Immigration Update: Stamp 4 transfers
Immigration Update: Stamp 4 transfers
On 15 November 2023, the Department of Justice (Immigration Service Delivery) (ISD) announced a significant change to the process applicable to Critical Skills Employment Permit holders, Researchers on a Hosting Agreement and NCHD Multi-Site General Employment Permit holders wishing to transfer to a Stamp 4 immigration permission.
Effective 30 November 2023, Critical Skills Employment Permit holders, Researchers on a Hosting Agreement, and NCHD Multi-Site General Employment Permit holders wishing to transfer to a Stamp 4 immigration permission will no longer be required to apply to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) for a ‘Letter of Support’ before applying to ISD for a change in their immigration status. Instead, individuals will make an application to transfer to Stamp 4 immigration permission directly to the ISD’s Registration Office.
It is important to note that the position remains that individuals cannot apply to transfer to Stamp 4 immigration permission until they have been in permission for a minimum of 21 months under a Stamp 1 on the basis of one of the relevant working permissions mentioned above. However, this update represents an important change to the Stamp 4 transfer application process. This change will streamline the process as one office will now be responsible for the processing of these applications, compared to the previous two-step process involving both the DETE and ISD.
It is important to note that all applications to the DETE for Letter of Support received before 30 November 2023 will continue to be processed. However, individuals who do not apply to the DETE for a support letter before this date will need to make an application directly to ISD’s Registration Office and provide the following documents with their application:
- A copy of the biometric page of their current valid passport(s)
- A copy of the front and back of their current Irish Residence Permit card (IRP)
- Copies of the relevant Employment Permit(s) or Hosting Agreement(s) issued to them by the DETE
- A copy of their most recent payslip
- A letter from their employer, dated within the last three months, confirming the job title, location of employment, and dates of employment, and
- Copies of ‘Employment Detail Summaries’ issued by the Revenue Commissioners for each year of employment covering the duration of the Employment Permit(s)
Applications are accepted up to 12 weeks prior to the individual’s current IRP expiring to allow sufficient time for processing.
More information can be found here.
ALG’s Corporate Immigration team advises clients on all aspects of Irish immigration law. The team manages and assists clients with their corporate immigration and global mobility requirements. For more information please contact Colm Byrne, Solicitor, Noeleen Meehan, Partner or visit our Corporate Immigration Page.
Date published: 22 November 2023.