Stamp 1 is an Irish immigration stamp granted to non-European Economic Area (EEA) citizens who have been offered employment in Ireland or who have been approved for a work permit. This stamp allows the holder to work and live in Ireland for up to two years, with the possibility of renewing the stamp for an additional three years, provided that the holder continues to meet the eligibility criteria. In this section, we will explore the eligibility criteria, benefits, and limitations of Stamp 1, as well as how to apply and renew it.
Eligibility Criteria for Stamp 1
To be eligible for Stamp 1, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
Employment Offer: The applicant must have received a job offer from an employer based in Ireland or have been approved for a work permit.
Relevant Qualifications: The applicant must have the necessary qualifications or experience for the job offered.
Financial Support: The applicant must be able to support themselves without relying on public funds.
Private Medical Insurance: The applicant must have private medical insurance that covers them for any medical treatment they may need while in Ireland.
Benefits of Stamp 1
Stamp 1 provides a number of benefits to the holder, including:
Work in Ireland: Stamp 1 allows the holder to work in Ireland for the duration of the stamp.
Travel in and out of the country: Stamp 1 allows the holder to travel in and out of Ireland as often as they like during the validity of the stamp.
Limitations of Stamp 1
It is important to note that Stamp 1 has some limitations. These include:
Must have Employment: Stamp 1 is only granted to individuals who have been offered employment in Ireland or who have been approved for a work permit.
Limited Stay: Stamp 1 allows the holder to stay in Ireland for up to two years with the possibility of renewing for an additional three years.
Must renew before Expiry: If the stamp expires, the holder will have to leave Ireland and reapply for a new stamp.
Limited to the job offer: Stamp 1 is only valid for the job offer and employer specified in the application.
How to Apply for Stamp 1
To apply for Stamp 1, an applicant must submit an application to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) along with the required documents, including a work permit, proof of financial means, private medical insurance, and relevant qualifications or experience. The processing time for Stamp 1 applications is approximately two to three months.
Renewing Stamp 1
Holders of Stamp 1 may renew their stamp for an additional three years, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. The application process for renewal is similar to the initial application process, and the processing time is also approximately two to three months.
Stamp 1 is an Irish immigration stamp that allows non-European Economic
Area citizens to work and live in Ireland for up to two years, with the
possibility of renewing for an additional three years, provided that the
holder continues to meet the eligibility criteria. While Stamp 1 allows
the holder to work in Ireland and travel in and out of the country, it
is only valid for the job offer and employer specified in the
application. Understanding the eligibility criteria, benefits, and
limitations of Stamp 1 is crucial for anyone considering working and
living in Ireland as a non-EEA citizen.