De Facto Relationships Ireland

FalconXV · 26-11-2012 12:08pm

LoGiE wrote: »

Just thought I'd post this info. The cost of a Stamp 4 has doubled since last Monday. It now costs €300.00 and they will take your fingerprints. Of course there are no signs/notifications whatsoever so the first you'll hear about it is when they ask for your debit card.

I wonder if they'll use the extra cash to improve the service... :rolleyes:

Lucky I got mine last month, they always take my prints. Incidentally I used my tax refund money to pay for the reg. Getting money back from the gov and giving it back to them. 300 is a bit steep for a one year visa and further enforces my option of going for dual citizenship in a couple of years time. That's one advantage of being Australian rather then from the US (don't you lose your US citizenship if you become a citizen of another country?).

keithclancy · 26-11-2012 4:57pm

FalconXV wrote: »

Lucky I got mine last month, they always take my prints. Incidentally I used my tax refund money to pay for the reg. Getting money back from the gov and giving it back to them. 300 is a bit steep for a one year visa and further enforces my option of going for dual citizenship in a couple of years time. That's one advantage of being Australian rather then from the US (don't you lose your US citizenship if you become a citizen of another country?).

I don't think so, I do know somebody personally that has an Irish and US Passport.

Handy when you want to skip the non eu queue.

atkin · 03-01-2013 12:06pm

I am applying initially for a tourist visa for my Filipino boyfriend .The relationship has existed for 3 years.
I got a file from the Irish embassy in Manila about applying for a visa.
They disregard phone messages ,e mails and chat messages . I wonder does this apply to all applicaions
or just in the philippines.?
See Below

3. SPOUSE OF or VISITOR SPONSORED BY IRISH/ EU CITIZEN
• Passport or other proof of EU citizenship of Irish/EU spouse
• ACR card or Visa if EU/Irish sponsor is resident in the Philippines
• Marriage Certificate and(if applicable) a notarized English translation
• Letter of Invitation and Affidavit of Support from Spouse
• A Detailed account as to how the Irish/EU citizen met the applicant
• Evidence showing relationship history ie. stamps on passport showing trips to the Philippines , pictures together, etc. (phone records, emails, chats, sms/text, not applicable)
• Evidence that the Irish/EU citizen has sufficient funds to maintain their spouse. ie. Payslips, bank statements (6mos.), latest P60 or other tax document
• Certificate of Employment of Irish/EU spouse, or evidence of business
• Details of Irish/EU citizen’s accommodation in the State.

The EU spouse’s birth certificate must also be presented in case of discrepancy between the passport and marriage certificate.

FalconXV · 04-01-2013 4:30pm

atkin wrote: »

I am applying initially for a tourist visa for my Filipino boyfriend .The relationship has existed for 3 years.
I got a file from the Irish embassy in Manila about applying for a visa.
They disregard phone messages ,e mails and chat messages . I wonder does this apply to all applicaions
or just in the philippines.?
See Below

3. SPOUSE OF or VISITOR SPONSORED BY IRISH/ EU CITIZEN
• Passport or other proof of EU citizenship of Irish/EU spouse
• ACR card or Visa if EU/Irish sponsor is resident in the Philippines
• Marriage Certificate and(if applicable) a notarized English translation
• Letter of Invitation and Affidavit of Support from Spouse
• A Detailed account as to how the Irish/EU citizen met the applicant
• Evidence showing relationship history ie. stamps on passport showing trips to the Philippines , pictures together, etc. (phone records, emails, chats, sms/text, not applicable)
• Evidence that the Irish/EU citizen has sufficient funds to maintain their spouse. ie. Payslips, bank statements (6mos.), latest P60 or other tax document
• Certificate of Employment of Irish/EU spouse, or evidence of business
• Details of Irish/EU citizen’s accommodation in the State.

The EU spouse’s birth certificate must also be presented in case of discrepancy between the passport and marriage certificate.

If you aren't married and hoping from him to live and work in Ireland you should be applying for the defacto permission to remain which you need to be in the country to apply for.

Dr. Greenthumb · 04-01-2013 7:52pm

Hi,

I'm wondering can someone shed some light on what options my wife and I have. I'm Irish, my wife is Filipino and we have a daughter (dual citizen).

We currently reside outside of Ireland and are trying to find out what our options are for a visitor visa for my wife. She has been to Ireland twice, probably 4 months there in total. What we want to find out, is there any multiple entry visa for a non EEA spouse that would last for a year or multiple years so we don't have to apply everytime we want to go to Ireland?

It can be quite frustrating if you have to go back to Ireland in the case of an emergency and my wife can't come because there is an 8 week process to get a visa.

atkin · 06-01-2013 1:45pm

Yes there is a multiple entry visa you pay more .See http://www.inis.gov.ie
The fee is wavered if you married her in Ireland.

chelsey2a · 08-01-2013 1:54pm

Hello! I have been dating an Irish citizen for three years in April. I am from Florida originally and we met in England at a concert and continued our relationship online for the first year and a half. In January of last year I came over to Ireland on a holiday visa for a year so I could be with my boyfriend, the job I had was as a live-in au pair so we did not live together. However earlier last year we were advised by immigration to go ahead and apply for the de facto so I could stay in the country. We applied at the end of September and are still waiting to hear back. Just before Christmas we went to immigration to try and find out about the status of our visa because my current visa expires on the 19th of this month but we were just told that it should not take any longer than four months and that I did not have to leave the country when my visa expires as we have this visa pending. The lady at immigration did say that it was a good sign that we hadn't heard anything yet because usually people who are denied hear back pretty quick. My concern is is that I can't go looking for work or anything until we find out for sure about the visa. I just would like to hear from anyone who is gone through this in the past. How long did you wait? If you were denied how easy is it to get the stamp three instead? We were also told of an appeal process if we are denied and I would like to hear from anyone who may have had to appeal. Thanks!

atkin · 08-01-2013 2:09pm

Try http://www.mrci.ie/contact-us/

http://www.immigrantcouncil.ie/ They give better advice than a solicitor.

chelsey2a · 08-01-2013 2:43pm

Thanks, will do!

adublinguy · 09-01-2013 9:58pm

chelsey2a wrote: »

Hello! I have been dating an Irish citizen for three years in April. I am from Florida originally and we met in England at a concert and continued our relationship online for the first year and a half. In January of last year I came over to Ireland on a holiday visa for a year so I could be with my boyfriend, the job I had was as a live-in au pair so we did not live together. However earlier last year we were advised by immigration to go ahead and apply for the de facto so I could stay in the country. We applied at the end of September and are still waiting to hear back. Just before Christmas we went to immigration to try and find out about the status of our visa because my current visa expires on the 19th of this month but we were just told that it should not take any longer than four months and that I did not have to leave the country when my visa expires as we have this visa pending. The lady at immigration did say that it was a good sign that we hadn't heard anything yet because usually people who are denied hear back pretty quick. My concern is is that I can't go looking for work or anything until we find out for sure about the visa. I just would like to hear from anyone who is gone through this in the past. How long did you wait? If you were denied how easy is it to get the stamp three instead? We were also told of an appeal process if we are denied and I would like to hear from anyone who may have had to appeal. Thanks!

myself and my brasilian partner applied on october 11th for de facto..we got the confirmation letter a few days later

my partner was on a student visa when we applied, that expired on december 18th, we visited immigration to see if we needed to extend it while we were waiting to hear about our application, but we were told it wasnt necessary to do this while the decision was pending. Guy behind the counter told us that they were waiting for a garda report and it "should go though"...which i then asked "is that a yes then" and he backtracked slightly..so hopefully it was a good sign

my partner is 6 months pregnant so having this hanging over our heads is not ideal...but im optimistic.

so all in all we have been waiting 3 months.

good luck!

adublinguy · 09-01-2013 10:00pm

pontia wrote: »

very much open to scams and fraud,

i would actually think marriage would be a more widely used option for scams. de facto asks for a lot more information when applying

chelsey2a · 10-01-2013 1:51pm

Hi, Dublinguy! We seem to be in the same boat, I hope we find out soon, I am pretty positive we will get it because it is so close to when I was supposed to go back to America that if we weren't going to get it I would think we would have been given a no by now. But can't be positive so it does suck not being able to look for work or anything until we know for sure, Good luck to you too!

atkin · 14-01-2013 2:55pm

battries not included wrote: »

depending where you live they (immigration officers) can be very helpful in this matter, i speak from personal experience.

send in everything

1) Cover letter explaining the relationship, length of time together, photos, e-mails, future plans, letter and contact details from friends who know you both personally and may receive a call or letter asking to confirm this

2) Work/college references would also help

3) A letter or statement from a person of good character in your community whom you may call upon as a personal referee would help.

4) Show ALL financial statements, BANK/SOCIAL WELFARE/ LOANS/ etc.., i know it is intrusive but they need to weed out people looking to make money out of stamp 4 , again if you honest, no problems

Garda National Immigration Bureau
The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) carries out deportations, border control and investigations relating to illegal immigration and human trafficking.

GNIB is based at 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. It is headed by a Detective Chief Superintendent with a Garda Staff of 2 Detective Superintendents, 4 Detective Inspectors, 24 Detective Sergeants and 180 Detective Gardaí and Gardaí. They are supported by 68 civilian staff.

Registration

All non-nationals who are not citizens of a member State of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, must register with An Garda Síochána and at all times have a valid registration certificate in the form of a GNIB Card. The fee for this card is €150 and must be paid by credit card, laser card or bank giro. This fee cannot be paid by cash. You can download an information leaflet about the fees and methods of payment in the Fees Information panel on the right hand side of this page.

If you are residing in the Dublin Metropolitan Region you must register at the GNIB offices at 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. The registration desk opening hours are:

Monday to Thursday 8.00am to 10.00pm
Friday 8.00am to 4.00pm.
Students will not be registered before 9.00am.

Procedure for renewing your GNIB Card:

Are you residing in the Dublin area?

Renew your card at GNIB, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.

Tel: +353 1 666 9100/1

E-mail: gnib_dv@garda.ie

Are you residing outside the Dublin area?

Renew your card at your local Garda Síochána District Headquarters Station. To find out where your District Headquarters Station is, contact your local Garda Station.

You can also register at Blessington Garda Station, Co. Wicklow and Maynooth Garda Station, Co. Kildare.

Hi,
I am Irish and making an application for a Filipino to visit Ireland.We are in a relationship for almost 3 years.
The embassy have said that e mails ,phone records and letters are no longer acceptable. My partner has not got a job in the Philippines so they will refuse as he has no reason to return there.
I of course suggested that he get an exit stamp on the visa to show he has returned .Not acceptable. I think Ireland is one of a few countries in the world that has no exit stamp on the passports.
Likewise is you want to marry the immigration status of the Non national is not checked.There is also no requirement for a letter of freedom to marry.They only want the birth cert authenticated.
I think such loopholes in the immigration law make it difficult for those who are honest.
You ever feel like to hell with the crap and get a fake passport !!!
That is what the rich and criminals do .

atkin · 14-01-2013 3:00pm

pontia wrote: »

if your non eu or even eu that cant offer something we cant source in ireland ie special skills that we need theres no reason to let you in.its not a revolving door.its not accepted anywhere else.shouldent be here

You can stay in many countries as an Irish citizen if you register and pay the visa extension fees. The difference is these countries do not have an open welfare system and have controls on you being employed there.
There are some on this website that find a stamp 3 visa unacceptable .This means you cannot claim welfare or work. There are no jobs why does someone want a stamp 4 to work??

atkin · 14-01-2013 3:03pm

adublinguy wrote: »

i would actually think marriage would be a more widely used option for scams. de facto asks for a lot more information when applying

There are some that only meet a foreign partner a few weeks and marry.They do refuse entry until a reasonable amount has passed.
There is 156 + same sex ceremonies performed since the law changed and after 1.5 years only 2 looked to end the relationship.
I wonder what this is for heterosexual marriages??

adublinguy · 14-01-2013 6:14pm

atkin wrote: »

You can stay in many countries as an Irish citizen if you register and pay the visa extension fees. The difference is these countries do not have an open welfare system and have controls on you being employed there.
There are some on this website that find a stamp 3 visa unacceptable .This means you cannot claim welfare or work. There are no jobs why does someone want a stamp 4 to work??

there are jobs in ireland. it depends on what work you do and what experience you have.plenty of work in IT atm..

atkin · 15-01-2013 12:07am

adublinguy wrote: »

there are jobs in ireland. it depends on what work you do and what experience you have.plenty of work in IT atm..

What about looking after our own, jobless .

FalconXV · 24-01-2013 6:22pm

chelsey2a wrote: »

Hello! I have been dating an Irish citizen for three years in April. I am from Florida originally and we met in England at a concert and continued our relationship online for the first year and a half. In January of last year I came over to Ireland on a holiday visa for a year so I could be with my boyfriend, the job I had was as a live-in au pair so we did not live together. However earlier last year we were advised by immigration to go ahead and apply for the de facto so I could stay in the country. We applied at the end of September and are still waiting to hear back. Just before Christmas we went to immigration to try and find out about the status of our visa because my current visa expires on the 19th of this month but we were just told that it should not take any longer than four months and that I did not have to leave the country when my visa expires as we have this visa pending. The lady at immigration did say that it was a good sign that we hadn't heard anything yet because usually people who are denied hear back pretty quick. My concern is is that I can't go looking for work or anything until we find out for sure about the visa. I just would like to hear from anyone who is gone through this in the past. How long did you wait? If you were denied how easy is it to get the stamp three instead? We were also told of an appeal process if we are denied and I would like to hear from anyone who may have had to appeal. Thanks!

I would go to your local TD's clinic with your partner. They are there to provide a link between the community and the government departments. We got an answer a week later after being in contact with them, that's from my experience to not get your hopes up. It's worth looking in to it as phoning the INIS is fruitless and they are reluctant to give out information over the phone.

FalconXV · 24-01-2013 6:29pm

''Hi,

I'm wondering can someone shed some light on what options my wife and I have. I'm Irish, my wife is Filipino and we have a daughter (dual citizen).

We currently reside outside of Ireland and are trying to find out what our options are for a visitor visa for my wife. She has been to Ireland twice, probably 4 months there in total. What we want to find out, is there any multiple entry visa for a non EEA spouse that would last for a year or multiple years so we don't have to apply everytime we want to go to Ireland?''

I am not sure what the rules about Stamp 3 are outside of the country but it gives you a GNIB card for as long as the Gards stamp it for to allow you to stay in the State as long as you don't seek employment.

chelsey2a · 31-01-2013 5:39pm

Thanks, there is a TD not far from where I am living with my boyfriend. We may go in next week because as of now we are still waiting and I am getting tired of being in limbo.

FalconXV · 03-02-2013 2:13am

Yeah. It's not ideal but you have to look at alternatives here. Check for clinic times.

blanchlad · 05-02-2013 3:17am

Hi people. I was just going to put out there my situation and see what you think of how likely of getting approved.

So me and my gf are in a long distance relationship.
She is from the states and im an irish citizen.
We met on a plane travelling from budapest to Dublin over 2 and a half years ago.
she was working as an intern in dublin for the summer,anyway we started going out and she had to go back to the states to finish college. we emailed and talked everyday. i eventually moved to canada to be closer to her as i wasnt eligible for a visa to the states. we visited each other about 5 times over the next year back and forth. Now we are looking into the de facto visa because im not eligible for a visa to live in the states. she is trying to find sponsorship in a job here while applying from the states. the chances of this happening are slim but may as well give it a go.

What do you think they likelihood of her getting approved for this would be? we dont have any statements together,but we could show plane tickets and email convos and photos.and also get letters from people to prove it is in fact genuine.

also if the application is submitted is she able to leave the country?? as she has a good job in the states and would just end up using all her savings staying here without a guarantee of the visa being approved

any feedback would be greatly appreciated

FalconXV · 05-02-2013 5:23pm

blanchlad wrote: »

Hi people. I was just going to put out there my situation and see what you think of how likely of getting approved.

So me and my gf are in a long distance relationship.
She is from the states and im an irish citizen.
We met on a plane travelling from budapest to Dublin over 2 and a half years ago.
she was working as an intern in dublin for the summer,anyway we started going out and she had to go back to the states to finish college. we emailed and talked everyday. i eventually moved to canada to be closer to her as i wasnt eligible for a visa to the states. we visited each other about 5 times over the next year back and forth. Now we are looking into the de facto visa because im not eligible for a visa to live in the states. she is trying to find sponsorship in a job here while applying from the states. the chances of this happening are slim but may as well give it a go.

What do you think they likelihood of her getting approved for this would be? we dont have any statements together,but we could show plane tickets and email convos and photos.and also get letters from people to prove it is in fact genuine.

also if the application is submitted is she able to leave the country?? as she has a good job in the states and would just end up using all her savings staying here without a guarantee of the visa being approved

any feedback would be greatly appreciated

You have a case as it is over two years. It costs the price of postage to send in the application. You have to be in the country to apply and when you get approval so you can get the stamp and card. The GNIB don't take your passport but you need to photocopy every page of yours and her passport. GNIB cards if she has had one previously.

Letters from your parents to say that they have met her and get it stamped by a justice of the peace. Letter from her employer here might help too.

Show your latest bank statements that you both have money to support her while she is looking for a job.

Dates are important. Plus a load of patience.

h57xiucj2z946q · 07-02-2013 6:36pm

blanchlad wrote: »

Hi people. I was just going to put out there my situation and see what you think of how likely of getting approved.

So me and my gf are in a long distance relationship.
She is from the states and im an irish citizen.
We met on a plane travelling from budapest to Dublin over 2 and a half years ago.
she was working as an intern in dublin for the summer,anyway we started going out and she had to go back to the states to finish college. we emailed and talked everyday. i eventually moved to canada to be closer to her as i wasnt eligible for a visa to the states. we visited each other about 5 times over the next year back and forth. Now we are looking into the de facto visa because im not eligible for a visa to live in the states. she is trying to find sponsorship in a job here while applying from the states. the chances of this happening are slim but may as well give it a go.

What do you think they likelihood of her getting approved for this would be? we dont have any statements together,but we could show plane tickets and email convos and photos.and also get letters from people to prove it is in fact genuine.

also if the application is submitted is she able to leave the country?? as she has a good job in the states and would just end up using all her savings staying here without a guarantee of the visa being approved

any feedback would be greatly appreciated

My other half is from USA also. Look at my posts here for help (and obviously the other posts on this thread):

http://www.newtotown.ie/visa-work-permit-green-card-issues/2504-de-facto-relationship-29.html#post11224

http://www.newtotown.ie/visa-work-permit-green-card-issues/2504-de-facto-relationship-38.html#post11544

http://www.newtotown.ie/visa-work-permit-green-card-issues/2504-de-facto-relationship-39.html#post11581

You have to be in the country to apply, but your partner is legally allowed to stay in the country until you get a response back from INIS, even if their holiday visit allocation (usually 90 days) expires on their passport.

Dfol · 28-02-2013 12:20pm

Hi all, I've just got off the phone with the inis helpline and they told me that in order to do a defacto relationship the non-eu citizen has to have been living in ireland for two years to qualify.
I'm irish and my girlfriend's argentinian and we've been together for 5 years, none of which we've lived in ireland. I was under the impression that you just needed to provide proof that you've been together for 2 years and not that you're partner has been living in ireland for 2 years. Can someone clarify, as I want to believe the guy at the helpline has got it wrong.

atkin · 28-02-2013 1:52pm

Misinformation in government departments is common .I did see an earlier post where a De Facto relationship was accepted when the partner was living outside Ireland .The Irish citizen in this case lived in Thailand with his partner for 1.5 years.I did send a letter to INIS but never got a reply.This case was 2 years ago and I suspect the rules maybe more strict and its 'make it up as you go along'. You could see if it breaches any European Immigrant Law.

I suggest you contact the Immigrant Council of Ireland or try another offical in INIS.

queenman · 07-04-2013 12:29pm

Hi All
I read all this topic cause im interested about it too, but one question still i have: what will happen after 12 months if de facto relationship "visa" will be granted? Should that person go back to the country when she/he came from or can apply for any other "visa" in Ireland? Or maybe has to apply for "de fact" again with her/his partner again for next 12 months. I hope my question is quite clear, just it doesnt make sense IMO if after being together for extra year immigration's rules will split out the couple/family again.

Thank you

atkin · 07-04-2013 8:40pm

I think you need to apply for the extension at the Garda Immigration.They should advise you when you register after 3 months here.

queenman · 07-04-2013 10:23pm

Its very interesting casue now the average time of waiting for decision is 3-4 months, so if my partner will come for 3 months "no visa needed" to Ireland and if we will apply all needed documentation straight its still no time enough to get a decision before he should fly back (he is taiwanese), ok, he probably would stay here as long as the decision will be made but:
- he needs a return ticket bought before we will fly to me in here (immigration may check it on the arrivals)
- if "visa" will be granted, he may stay 12 months (is possible stay longer?) and then how the Garda Immigration will decide? is any procedure for that situation? how this "extension" may work?
- if "visa" will be rejected he will lost his flight ticket (missed flight casue he was waited for decision), will someone pay for his departure ticket then? of course, no, he/we have to pay again
Next question: can he leave Ireland when our documentations will be processed and come back after "yes" decision will be made? or he has to stay all this period in here and wait for decision?

Thank you

atkin · 08-04-2013 12:51pm

Hi,
They do not check return tickets on arrival but be sure to give your partner a contact number for you.They may call you to check you are in the airport.The 3-4 month wait is another anomaly. You go to the Garda Immigration and explain that you have made an application and are waiting a decision .The Immigrant Council of Ireland can explain further .The rules and attitudes are always changing.The tourist visa is hard to get anyhow and you need to show that your partner has a good reason to return home.Confusing I know !!

CanadaEh · 16-04-2013 12:55pm

Hi there,

I am a Canadian currently living in Dublin with my Irish boyfriend. We've lived together for almost 3 years (2 yrs in Canada and 1 in Ireland.) I'm currently on a work holiday visa and am looking to renew my status as De Facto in Ireland. I have a few questions if anyone can help:

1) My current visa is set to expire in June. Is there a bridging visa that would allow me to keep working in my job while my new application is being processed?

2) What is the cost of application?

3) Can I leave the country (on a holiday - less than 1 month) while my application is being processed? Will they hold onto my passport for the duration of the application or...?

4) How long until I can apply for permanent residency?

Thank you!

LoGiE · 16-04-2013 4:38pm

Hi,

Myself and my other half have been through the process so I hope this post will be helpful to people. I’ve given a brief rundown of the essentials for the application but the list is by no means exhaustive and you should also do your own research.

I'm assuming your are based in Dublin. If not you will need to contact your local emigration officer based in your district HQ

Take a look at the INIS website
http://www.inis.gov.ie/

and Citizens Information
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving_country/
for additional information.

What kind of documentation should I send?

(Application letter)

• Letter from couple requesting a stamp 4 visa.
• Explaining how they met.
• What applicant been doing in Ireland for the last few years.
• Plans should applicant get the Stamp 4 Visa.

(Evidence of a relationship)

• Emails for any times spent apart when applicant was back in home country.
• ESB, UPC, Gas, Insurance Policies Etc. (In both names)
• Tenancy agreements signed by the couple
• E-tickets from visits to and from Ireland/USA.
• Photographs going back over at least two years together.
• A letter from Family member of Irish citizen (In our case my Father)
• Wedding invitations or any documents showing history together.

(Essential Documentation)

• Full copies of both passports. (Every page!)
• Bank Statements. American A/C, Irish Account and our Joint A/C (Showing applicants have money to support themselves)
• Salary slips proving the applicant won’t be burden on the state. (If on student Visa for instance and applying for stamp 3/4)
• Information on health Insurance. VHI Policy etc.
• Letters of recommendation from couples employers (Character References for couple)
• A copy of Degrees/ Any educational information showing skills.

Where do I send my application letter and documentation?
Department of Justice and Law Reform Irish Naturalisation and Immigration
13/14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2

How much does it cost?
The cost per year is currently €300

If anyone has any questions I’ll try to answer them.

Thanks,
LoGiE

LoGiE · 16-04-2013 4:58pm

Hi,

See notes below.

CanadaEh wrote: »

Hi there,

I am a Canadian currently living in Dublin with my Irish boyfriend. We've lived together for almost 3 years (2 yrs in Canada and 1 in Ireland.) I'm currently on a work holiday visa and am looking to renew my status as De Facto in Ireland. I have a few questions if anyone can help:

1) My current visa is set to expire in June. Is there a bridging visa that would allow me to keep working in my job while my new application is being processed?

Once you've applied you can stay even if your stamp has expired.

2) What is the cost of application?

€300 for Stamp 4

3) Can I leave the country (on a holiday - less than 1 month) while my application is being processed? Will they hold onto my passport for the duration of the application or...?

No they do not hold your passport but I'd contact the INIS regarding holidays

4) How long until I can apply for permanent residency?

Roughly 5 years.
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving_country/irish_citizenship/becoming_an_irish_citizen_through_naturalisation.html

Thank you!

CanadaEh · 17-04-2013 6:31pm

LoGiE wrote: »

Hi,

See notes below.

Thanks for the info! I work for an international hotel company and just wanted to make sure I get as much info as I can.. they're very by the book about these types of employment matter.

I've sent a few emails to INIS and they keep redirecting me / telling me I'm not contacting the right department. The last email said I should call or write a letter to the General Immigration Section. When I call it directs me to email so I'm wondering what kind of response I'll get if I send a letter. It's hard to get exact information from them and everyone I speak to who's gone through the process has a different opinion or experience.

My main concern is them rejecting my application because I've failed to include something or missed some sort of step.

LoGiE · 17-04-2013 6:36pm

Posted with permission from mickadoodle.

mickmadoodle wrote:

Hey Logie,

Maybe u can help.

Ok Gf(non eea) arrived here few weeks ago on tourist visa. She has 6 weeks left on the visa.
We want to apply for the de-facto visa but not sure what the first step is, is it register with GNIB(€300) or just submit paper work to INIS ??
How is she permitted to stay while application being processed ??

cheers

Maurice

[/QUOTE][/QUOTE]

mickmadoodle wrote:

Thanks Logie for the quick reply.

We have been together for 4+ years, so that part of it is sorted

My only worry at this stage was which one came first, GNIB or INIS, as have gotten conflicting reports on that.

Thanks again

Copy to board please

Hi,

You can only apply for a Stamp 4 Visa on the basis of De facto relationship if you can prove that you have been together for at least two years. To apply for this Visa you need to submit the documents I listed in my post to the INIS. If she is approved you will both be required to go to the INIS GIB building on Burgh Quay to show your passports. Her passport will be stamped and she will be given a GNIB card.

If you have not been together for two years you may apply for a stamp 3 Visa. This differs from a Stamp 4 in that she will not be able to legally work here. You will again have to make a application to the INIS and include documentation to show that you both have funds to support her. (Please contact the INIS for more information on what documentation they want)

Once you have sent your application and received written notification from the INIS that your application is being processed she will be allowed stay in the country regardless of the date on her passport stamp. However if your application is not successful she must leave within a reasonable time frame.

I recommend you take a look at the two links in my post as they go into greater detail.

Would you mind if I copy this message to the thread so it might benefit other people looking for information? You might also receive other suggestions that I haven't given you.

Regards,

LoGiE

LoGiE · 17-04-2013 7:33pm

CanadaEh wrote: »

Thanks for the info! I work for an international hotel company and just wanted to make sure I get as much info as I can.. they're very by the book about these types of employment matter.

I've sent a few emails to INIS and they keep redirecting me / telling me I'm not contacting the right department. The last email said I should call or write a letter to the General Immigration Section. When I call it directs me to email so I'm wondering what kind of response I'll get if I send a letter. It's hard to get exact information from them and everyone I speak to who's gone through the process has a different opinion or experience.

My main concern is them rejecting my application because I've failed to include something or missed some sort of step.

Hi,

No problem at all. Part of the reason I started to post in this thread was the confusing amount of information out there and the fact that both the INIS and GIB gave me the run around.

A typed letter is the only way to contact them despite what other information you have received. You send the letter, they acknowledge it with a letter of there own with a reference number which you use if you have any queries. The next letter will usually be your decision unless they request additional information. How long it takes depends on how busy they are.

If you include the documentation above you should be fine.

LoGiE

Koko13 · 20-04-2013 1:42am

Hi All,

Me and my Irish boyfriend are going to apply the visa, however he just got a news from work that he may need to move somewhere to work outside Ireland in few months (but not 100% sure). Can I ask what will happen in this case if he work in other place after we applied or granted the visa?

Thanks!!

LoGiE · 25-04-2013 1:54pm

Hi,

I would contact the Irish Naturalisation &
Immigration Service for more information. If you don't have a visa or are on a Stamp3 and will be staying more then 3 months your going to have to apply regardless of whether your partner moves for work.

Regards,
LoGiE

atkin · 27-04-2013 1:38pm

What kind of documentation should I send?

(Application letter)

• Letter from couple requesting a stamp 4 visa.
• Explaining how they met.
• What applicant been doing in Ireland for the last few years.
• Plans should applicant get the Stamp 4 Visa.

(Evidence of a relationship)

• Emails for any times spent apart when applicant was back in home country.
• ESB, UPC, Gas, Insurance Policies Etc. (In both names)
• Tenancy agreements signed by the couple
• E-tickets from visits to and from Ireland/USA.
• Photographs going back over at least two years together.
• A letter from Family member of Irish citizen (In our case my Father)
• Wedding invitations or any documents showing history together.

E mails are no longer considered evidence of a relationship.
The Irish embassy in the Philippines.

LoGiE · 29-04-2013 3:54pm

atkin wrote: »

E mails are no longer considered evidence of a relationship.
The Irish embassy in the Philippines.

Hi atkin,

Are you a representative of the embassy or is this from personal experience? The INIS website does not mention emails specifically and refers only to 'Supporting Documents - Photos etc'

If this has changed and you could provide a website link that would be useful. The point of this thread is help people find the information they need as the agency's involved have a poor track record of providing information.

LoGiE

atkin · 29-04-2013 11:41pm

LoGiE wrote: »

Hi atkin,

Are you a representative of the embassy or is this from personal experience? The INIS website does not mention emails specifically and refers only to 'Supporting Documents - Photos etc'

If this has changed and you could provide a website link that would be useful. The point of this thread is help people find the information they need as the agency's involved have a poor track record of providing information.

LoGiE

Personal experience ,check the Irish embassy website in the Philippines.
The embassies differ you should always check in each country.
The 'Make it up as you go along rule'

Koko13 · 03-05-2013 11:17pm

Hi LoGiE,

Thanks so much for your reply. Can I also ask, I am living with my Irish boyfriend and I am currently holding a student visa. I am quite reliant financially on my boyfriend. Would that be a problem? I am a bit confused as to why some people were granted only a stamp 3 visa. I don't have any joint account or bills with him. I would appreciate any help you can give, thanks so much!

LoGiE · 07-05-2013 11:25am

Hi,

A stamp 3 visa is essentially just permission to remain. This is issued on the basis that INIS are satisfied that you are in a relationship with an Irish Citizen but you cannot work. You MUST be over two years in order to qualify for a a stamp 4 which permits you to work.

After 60 months (5 years) based on your Stamp 3 immigration stamps you can apply for Stamp 3 Long Term Residency (valid for 5 years) or Citizenship.

After 60 months (5 years) based on your Stamp 4 immigration stamps you can apply for Citizenship.

If you are a couple living together I suggest a Joint account in both names for paying bills and all the items I've listed above. Basically if I asked you for documents proving how long you'd been with your boyfriend how would you do it?

LoGiE

LoGiE · 07-05-2013 11:38am

Interesting...

https://www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx

redcliff · 13-05-2013 12:30am

LoGiE wrote: »

Hi,

You MUST be over two years in order to qualify for a a stamp 4 which permits you to work.

LoGiE

Hi LoGiE
Just to clarify above. You have to be in a relationship over two years, I know that, but do you have to be in the country two years (on stamp 3) until you get the stamp 4?

LoGiE wrote: »

Interesting...

https://www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx

Now you can apply online? Typical. Myself and partner sent in our application
3 months ago. We spent ages just looking for a non existant application form and now hey presto, you can apply online :rolleyes:

sj82 · 16-05-2013 3:32pm

Hi there

I'm just looking for some help/ advice too.

My Australian boyfriend is here on a WHV which expires in August. We are trying to go about applying for defacto but its just confusing with all the different information out there. We evetually went to an immigration solictior in dublin yesterday but to be honest they weren't that impressive, I have got better information on this board in the last five minutes that from hour and a half with the solicitor could have been a bad choice on our parts.
Ok ,so the situation is:

my boyfriend is working here(luckily) and has the job as long as his visa allows him too, so how can he go about being able to continue working while we wait for application process on the defacto
Is it the stamp 4 thing we need? and is this in our local garda headquarters? (we live in cork). I think this should be our first step.

We have been together for four years its been a mix of together and apart as I returned to Ireland to finish studies but we should be able to prove two years.

My worry is the financial side, as in showing bank statements.
I have been studying post grad for last two years finishing this year. I have been working part time but paying massive fees(10,000 euro to date so my savings etc are cleaned out. How important is how much money you have in the bank?
we are doing ok like paying rent living cost etc but we don't have much savings.
I do have a permanent teaching job to return to in September under contract and I can show a pay slip ,would this make up for lack of current funds?
Also what does your parent have to say in the letter for evidence of a relationship?

Its quite reassuring to find out there are other people in similar situations who have got visas or who know what to do. Logie whoever you are, thank you for taking the time to help us all out , you are like a little ray of hope.

LoGiE · 20-05-2013 11:50am

Hi,

I'll do my best to answer your questions.

sj82 wrote: »

my boyfriend is working here(luckily) and has the job as long as his visa allows him too, so how can he go about being able to continue working while we wait for application process on the defacto
Is it the stamp 4 thing we need?

He can continue to live in Ireland once you've made your application and received you confirmation letter. As regards to his ability to continue working you should contact the GNIB or your local Garda Síochána District Headquarters Station.

If you both intend to live and work in Ireland long term he will require a stamp 4 visa as the Non-EEA spouse/partner of an Irish citizen. He will need to renew his visa every year. After 5 years he can look for for citizenship.

and is this in our local garda headquarters? (we live in cork). I think this should be our first step.

Yes if your outside Dublin you contact your district headquarters. They will have a GNIB officer for dealing with queries.

We have been together for four years its been a mix of together and apart as I returned to Ireland to finish studies but we should be able to prove two years.

My worry is the financial side, as in showing bank statements.
I have been studying post grad for last two years finishing this year. I have been working part time but paying massive fees(10,000 euro to date so my savings etc are cleaned out. How important is how much money you have in the bank?
we are doing ok like paying rent living cost etc but we don't have much savings.

You need to prove you can support yourselves with the important question being would your partner be a burden on the state. As you both work and pay your rent It appears this is not the case.

I do have a permanent teaching job to return to in September under contract and I can show a pay slip ,would this make up for lack of current funds?

I'd certainly mention it and provide a payslip if you can as it shows you intend to make a life together in Ireland.

Also what does your parent have to say in the letter for evidence of a relationship?

This is essentially a character reference. It should state that they have met your boyfriend and that they believe you both to be in a stable relationship.

Its quite reassuring to find out there are other people in similar situations who have got visas or who know what to do. Logie whoever you are, thank you for taking the time to help us all out , you are like a little ray of hope.

No problem. It's a jumble of information out there but they seem to be getting there act together (Slowly!)

The process can be long and stressful but if your application is honest you wont have a problem. If they feel you haven't given enough information they will ask for more and you just pop it in the post.

Good luck!

LoGiE

Dub87 · 23-05-2013 11:21am

Hey Logie. My girlfriend and I are going to apply for a de facto visa in september as we will be together 2 years. Her visa is up in October but she wants to go home for christmas holidays I am going go over there to join her but on our way back will she have a problem getting back into the COuntry with me. At this time our de facto visa would be pending for 3 months ?

LoGiE · 24-05-2013 11:01am

Hi Dub87,

I have looked at all our correspondences, that being Stamp 3, Stamp 4 and our initial refusal letter and there is no mention of what happens if you leave the country.

It seems unlikely she will would be required to stay in Ireland for the duration of the process (Especially given it can take up to 8 months) but she may need to visit your Local Immigration office to receive a Holiday visa stamp for 30 days which allows travel in and out of Ireland.

Anyway to cut a long story short contact the INIS for information using one of the methods below to get clarification before you book tickets.

To quote the application received notification.

Any further correspondence in relation to you should be addressed to General Immigration Division,Department of Justice and Law Reform, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, and quoting the '69/' (Department of Justice) reference number above.

Or alternatively

You should contact 1890-551-550 while your application is being processed and quote your application Reference number.

LoGiE

perfectblue · 29-05-2013 11:01am

hi all, i just wanted to add to this thread. i submitted my application on 25 April 2013, and received approval for Stamp 4 a couple of days ago. not sure if i'm an anomaly (am American, OH is Irish), but it essentially took a month for us. our application was a large binder with LOTS of pages (which we haven't gotten back yet).

De Facto Relationships Ireland

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