility: Stamp 4D allows individuals to work without restrictions in Ireland. They can take up any employment they desire and do not need a work permit.

2. Study Opportunities: Stamp 4D holders can enroll in educational courses, including higher education, without the need for a student visa.

3. Travel: They can travel in and out of Ireland freely, provided they have a valid passport and the necessary visas for other countries they plan to visit.

4. Family Reunification: Stamp 4D can often be extended to family members, allowing for family reunification in Ireland.

5. Access to Public Services: Stamp 4D holders can access public healthcare and other public services like any other resident of Ireland.

6. Path to Permanent Residency: For many, Stamp 4D can be a step towards obtaining long-term residence in Ireland.

Read more about Stamp 4D Applications

In Ireland, “Stamp 5” is generally associated with permission to stay in Ireland as a non-European Economic Area (non-EEA) family member of an EEA national who is exercising their treaty rights in Ireland. EEA nationals are citizens of European Union (EU) member states as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

Here are some key points about Stamp 5:

1. Family Members: Stamp 5 is often issued to the family members (spouse, children, dependent relatives, etc.) of EEA nationals who are living in Ireland and working, studying, or otherwise exercising their treaty rights under EU law.

2. Residence Rights: It grants the holder the right to reside in Ireland for the duration of their EEA family member’s stay in the country. This permission is usually in line with the validity of the EEA family member’s permission to stay and work or study in Ireland.

3. Conditions: Stamp 5 holders typically have the right to work in Ireland without the need for an employment permit. They may also have access to social services and healthcare, similar to EEA nationals.

Read more about Stamp 5 Applications

In Ireland, “Stamp 6” is issued to non-European Economic Area (non-EEA) nationals who are Irish residents and hold long-term residency in Ireland. It is also referred to as “Long-Term Residence” permission.

Here are some key points about Stamp 6 in Ireland:

1. Long-Term Residency: Stamp 6 is granted to non-EEA nationals who have been legally residing in Ireland for a long period, usually five years or more, under various immigration permissions, such as work permits, student visas, or other long-term visas.

2. Eligibility: To be eligible for Stamp 6, individuals typically need to demonstrate a continuous legal residence in Ireland for the specified period. It is important to maintain legal residence throughout this period.

3. Rights and Conditions: Stamp 6 holders have the right to reside and work in Ireland without the need for an employment permit. They may also have access to social services and healthcare, similar to Irish nationals and other EEA residents.

4. Renewal: Stamp 6 permission may need to be renewed periodically, depending on the individual’s circumstances and the specific conditions attached to their residency.

Read more about Stamp 6 Applications