In a significant policy shift, the Irish government has altered the regulations governing the transition to Stamp 4 for holders of critical skills employment permits. Previously overseen by the Department of Enterprise, the responsibility for Stamp 4 application approval now falls under the purview of the Department of Justice.
Applicants with critical skills employment permits, residing in Ireland for a consecutive two-year period, must now seek Stamp 4 approval from the Department of Justice for long-term stay and work permits. Notably, the requirement for a support letter, previously mandated by the Department of Enterprise, has been waived. This particularly impacts Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) holders, including researchers and non-consultant hospital doctors.
Under the revised regulations, individuals with 21 months of employment on an existing critical skills employment permit can apply for Stamp 4, allowing them to make the application up to 12 weeks before their current permit expires. The changes are set to take effect on November 30, offering workers an extended window to seamlessly continue their employment under the new regulations.