Parent of an Irish citizen child

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

Explore pathways in Ireland Read the five questions ↓

Which family relationships qualify?

The parent of an Irish citizen child, where the child is under 18 (or over 18 with a mental or physical disability making independent living impossible).

See recorded sources

https://www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/the-parent-of-an-irish-citizen-child/
If you are the parent of an Irish citizen child you may be eligible for permission to remain in the State.
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/the-parent-of-an-irish-citizen-child/
Your Irish citizen child is under the age of 18. You may apply for a child over the age of 18 where they have a mental or physical disability that makes independent living impossible

Who may sponsor or bring the family member, and what immigration/citizenship status must that person hold?

The basis is the Irish citizen child, who must hold an Irish passport and reside full time in Ireland; applications are examined case by case.

See recorded sources

https://www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/the-parent-of-an-irish-citizen-child/
Your child holds an Irish passport
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/the-parent-of-an-irish-citizen-child/
Your Irish citizen child is residing full time in the State
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/the-parent-of-an-irish-citizen-child/
All applications are examined on a case-by-case basis.

What is important for proving marriage, partnership, parentage, custody, dependency or another qualifying relationship?

Evidence of being the named biological parent, e.g. the child's birth certificate naming the parent, and if requested verifiable DNA evidence through Ormond Quay Paternity Services (third-party tests not accepted), attended by an ISD officer, at the parent's cost.

See recorded sources

https://www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/the-parent-of-an-irish-citizen-child/
In addition you may be required to show evidence that you are a named child’s biological parent. This may include showing us your child’s birth certificate naming you as their biological parent. It may also include taking a DNA test.
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/the-parent-of-an-irish-citizen-child/
You are prepared, if requested by ISD, to provide evidence of a biological link between you and the child. This means sending verifiable DNA evidence and documentation to ISD. Ormond Quay Paternity Services are the company approved by the Department of Justice to perform DNA testing on our behalf, therefore tests conducted by a third party are not acceptable for immigration purposes. If requested to provide this evidence, you must inform the Parent of an Irish Citizen Child Section of the time and location of the test as an officer from this Section will be required to attend. You will pay all DNA test costs.

What important financial, accommodation, insurance or maintenance responsibilities apply?

The parent must be involved in the child's upbringing emotionally and financially and show substantial involvement in the child's care. The official page does not state an income threshold, insurance or accommodation requirement.

See recorded sources

Limits of the record

No income threshold, insurance or accommodation requirement is stated on the page.

https://www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/the-parent-of-an-irish-citizen-child/
You will also have to show that you are substantially involved in the care of the child.
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/the-parent-of-an-irish-citizen-child/
You are involved in the upbringing of your Irish citizen child both emotionally and financially

How does the application work at a high level, what rights does the family member receive, how long does the status last, and how can it become independent or longer-term where officially stated?

Those who entered on a short stay 'C' visa, hold no valid permission, had a further renewal refused after their permission expired, or were refused registration as the parent of an Irish citizen child complete the Parent of Irish Citizen Child application form; a €300 fee applies to renew a permission. If approved, Stamp 4 may be granted for between six months and up to three years depending on the case. There is no appeal, but a new application can be made at any time. The official page does not state a route to longer-term or independent status.

See recorded sources

Limits of the record

A route to a longer-term or independent status is not stated on the page.

https://www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/the-parent-of-an-irish-citizen-child/
If you entered the State on a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa , or You do not hold a valid immigration permission, or Your permission has expired and you were refused further renewal, or You have been refused registration by your local immigration office as the Parent of an Irish Citizen Child You must: Complete The Parent of Irish Citizen Child Application Form
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/the-parent-of-an-irish-citizen-child/
You may be granted a Stamp 4 permission . This permission could last for up to three years but could be for six months. The amount of time will depend on the circumstances of your individual case.
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/the-parent-of-an-irish-citizen-child/
Please note that a €300 fee applies to this stamp category to renew a permission.
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/the-parent-of-an-irish-citizen-child/
There is no appeal process . However, you can re-apply for permission as the parent of an Irish citizen child at any time.

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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Not legal advice. No eligibility verdict or ranking. Check the linked sources before applying.

Parent of an Irish citizen child

Which family relationships qualify?

Who may sponsor or bring the family member, and what immigration/citizenship status must that person hold?

What is important for proving marriage, partnership, parentage, custody, dependency or another qualifying relationship?

What important financial, accommodation, insurance or maintenance responsibilities apply?

How does the application work at a high level, what rights does the family member receive, how long does the status last, and how can it become independent or longer-term where officially stated?

Your story.Your next step.

Your story.
Your next step.