Stamp 3 is an Irish immigration stamp granted to non-European Economic Area (EEA) citizens who have been offered a job or who are currently engaged in full-time research in an approved Irish institution. This stamp allows the holder to reside in Ireland for up to one year to carry out research, academic study or training.
Eligibility Criteria for Stamp 3
To be eligible for Stamp 3, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
Job Offer or Approved Research: The applicant must have received a job offer from an Irish institution or must be currently engaged in full-time research at an approved Irish institution.
Relevant Qualifications: The applicant must have the necessary qualifications or experience for the job offered or research work.
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 3
Stamp 3 provides a number of benefits to the holder, including:
Reside in Ireland for research or academic study: Stamp 3 allows the holder to reside in Ireland for up to one year to carry out research, academic study or training.
Travel in and out of the country: Stamp 3 allows the holder to travel in and out of Ireland as often as they like during the validity of the stamp.
Limitations of Stamp 3
It is important to note that Stamp 3 has some limitations. These include:
Must have job offer or research work: Stamp 3 is only granted to individuals who have been offered a job or who are currently engaged in full-time research at an approved Irish institution.
Limited Stay: Stamp 3 allows the holder to stay in Ireland for up to one year.
Must renew before Expiry: If the stamp expires, the holder will have to leave Ireland and reapply for a new stamp.
How to Apply for Stamp 3
To apply for Stamp 3, an applicant must submit an application to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) along with the required documents, including proof of financial means, private medical insurance, and relevant qualifications or experience. If the applicant has not yet been offered a job or is not currently engaged in full-time research, they must submit a letter from a host institution in Ireland confirming that the applicant has been offered a place in a course of study, research or training. The processing time for Stamp 3 applications is approximately two to three months.
Renewing Stamp 3
Holders of Stamp 3 may apply to renew their stamp, 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 3 is an Irish immigration stamp that allows non-European Economic Area citizens to reside in Ireland for up to one year to carry out research, academic study or training. While Stamp 3 allows the holder to reside in Ireland and travel in and out of the country, it is only valid for the job offer or research work specified in the application. Understanding the eligibility criteria, benefits, and limitations of Stamp 3 is crucial for anyone considering conducting research or academic study in Ireland as a non-EEA citizen.