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Introduction of Preclearance
A new preclearance policy for particular categories of non-EU nationals who are seeking to reside in the State is in place.
The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) recently announced the introduction of a new preclearance policy for particular categories of non-EU nationals who are seeking to reside in the State.
This new preclearance policy will provide greater clarity to applicants in these categories prior to their arrival. Department of Justice and Equality officials say it will make the immigration process more straightforward for people, both at arrival in the State and during registration of their immigration permission.
The new preclearance policy applies to the following categories of applicants:
- De Facto Partners of Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders/Researchers on Hosting Agreements
- Lay Volunteers
- Ministers of Religion
- De Facto Partner of an Irish National
A preclearance form needs to be completed by each person in the above category who wishes to enter the State (follow the links above). A fee of €100 applies to each preclearance application. Once the preclearance application is approved, applicants will be issued with a preclearance letter.
The preclearance letter is valid for 6 months. If you do not use it in time, you must submit a new application. If the application is refused, a letter outlining the reasons for refusal will be issued to the applicant. Applicants have just one chance to request an appeal of this decision. To do so they must respond to the refusal reasons with extra supporting documents supporting their case. This appeal must be received within six weeks of the date of the refusal letter by the preclearance section of Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). The appeal process is free of charge.
If you are from a visa required country you can apply for a D visa to reside in the State after having your preclearance confirmed by the INIS.
If you are a non-visa required national you can gain entry to the State by presenting your confirmation of preclearance to the immigration official at the port of entry. When you enter the State you can then register your immigration permission with the preclearance confirmation letter.