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.
Critical Skills permit holders approaching 21 months of work in Ireland.
Primary: Irish Immigration Service Delivery ↗
Corroborating: Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment ↗
Verified 2026-04-21 · methodology · report a correction