From 15th May 2024, eligible spouses and partners of General Employment Permit (GEP) and Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) Irish Employment Permit holders who have been granted family reunification under the Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy will now receive Stamp 1G permission instead of Stamp 3. This change allows them to work in Ireland without needing a separate Employment Permit.
Key Highlights
Who is Eligible?
The changes will apply to spouses and partners of:
General Employment Permit (GEP) holders.
Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) permit holders.
Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) holders.
Researchers on a Hosting Agreement.
Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHD) on a Multi-Site General Employment Permit.
Spouses and partners granted permission under the Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy and legally reside in Ireland on a valid Stamp 3.
The update will also apply to those whose partners previously held one of the above permits and are now on Stamp 4 permission.
Are there exclusions?
There are restrictions to the update, including:
Family members other than spouses or partners of permit holders.
Spouses and partners on visitor conditions or Stamp 2 (study) permissions.
Spouses and partners without legal permission to be in the state.
Stamp 3 holders not linked to Employment Permit, Hosting Agreement, or ICT Permit holders.
Benefits of Stamp 1G Permission:
Work authorisation without an Employment Permit.
Permission to undertake courses of study.
Not permitted to establish or operate a business.
Not permitted to be self-employed.
Annual renewal requirement.
Potential eligibility for Stamp 4 after five years.
What about current Stamp 3 holders?
For those already in Ireland on a Stamp 3, there is an automatic transition to Stamp 1G conditions. Eligible spouses and partners do not need to apply for a new Irish Residence Permit (IRP). Instead, their current Stamp 3 permission will be varied to match Stamp 1G conditions starting from 15th May 2024. A new IRP card reflecting Stamp 1G conditions will be issued upon the renewal of their current Stamp 3 permission.
Immediate Employment Engagement
Eligible spouses and partners with Stamp 3 permissions can commence employment immediately. They can present prospective employers with a letter explaining the temporary administrative arrangement alongside their current IRP card endorsed with Stamp 3.
This change marks a significant improvement in the support provided to skilled workers and their families, facilitating better integration and contributing to Ireland's economic growth.
