Freshness tracker · IEIreland

Path from Critical Skills to Stamp 4 simplified

In force Residency

ISD simplified the transition from a Critical Skills Employment Permit to a Stamp 4 (full residence without employer tie) from March 2024. After 21 months on a Critical Skills permit, holders can apply for a Stamp 4 letter of support without renewing the permit. The change materially shortened the practical path to free labour-market access.

Who it affects

Critical Skills permit holders approaching 21 months of work in Ireland.

Sources

Primary: Irish Immigration Service Delivery ↗

Corroborating: Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment ↗

Verified 2026-04-21 · methodology · report a correction