Stamp 1 to Stamp 4 Renewal

Hi,

I hope all are well. I have a question regarding IRP renewal. I am currently on Stamp 1 but intend to switch to Stamp 4 (through marriage to Irish national). Due to personal circumstances, I am only able to apply for renewal and a permission change close to the expiry of my current permission. If I apply for my permission to change before my current IRP's expiration, can I remain in the country while it processes? I read online it takes about three weeks to process the renewal, but I will only apply about a week before my card expires.

Also, INIS requires proof of cohabitation with my Irish national partner. Is a joint phone bill sent to our address too simple for that purpose?

Thanks for any help.

Hi,

You do not need to wait until your stamp 1 has few weeks to expire. You can apply for stamp 4 immediately, your stamp 1 will be valid until your stamp 4 has been approved.
(You are changing status so the renewal of your stamp 1 is irrelevant.)

If your stamp 1 expires whiles your stamp 4 is still in process, you are allowed to remain in the state but it's likely you will have problems with your employer.

Regarding cohabitation, yes you can add joint phone bills but this doesn't carry weight. You will need other solid evidence.

Also note; There are delays in reviewing domestic permissions so ISD can take couple of months to finalise your application.

*If you are a visa waiver national to Ireland, you must apply at your local Garda Immigration.

If not, you apply via the online portal;

https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/