Stamp 4 is an immigration stamp that allows non-European Economic Area (EEA) citizens who have resided in Ireland on a Stamp 1 or 1A for a certain period of time to extend their stay in Ireland without employment or study requirements. This stamp is also known as a “long-term residency” stamp.
Eligibility Criteria for Stamp 4
To be eligible for Stamp 4, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
Residency: The applicant must have lived in Ireland for a specific period of time on a Stamp 1 or 1A.
Good Character: The applicant must be of good character and not have a criminal record.
Financial Support: The applicant must be able to support themselves without relying on public funds.
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 4
Stamp 4 provides a number of benefits to the holder, including:
Live in Ireland: Stamp 4 allows the holder to live in Ireland for the duration of the stamp.
Travel in and out of the country: Stamp 4 allows the holder to travel in and out of Ireland as often as they like during the validity of the stamp.
Apply for Citizenship: The holder of Stamp 4 can apply for Irish citizenship after a certain period of time.
Limitations of Stamp 4
It is important to note that Stamp 4 has some limitations. These include:
No Employment or Study: Stamp 4 does not allow the holder to work or study in Ireland.
Must maintain financial support: The holder must be able to support themselves without relying on public funds.
Limited to the holder: Stamp 4 is only valid for the holder and does not allow dependents to join.
Limited to the time period: Stamp 4 is valid for a specific period of time and must be renewed if the holder wishes to continue living in Ireland.
How to Apply for Stamp 4
To apply for Stamp 4, an applicant must have lived in Ireland for a certain period of time on a Stamp 1 or 1A. The application process for Stamp 4 is similar to the initial application process for Stamp 1, and the processing time is approximately six months.
Renewing Stamp 4
Holders of Stamp 4 may renew their stamp as long as 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 six months.
Stamp 4 is an immigration stamp that allows non-European Economic Area citizens who have lived in Ireland for a specific period of time on a Stamp 1 or 1A to extend their stay in Ireland without employment or study requirements. While Stamp 4 allows the holder to live in Ireland and travel in and out of the country, it does not allow the holder to work or study in Ireland. Understanding the eligibility criteria, benefits, and limitations of Stamp 4 is crucial for anyone considering extending their stay in Ireland as a non-EEA citizen.