Irish officials announced that, effective Nov. 30, certain applicants for a Stamp 4 immigration permission will no longer be required to obtain a letter of support from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Key Points:

• Currently, Critical Skills Employment Permit holders, Researchers on a Hosting Agreement and Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors Multi-Site General Employment Permit holders must request a support letter from DETE to apply for a Stamp 4 immigration permission with the Department of Justice.
• These permit holders will no longer need to receive a support letter from DETE to apply for Stamp 4 permission after Nov. 30.
• DETE will continue to process support applications received prior to Nov. 30. After the transition, the Department of Justice will have responsibility for processing Stamp 4 applications.
• Individuals who do not apply to DETE for a support letter prior to Nov. 30 must provide the Registration Office, Immigration Services with additional evidence in support of the Stamp 4 residence permission application.

Background: Nationals wanting to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days ordinarily need to get immigration permission and an employment permit. Stamp 4 grants authorization to stay for a specified period as well as work and residence privileges without the requirement to hold a separate employment permit.

BAL Analysis: The recent development eliminates the requirement to submit a separate Stamp 4 support letter application to DETE. This change should simplify the process and potentially lead to a more streamlined application for Stamp 4 permission.