Questions about moving to Ireland as a non-EEA spouse

[MagickMarshall]

Hello, everyone. My husband is a UK citizen, and I am an American citizen. We are wanting to move to Ireland soon from the UK (where I am currently staying on a temporary visa). I just had a couple questions about the process.

Is it accurate that being from the US, I don't need to first apply for the three month visitor visa? What do I say to border patrol when we travel into Ireland together?

Also, and this is the main concern, I'm very confused about my ability to get a job in Ireland. I know that once I have my Resident Card, this won't be an issue--but until then, what is the process? I read that being the non-EEA spouse of a citizen from a member state means that I can work in the first three months I'm in the country, then I can apply for my card. Is it true that I can work during this initial three month period? Am I eligible for a stamp that allows me to work in the months between applying and being granted the card?

I know that my husband must be working or self-employed for me to apply for the residence card, but does that mean I could apply as soon as he gets a job, or must I wait until the three months are up?

I understand that similar questions have been addressed in this forum before, but I still haven't found a clear answer to my particular concerns.

Thank you all for any assistance you can offer!

[max307]

Hi MagickMarshall,

Since you are a non visa required national (US citizen), you and your spouse (UK citizen) can enter Ireland without a visa.

I would prepare to be out of work for at least 3 to 6 months (minimum), times can vary and some people are getting their temporary stamp that allows them to reside, work or study for 6 months initially sooner than the 3 to 6 months period I mentioned before.

It says on their website that current processing times are approximately 10 months from date of receipt of application.

http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/EU+Treaty+Rights

Good luck!