De Facto Partner or Child of a Critical Skills Holder or
Researcher

Critical Skills Employment Permit holders and researchers on a hosting agreement are among the most favoured sponsors in Irish immigration. Their families don't have to wait: de facto partners and children under 18 can apply to join them immediately, once the sponsor holds their own visa or is living in Ireland on the relevant permission. De facto partners must have lived with the sponsor as a family unit for at least 2 years before applying and must intend to live together in Ireland. The sponsor must be self-sufficient, must not have sponsored anyone else in the previous 7 years and must have qualifying medical insurance. Children must be under 18 and unmarried, with consent from any other parent or a custody order. Visa-required family members apply for a long stay 'D' visa, and others for preclearance. Partners receive Stamp 1G for the length of the sponsor's permission, which lets them work full or part time without an employment permit, though not as self-employed. In the first year, travel insurance with at least €25,000 cover each for accident and illness may be accepted; after that, private medical insurance from an authorised insurer is required. Married spouses follow the dependent visa route for spouses.

Yes. De facto partners of Critical Skills holders and researchers get Stamp 1G and can work full or part time without a permit, but can't be self-employed.

Your permission depends on the relationship and on your partner's permission, so it would end. Talk to us about your options.

Not if they sponsored anyone in the previous 7 years.

Yes, once, by post, within 8 weeks of the refusal letter.

It lasts as long as your partner's permission, and is renewed with it.

Yes, once your visa or preclearance has been approved. The sponsor must already hold their visa or be living in Ireland on the relevant permission when you apply.