Ireland: immigration permissions change for unmarried partners
A non-EEA national unmarried partner of an Irish national, seeking to obtain immigration permission, must now demonstrate a genuine long-term relationship of at least one year, rather than two years.
De Facto Partner Immigration Permission
The type of permission given to a successful Applicant will depend on the status of the Sponsor, and can include work permission:- If the Sponsor is an Irish National a successful Applicant may be granted one year on Stamp 4. This stamp 4 exempts the Applicant from the need to have an Employment Permit or Business Permission.
- If the Sponsor is an Employment Permit holder on a Stamp 1 and resident in the State since before 30 June 2009 the successful Applicant may be granted one year on Stamp 3, with permission to apply for a Dependent Employment Permit.
- If the Sponsor is an Employment Permit holder on a Stamp 1 and resident in the State since after 30 June 2009, or is resident on a Stamp 4 or 5, the successful Applicant may be granted one year on Stamp 3 with permission to apply for an Employment Permit in their own right.
Action Items
- For more information about De Facto Partner status and the updated criteria, please contact an immigration adviser.