Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders

Revised immigration arrangements for the Spouses and De Facto Partners of Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders Changes affecting non-EEA national spouses and de facto partners of persons who have permission to reside in Ireland on the basis of a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) take effect from today 6 March, 2019.

Prior to this change, spouses and de facto partners of CSEP holders were granted permission to reside in this State on Stamp 3 conditions.

The requirement to obtain a DPSEP has now been removed by DBEI. INIS will grant eligible spouses and de facto partners of CSEP holders permission to reside in this State on Stamp 1 Conditions without the need to obtain a DPSEP from DBEI. This means that eligible spouses and de facto partners of CSEP may access the labour market when they receive a Stamp 1, and do not need to obtain a DPSEP.

On 1 April 2019, a new preclearance policy will be introduced for the non-EEA de facto partners of CSEP holders. Both visa and non-visa required nationals will be required to seek permission to reside in this State as the family member of a CSEP holder prior to their arrival in the State. The new procedure will reduce processing times and provide clarity for these family members. Eligible de facto partners will be granted residence on Stamp 1 conditions without the need to obtain a DPSEP from DBEI.