Hi all,
my wife and I are considering moving back to Ireland. I am an Irish citizen and my wife is a US citizen, we are married 25 years.
My questions
1. When I looked on the Irish immigration website it mentions requiring income to sponsor my US wife? How would this work when we are both moving back and will not have a job to go to.
2. My wife's son is autistic and currently lives in a group home here which is paid for by the state. My wife really wants him to move with us, I am concerned for him as my experience in Ireland when I lived there 25 years ago, was that services were very limited. He is 42 with several health issues, including seizures,
So much seems to have changed since I last lived in Ireland, even though I do visit every year with my family that still lives there.
Any advice welcome.
Patrick
There is group home type scheme here but waitlist is verrryyy long. You may see about getting on it before yous move or either consider getting somewhere with a granny flat
You’re getting a lot of wrong information here, delivered very confidently for some reason. Your wife moving with you could not be easier. You do not even need to prove financial means. She is a non visa requiring national as an American, she does need a residence permit (stamp 4) but she is eligible for that immediately upon landing. You bring your marriage cert to border control, she will get a temporary stamp upon entry and within 90 days she has to have an appt at burgh quay to get her permanent stamp. All she needs to show for that appointment is the marriage cert again, proof of shared address in Ireland (it can even be a letter from a hotel manager or Airbnb saying you are staying there together for an extended time period) and proof that she has secured private health insurance. She will renew that stamp every year. After three years residence, she is eligible for naturalisation/citizenship herself.
I’m not familiar with the rules for moving her adult son over so I’m afraid I can’t help with that but I had to comment after seeing so many replies telling you you have to financially sponsor her, etc. I just did this process with my husband in April, people are mixing up the rules for moving with a spouse from a visa-required nation or seeking a different residence permit instead of the spousal stamp 4. American spouse of an Irish citizen is an incredibly simple entry process. Good luck.
There are so many confident, wrong answers here that I’m starting to think the other replies are copied from ChatGPT honestly. OP, have your wife join any of the Americans moving to Ireland Facebook groups if she has fb. This is a very well known, extremely straightforward process. As I mentioned, I can’t offer much guidance about your stepson but others in those groups probably have experience with that too. The info you’re getting here may be well intentioned but it is inaccurate.
Here are THREE official Irish government documents with the relevant passages quoted and links to each document. Note that the last document is dated 26 November 2025.
"The purpose of this document is to set out a comprehensive statement of Irish national immigration policy in the area of family reunification. It is recognised that more comprehensive and transparent guidelines are necessary to assist applicants and decision makers in this area. The policies outlined in this document will apply to all decision making in the immigration system in relation to family reunification cases in a harmonised way, incorporating both visa applications and the various leave to remain processes. The document also outlines some recommended administrative changes."
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
You and your spouse/civil partner are required to attend the appointment together and should bring the following:
At the appointment, your partner will have their fingerprints and photo taken.
If residency permission is granted
The Registration Officer will put a Stamp 4 in your spouse’s or civil partner’s passport. Your spouse or civil partner then has permission to live and work in Ireland for the length of time stated on the stamp.
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/returning-to-ireland/residency-and-citizenship/returning-to-ireland-with-your-non-eea-spouse/
Spouses, Civil Partners and De Facto Partners Category A: 10.7 Category A sponsors must have earned a gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40,000, cumulative, over the three-year period prior to application
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/f88cb36e/Revised_Family_Reunification_Policy.pdf
Thanks for the great example of how to spot a ChatGPT copy/paste from someone who has no idea what they’re talking about.
You've been reported to the mods for rude behavior and false accusations. Enjoy.
And Jesus, you do know that the copy paste is from the documents linked there, right? The official government policy documents? Or do you struggle with reading comprehension?
I haven’t been rude or made a false accusation, and I’m not even sure which of the sub rules you’d be trying to make a rudeness or false accusation claim under, but I’m glad you got some solace from “reporting” me. I hope you find your way to some posts where you might have relevant and accurate information to share. This one’s not for you.
I don't think it's GPT - it's that most of us only have one experience. For example, I'm British, and at the time it came under eu treaty rights / eufam1 - so at the time, importing an american wife was even easier than described here.
So if I tried to advise OP based on my single experience, I'd be very wrong.
Even as a blow-in, I could make a pretty safe guess that not many people in this sub have brought in multiple wives from the US to have a well-balanced account. Most of us will have one experience each.
Everyone may have one experience but if a person’s one experience is irrelevant to the question, I don’t know why they would comment and then argue the facts with people who just completed the process op is asking about.
For example, you won’t find me answering questions here about how to bring a spouse to Ireland via the EUFAM process, because all I would know about it is what op himself can read on the Irish immigration website.
And that reply with the selective bolding and bullets and “here’s what I know for sure!” is 100% ChatGPT. :-)
Here is the policy. Argue with INIS if you want, I'm just quoting policy.
13.2 For the purposes of this document, the different categorisations of family applied are: (a) Immediate Family Nuclear family – Spouse and children under the age of 1811;
Where Sponsor is Irish Citizen 17.2 An Irish citizen, in order to sponsor an immediate family member, must not have been totally or predominantly reliant on benefits from the Irish State for a continuous period in excess of 2 years immediately prior to the application and must over the three year period prior to application have earned a cumulative gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40k.
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
I’m begging you to get off ChatGPT and listen to the many Irish citizens on this post explaining that you are wrong. It’s great you got a csep and then brought your spouse over. This experience has no relevance to the question OP asked.
Here are THREE official Irish government documents with the relevant passages quoted and links to each document. Note that the last document is dated 26 November 2025.
"The purpose of this document is to set out a comprehensive statement of Irish national immigration policy in the area of family reunification. It is recognised that more comprehensive and transparent guidelines are necessary to assist applicants and decision makers in this area. The policies outlined in this document will apply to all decision making in the immigration system in relation to family reunification cases in a harmonised way, incorporating both visa applications and the various leave to remain processes. The document also outlines some recommended administrative changes."
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
You and your spouse/civil partner are required to attend the appointment together and should bring the following:
At the appointment, your partner will have their fingerprints and photo taken.
If residency permission is granted
The Registration Officer will put a Stamp 4 in your spouse’s or civil partner’s passport. Your spouse or civil partner then has permission to live and work in Ireland for the length of time stated on the stamp.
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/returning-to-ireland/residency-and-citizenship/returning-to-ireland-with-your-non-eea-spouse/
Spouses, Civil Partners and De Facto Partners Category A: 10.7 Category A sponsors must have earned a gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40,000, cumulative, over the three-year period prior to application
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/f88cb36e/Revised_Family_Reunification_Policy.pdf
Not one character of my responses has EVER come from ChatGPT or any other AI.
I AM COPYING AND PASTING OFFICIAL IRISH GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS.
I'm sure you know better than the Irish government, right? I've given you three sources, each one a different document, all of which specify an income requirement for Irish citizens bringing a non-EEA spouse.
All you can do is say "But but but I didn't give that!" Great. I believe you. That doesn't change the law. WHICH IS CLEARLY DEFINED IN THE DOCUMENTS I HAVE PROVIDED.
Jesus what an ass.
The general information for bringing any non-eea spouse to Ireland is not the information OP needs for the specific question of an Irish citizen bringing an American spouse to Ireland.
OP is an Irish citizen. OP's spouse is a non-EEA spouse. These are the rules. It's specified quite clearly in the documents, which you would know if you bothered to read them.
^ This is correct. I am the American spouse of an Irish citizen; we moved to Ireland from US last year. Very easy procedure for me to be here.
I’ve seen online it can take 5 years to get spousal citizenship in Ireland with needing to be in Ireland for most of the last 2 years, has that been your experience?
Citizenship and a visa are not the same thing. You can live and work in Ireland as a spouse on a Stamp 4 without needing citizenship.
Your can gain citizenship after being in Ireland for 3 years with your spouse.
I believe 3 years vs 5 years comes down to which you can best document. It's 5 years in general, 3 years as a spouse, and the choice between the two comes down to which you can better prove.
How long was your other half out of Ireland for? Could I pm you with some questions?
He’s never lived in Ireland. US born, Irish citizenship by descent (his father was born here). Sure.
Same boat here! My husband and I just moved to Ireland as his father was born here. The AWCD has been a fantastic resource but not too many others in our situation. Glad to see another here!
Here are THREE official Irish government documents with the relevant passages quoted and links to each document. Note that the last document is dated 26 November 2025.
"The purpose of this document is to set out a comprehensive statement of Irish national immigration policy in the area of family reunification. It is recognised that more comprehensive and transparent guidelines are necessary to assist applicants and decision makers in this area. The policies outlined in this document will apply to all decision making in the immigration system in relation to family reunification cases in a harmonised way, incorporating both visa applications and the various leave to remain processes. The document also outlines some recommended administrative changes."
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
You and your spouse/civil partner are required to attend the appointment together and should bring the following:
At the appointment, your partner will have their fingerprints and photo taken.
If residency permission is granted
The Registration Officer will put a Stamp 4 in your spouse’s or civil partner’s passport. Your spouse or civil partner then has permission to live and work in Ireland for the length of time stated on the stamp.
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/returning-to-ireland/residency-and-citizenship/returning-to-ireland-with-your-non-eea-spouse/
Spouses, Civil Partners and De Facto Partners Category A: 10.7 Category A sponsors must have earned a gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40,000, cumulative, over the three-year period prior to application
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/f88cb36e/Revised_Family_Reunification_Policy.pdf
I concur. My wife, a US citizen, got her residency stamp 4 within the required time. As she’s on her second three-year period, she’s not applied for naturalisation.
It would be wise to make an immigration appointment as soon as you have an address in Ireland (even before you leave the US).
Just so this is a top-level response:
Here are THREE official Irish government documents with the relevant passages quoted and links to each document. Note that the last document is dated 26 November 2025 - two days ago.
"The purpose of this document is to set out a comprehensive statement of Irish national immigration policy in the area of family reunification. It is recognised that more comprehensive and transparent guidelines are necessary to assist applicants and decision makers in this area. The policies outlined in this document will apply to all decision making in the immigration system in relation to family reunification cases in a harmonised way, incorporating both visa applications and the various leave to remain processes. The document also outlines some recommended administrative changes."
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
You and your spouse/civil partner are required to attend the appointment together and should bring the following:
At the appointment, your partner will have their fingerprints and photo taken.
If residency permission is granted
The Registration Officer will put a Stamp 4 in your spouse’s or civil partner’s passport. Your spouse or civil partner then has permission to live and work in Ireland for the length of time stated on the stamp.
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/returning-to-ireland/residency-and-citizenship/returning-to-ireland-with-your-non-eea-spouse/
Spouses, Civil Partners and De Facto Partners Category A: 10.7 Category A sponsors must have earned a gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40,000, cumulative, over the three-year period prior to application
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/f88cb36e/Revised_Family_Reunification_Policy.pdf
You can't utilise Irish public health services unless you are basically resident for a year, that's the wife. You get immediate access.
An adult dependent will be difficult to accommodate. Here they make you sell your home if going into a nursing home. Alot of support services are based on income and savings. You need to show you have money to support the dependent child but not too much otherwise you will have to pay for everything.
Join Family Member (D) visa for her son. She/you will need to complete a Family Dependent Application Form and submit it online with all required supporting documents. This can take over a year. Would she be happy to leave him?
Are you a legal guardian? You could apply for support services. Disability services are probably no better than 25 yrs ago. All public health areas are over subscribed especially homes. I have seen children with complex needs stuck in hospitals as there's nowhere for them to go or they are waiting for a HSE care packages.
I wish you the best and I wish you a warm welcome home.
Reach out to the carer association of Ireland.
I’m going to approach this discussion from a slightly different angle. I hope that’s ok.
First, it’s nice to see a kind response on this thread after seeing some nasty responses.
I have an autistic brother. I am his guardian. My wife and I are thinking of moving to Dublin. My wife is French. Her company will let her work in Dublin.
We might actually be able to live cheaper in Ireland than in the states, after moving to a small apartment and selling the car. The property taxes in Ireland are surprisingly low compared to the state. Schools aren’t funded through property taxes in Ireland like they are in the states. The difference in tax is substantial.
I will not be taking my brother with me, for many reasons. He has lived in our childhood home his entire life. He goes to a program five days a week and has caregiving support at home. He has many engrained habits which I have taken pains to maintain.
So, I have not put him in a group home, even after the death of both of my parents. Would the OP’s son be able to tolerate the disruption of moving to Ireland?
I am able to manage my brother’s food deliveries, heating, and repair bills with the internet and phone, and have done it from Europe when we travel.
I hope there are no legal problems with my being a guardian from Ireland and have raised this question with a lawyer.
I will say that I have been contemplating my brother’s care for many years and have landed on the current setup. Who knows what the future will bring, though.
America is not a visa requiring country - OP's spouse and son do not need to apply for a visa.
Hi Patrick.
Now is not the time.
Cheers, Patrick
Just joking. Yeah ring around a few care homes, they won’t take him in for nothing! Regarding the job, you may need to come over first and get the job. Sounds complicated. Best of luck.
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EDIT: For those arguing about the financial requirement, here is the policy. Argue with INIS if you want, I'm just quoting policy.
13.2 For the purposes of this document, the different categorisations of family applied are: (a) Immediate Family Nuclear family – Spouse and children under the age of 1811;
Where Sponsor is Irish Citizen 17.2 An Irish citizen, in order to sponsor an immediate family member, must not have been totally or predominantly reliant on benefits from the Irish State for a continuous period in excess of 2 years immediately prior to the application and must over the three year period prior to application have earned a cumulative gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40k.
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
Oh, and another source:
6. Immigration status of sponsor 6.1 There are several different categories of sponsor22 with different requirements and entitlements as regards family reunification pursuant to this document for each: 6.2 Category A Sponsor a) Irish national residing or intending to reside in Ireland,
Spouses, Civil Partners and De Facto Partners Category A: 10.7 Category A sponsors must have earned a gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40,000, cumulative, over the three-year period prior to application
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/f88cb36e/Revised_Family_Reunification_Policy.pdf
Okay, a few things I know for sure:
You will have to sponsor your wife. She will not need a visa or preclearance as an American citizen. When you arrive, show your Irish passport and marriage certificate along with her US passport and tell the Border agent that you are moving to Ireland and intend to bring your wife with you. They will tell you that she must register with the Gardaí within 90 days - this means you must make your appointment within 90 days, not that you must have the appointment.
You and your spouse/civil partner are required to attend the appointment together and should bring the following:
Yes, you have to prove that you can support her. I do not know if US Social Security will qualify as a State Benefit, but I don't think so, since the Irish government is primarily trying to make sure they're not on the hook for supporting your spouse.
She will be issued a Stamp 4. She may work with a Stamp 4, and she may also open a business - Stamp 4 is effectively equivalent to a US green card. It is the right to live and work without restriction other than time in Ireland. After five years she can apply for citizenship.
Immigration: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/returning-to-ireland/residency-and-citizenship/returning-to-ireland-with-your-non-eea-spouse/
Stamp 4: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/information-on-registering/immigration-permission-stamps/
SON HANDLED IN NEXT POST
He does not need to be show that he can financially support her (he probably should be able to obviously, but this is not a requirement for getting a residence permit for an American spouse of an Irish citizen.) people are confusing the rules for the “join spouse” visa, which she does not need. She requires no visa as you said. She just needs a stamp 4 residence permit. All she needs to show for a stamp 4 permit, the appt at burgh quay (they are no longer handled by local gardai and must be done in Dublin regardless of where you live) is the marriage certificate, proof of shared address, and proof of private health insurance.
See the five steps here. The answer to steps 1 and 2 is she does not need a permit. Proceed to step 3.
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/returning-to-ireland/residency-and-citizenship/returning-to-ireland-with-your-non-eea-spouse/
You are correct that she does not need a visa or preclearance. You are incorrect about proof of income. Scroll down to Step 4 on that link, and about three paragraphs down this is what it says:
You and your spouse/civil partner are required to attend the appointment together and should bring the following:
And seriously man, I literally copied and pasted those paragraphs from the documents on citizensinformation.ie, and you clearly didn't read the entire page. I strongly suggest reading the WHOLE document before assuming.
Here’s the “required documentation” link that Irish immigration will direct them to in the email confirming his wife’s immigration appt to get her stamp 4.
Click Stamp 4, then scroll to subsection 3 of this page (“As you live with your spouse/ civil partner who is an Irish citizen”). Identity docs, marriage docs, proof of joint address, proof of marriage license. She doesn’t need the permission letter.
This is what they will be asked for at that appointment. How do I know? Because again I literally just did the exact immigration process he is asking about.
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-register-your-immigration-permission-for-the-first-time/required-documents/
Again is anyone disagreeing with me on this page someone who has actually brought an American spouse to Ireland?
Interesting; it disagrees with citizensinformation.ie . And the policy document. Oh, and I did bring my American spouse, but I'm not an Irish citizen so my circumstances are different, but I did have to provide proof of income in the form of my job contract for my CSEP.
13.2 For the purposes of this document, the different categorisations of family applied are: (a) Immediate Family Nuclear family – Spouse and children under the age of 1811;
Where Sponsor is Irish Citizen 17.2 An Irish citizen, in order to sponsor an immediate family member, must not have been totally or predominantly reliant on benefits from the Irish State for a continuous period in excess of 2 years immediately prior to the application and must over the three year period prior to application have earned a cumulative gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40k.
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
Yep, this is why if the extent of your expertise is the first level website the OP can read himself, you shouldn’t argue when several people who have personally undertaken this exact process in the last few months weigh in with more specific information.
Anecdotal experience doesn't take precedence over literal written official government policy. Suggesting such is dangerous and bad advice.
As you know, I shared the list of required documents you receive from Irish immigration, upon scheduling your appointment for a stamp 4 for an American spouse of an Irish citizen, which you’ve never received, because you are not an Irish citizen and have no relevant information to offer.
And I shared three official government documents - policy documents dated as recently as two days ago - that clearly specify that an Irish citizen has an income requirement in order to be allowed to sponsor their spouse's immigration.
I copied and pasted the links to three different documents all of which say the same thing, over and over and over again. I'm guessing you struggle with reading comprehension? I can help you find resources for that if you'd like!
And personal experience with anything doesn't make you any kind of expert, either. It means you've done it once. It doesn't mean that you are any kind of authority - you are, in fact, making an argument from authority, a logical fallacy. Whereas I have provided solid, written proof that I am correct.
Here are THREE official Irish government documents with the relevant passages quoted and links to each document. Note that the last document is dated 26 November 2025.
"The purpose of this document is to set out a comprehensive statement of Irish national immigration policy in the area of family reunification. It is recognised that more comprehensive and transparent guidelines are necessary to assist applicants and decision makers in this area. The policies outlined in this document will apply to all decision making in the immigration system in relation to family reunification cases in a harmonised way, incorporating both visa applications and the various leave to remain processes. The document also outlines some recommended administrative changes."
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
You and your spouse/civil partner are required to attend the appointment together and should bring the following:
At the appointment, your partner will have their fingerprints and photo taken.
If residency permission is granted
The Registration Officer will put a Stamp 4 in your spouse’s or civil partner’s passport. Your spouse or civil partner then has permission to live and work in Ireland for the length of time stated on the stamp.
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/returning-to-ireland/residency-and-citizenship/returning-to-ireland-with-your-non-eea-spouse/
Spouses, Civil Partners and De Facto Partners Category A: 10.7 Category A sponsors must have earned a gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40,000, cumulative, over the three-year period prior to application
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/f88cb36e/Revised_Family_Reunification_Policy.pdf
Btw to OP or anyone else curious, you can also just literally pick up the phone and call the Irish immigration office and ask them if you don’t believe me. We called and asked them to confirm ahead of our appointment. The list of required documents for bringing a non visa required non eea spouse to Ireland is the link I shared from the email.
But everyone feel free to keep confidently opining on a process you have no actual experience with.
I brought my spouse on a CSEP, and my job offer showed my proof of income. But here's the written policy document and the appropriate sections quoted:
13.2 For the purposes of this document, the different categorisations of family applied are: (a) Immediate Family Nuclear family – Spouse and children under the age of 1811;
Where Sponsor is Irish Citizen 17.2 An Irish citizen, in order to sponsor an immediate family member, must not have been totally or predominantly reliant on benefits from the Irish State for a continuous period in excess of 2 years immediately prior to the application and must over the three year period prior to application have earned a cumulative gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40k.
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
Thanks for explaining that you are not an Irish citizen, you are here on a critical skills permit, which explains why your information has been inaccurate throughout. Perhaps you should focus on posts asking for information on bringing spouses over with a csep, since that’s what you actually have expertise on.
Perhaps you should argue with the Irish government and what their policy documents say consistently across the irishimmigration.ie and citizensinformation.ie websites.
You seem to think I'm just making this up. I'm not. I'm literally copy and pasting from the Irish government website. Maybe those documents are wrong, but discounting them is deeply unwise, especially given there's more than one - both of which I've quote and linked to in this thread to you specifically.
Which, by the way, you keep conveniently ignoring.
As you know, I’ve already quoted and linked to the actual documentation for Irish citizens moving their American spouses to Ireland. What you are obsessively referring to is the general page for bringing a spouse from any non-eea nation to Ireland. The reason you only have access to the most general, vague set of instructions on the internet is because you have no expertise or experience with the immigration process you are for some reason hellbent on opining about.
Nope, neither document is a guideline for visas. Here are THREE official Irish government documents with the relevant passages quoted and links to each document. Note that the last document is dated 26 November 2025.
"The purpose of this document is to set out a comprehensive statement of Irish national immigration policy in the area of family reunification. It is recognised that more comprehensive and transparent guidelines are necessary to assist applicants and decision makers in this area. The policies outlined in this document will apply to all decision making in the immigration system in relation to family reunification cases in a harmonised way, incorporating both visa applications and the various leave to remain processes. The document also outlines some recommended administrative changes."
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
You and your spouse/civil partner are required to attend the appointment together and should bring the following:
At the appointment, your partner will have their fingerprints and photo taken.
If residency permission is granted
The Registration Officer will put a Stamp 4 in your spouse’s or civil partner’s passport. Your spouse or civil partner then has permission to live and work in Ireland for the length of time stated on the stamp.
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/returning-to-ireland/residency-and-citizenship/returning-to-ireland-with-your-non-eea-spouse/
Spouses, Civil Partners and De Facto Partners Category A: 10.7 Category A sponsors must have earned a gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40,000, cumulative, over the three-year period prior to application
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/f88cb36e/Revised_Family_Reunification_Policy.pdf
PS - Quoting official documentation isn't "opining" - I'm not expressing an opinion. I am relaying relevant facts to the OP, along with my sources for proof.
What sources outside anecdotal experience do you have? Yes, I get it, you weren't asked for proof of income. Perhaps that was the choice of the individual Guard, perhaps your Revenue records sufficed, perhaps there was some other reason. I can't speak to your specific situation.
What I can do is literally provide the WRITTEN GOVERNMENT POLICY WITH SOURCE LINKS. Which I've done, and you've made a crusade to try to argue with while not providing any sources yourself.
Here are THREE official Irish government documents with the relevant passages quoted and links to each document. Note that the last document is dated 26 November 2025.
"The purpose of this document is to set out a comprehensive statement of Irish national immigration policy in the area of family reunification. It is recognised that more comprehensive and transparent guidelines are necessary to assist applicants and decision makers in this area. The policies outlined in this document will apply to all decision making in the immigration system in relation to family reunification cases in a harmonised way, incorporating both visa applications and the various leave to remain processes. The document also outlines some recommended administrative changes."
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
You and your spouse/civil partner are required to attend the appointment together and should bring the following:
At the appointment, your partner will have their fingerprints and photo taken.
If residency permission is granted
The Registration Officer will put a Stamp 4 in your spouse’s or civil partner’s passport. Your spouse or civil partner then has permission to live and work in Ireland for the length of time stated on the stamp.
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/returning-to-ireland/residency-and-citizenship/returning-to-ireland-with-your-non-eea-spouse/
Spouses, Civil Partners and De Facto Partners Category A: 10.7 Category A sponsors must have earned a gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40,000, cumulative, over the three-year period prior to application
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/f88cb36e/Revised_Family_Reunification_Policy.pdf
This is incorrect. I also just went through this process and there was no requirement for financial means.
Here is the policy. I'm just quoting it.
13.2 For the purposes of this document, the different categorisations of family applied are: (a) Immediate Family Nuclear family – Spouse and children under the age of 1811;
Where Sponsor is Irish Citizen 17.2 An Irish citizen, in order to sponsor an immediate family member, must not have been totally or predominantly reliant on benefits from the Irish State for a continuous period in excess of 2 years immediately prior to the application and must over the three year period prior to application have earned a cumulative gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40k.
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
“The policies do not apply to: Applications pursuant to Directive 2004/38/EC on the rights of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of Member State”
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-join-family-in-ireland/joining-a-non-eea-non-swiss-national/join-non-eea-family-member/
The immigration website very clearly identifies the requirements for the Stamp 4; https://www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-register-your-immigration-permission-for-the-first-time/required-documents/#stamp4
“3) As you live with your spouse/ civil partner who is an Irish citizen. Registration of a Stamp 4 permission granted to persons based on a Multi-site General Employment Permit is usually valid for 24 months.
First Time Registrations Renewals - The biometric page of your current valid passport(s). This is the page that shows your photograph, passport number and date of birth. - Your marriage/civil partnership certificate. Proof of your joint current address with your spouse/ civil partner. - The biometric page of your Irish spouse / civil partner’s current valid passport. - Your permission letter from the Department of Justice that details the conditions under which you were granted a Stamp 4 (if applicable). - Private Medical Insurance or Travel Insurance with medical cover for accidents and medical incident including hospital stays in Ireland, valid for 12 months, or if less than 12 months – for the duration of your stay. Please bring an original Policy document, in your name for the entire length of your stay. It must include full cover for hospital with relevant dates included. - The biometric page of your current valid passport(s). This is the page that shows your photograph, passport number and date of birth. - The front and back of your current IRP card. This is the credit-card sized plastic card you received when you last registered your permission. - Your marriage/civil partnership certificate. - Proof of your joint current address with your spouse/ civil partner. - The biometric page of your Irish spouse / civil partner’s current valid passport. - Your permission letter from the Department of Justice that details the conditions under which you were granted a Stamp 4 (if applicable).”
Stop using ChatGPT and go directly to the source. I’m replying to each comment because I don’t want others to be mislead when this thread comes up on Google.
I linked the fucking sources. Like a HUNDRED TIMES. I quoted the relevant passages and linked the sources. ALL ON THE IRISH GOVERNMENT WEBSITES.
STOP LYING.
i am yet another person (US spouse of Irish national) who has done this and can confirm you do NOT need evidence of financial means (and in fact was stressed about it right up until the appt because i saw this misinfo regularly on forums like these!)
I am literally copy and pasting from the official Irish government website. I understand that you may have had a different experience, but both citizensinformation.ie and irishimmigration.ie specify that you are required to provide proof of income.
I will defer to the official government websites over anecdotal experience. You're more than welcome to share your experience, of course, but saying that someone who is quoting the actual immigration policy is wrong is inaccurate at best.
You are “literally copy pasting” information on the join family visa, which is not the process used for bringing an American spouse to Ireland as an Irish citizen.
Here are THREE official Irish government documents with the relevant passages quoted and links to each document. Note that the last document is dated 26 November 2025.
"The purpose of this document is to set out a comprehensive statement of Irish national immigration policy in the area of family reunification. It is recognised that more comprehensive and transparent guidelines are necessary to assist applicants and decision makers in this area. The policies outlined in this document will apply to all decision making in the immigration system in relation to family reunification cases in a harmonised way, incorporating both visa applications and the various leave to remain processes. The document also outlines some recommended administrative changes."
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
You and your spouse/civil partner are required to attend the appointment together and should bring the following:
At the appointment, your partner will have their fingerprints and photo taken.
If residency permission is granted
The Registration Officer will put a Stamp 4 in your spouse’s or civil partner’s passport. Your spouse or civil partner then has permission to live and work in Ireland for the length of time stated on the stamp.
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/returning-to-ireland/residency-and-citizenship/returning-to-ireland-with-your-non-eea-spouse/
Spouses, Civil Partners and De Facto Partners Category A: 10.7 Category A sponsors must have earned a gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40,000, cumulative, over the three-year period prior to application
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/f88cb36e/Revised_Family_Reunification_Policy.pdf
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/f88cb36e/Revised_Family_Reunification_Policy.pdf
Says it there too. And not one of the documents I linked specified visa. This one specifically outlines different procedures for non-visa requiring countries.
Stop lying, please.
Bringing an American spouse to Ireland as an Irish citizen is not the family reunification process. Keep trying.
Tell me you've not read the documents without telling me you've not read the documents.
i know you are! but we are all telling you that citizens info is wrong, and you keep insisting, despite not having done this process yourself (or knowing anyone who has?). this is correct in all of our experiences: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-register-your-immigration-permission-for-the-first-time/required-documents/#stamp4
I have provided policy documents dated as recently as two days ago that say I am right.
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/f88cb36e/Revised_Family_Reunification_Policy.pdf
Perhaps it's a recent change (it's not), perhaps the Guard chose not to ask for some reason, I don't know. What I know is what the government says, and I'll take that as fact over a couple of people saying otherwise.
I've got three documents from the Irish government saying specifically that a certain income level is required for Irish citizens bringing a non-EEA spouse dated as recently as THIS WEDNESDAY. You have one page that doesn't list income proof.
OP can make his own choices on who to listen to. I know what I would choose.
Here are THREE official Irish government documents with the relevant passages quoted and links to each document. Note that the last document is dated 26 November 2025.
"The purpose of this document is to set out a comprehensive statement of Irish national immigration policy in the area of family reunification. It is recognised that more comprehensive and transparent guidelines are necessary to assist applicants and decision makers in this area. The policies outlined in this document will apply to all decision making in the immigration system in relation to family reunification cases in a harmonised way, incorporating both visa applications and the various leave to remain processes. The document also outlines some recommended administrative changes."
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
You and your spouse/civil partner are required to attend the appointment together and should bring the following:
At the appointment, your partner will have their fingerprints and photo taken.
If residency permission is granted
The Registration Officer will put a Stamp 4 in your spouse’s or civil partner’s passport. Your spouse or civil partner then has permission to live and work in Ireland for the length of time stated on the stamp.
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/returning-to-ireland/residency-and-citizenship/returning-to-ireland-with-your-non-eea-spouse/
Spouses, Civil Partners and De Facto Partners Category A: 10.7 Category A sponsors must have earned a gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40,000, cumulative, over the three-year period prior to application
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/f88cb36e/Revised_Family_Reunification_Policy.pdf
i think you can stop pasting this everywhere. OP can decide whether to worry about this on top of figuring out question #2. my advice would be not to worry about this bit; we disagree.
It's not so much you that frustrates me and is causing me to post this as a reply to everyone saying otherwise. Another user is being quite rude, and I note that user deleted all their replies to my original post, but left their large, long post essentially accusing me of being a bot and an idiot there. So I need to make sure people see what the official government documentation says. Then they can make up their own mind.
That said, I believe that your experience was what it was. I would even believe that was the usual practice. But none of that changes what the law actually says, and the law clearly defines a minimum income requirement.
Do you mean me? Because I’ve deleted nothing. Get better at Reddit.
Regarding the son, this is a bit tricky. You CAN bring a dependent, and as the spouse of an Irish citizen so can she. HOWEVER, there's a catch.
So he qualifies, however, you must show that you can afford to support him, and that he is dependent specifically on HER or YOUR care. Here's the wording that's relevant:
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
The concern here is primarily that her son is in a care facility, and thus isn't really dependent on your wife. She's not caring for him at home, herself, and her presence doesn't make his life unsustainable. Now, you can try for exceptional circumstances or compassionate circumstances, but they're incredibly hard to get.
And yes, you have to prove that you can pay for his care. You cannot put him in government paid care, as he is not an Irish citizen. I would imagine that the required amount is related directly to the cost of his care, and the onus is on you to prove that you can pay for it.
Because he isn't your son by birth, and you didn't adopt him prior to him turning 18 (presumably), he isn't eligible for citizenship on his own right, so the only way he's getting here is as a dependent adult that you can show you can financially support, or if he can qualify in some other way on his own.
Excellent response, exactly what I needed. Thank you so much.
This is not entirely accurate. You do not need to prove financial sponsorship for your spouse (source: I just got my Stamp 4 yesterday.)
You only need to present your passport, proof of address, and health insurance for your wife’s visa.
It’s the health insurance thing new? Moved here five years ago, spouse is Irish, not only did I not have to prove insurance status, but the border guard let us through with a picture from our wedding (at the airport in the US, we shuffled things in the luggage due to weight limits and accidentally put the marriage certificate in the checked baggage!)
The border entry is different. There you only need your passport, your spouse/passport, and your marriage certificate.
Once you’re in the country, you have 90 days to get your Stamp 4. That’s where you present your health insurance.
Again, is the health insurance a new thing? Not only have I never had to present any proof of health insurance, but I still don’t have any. I’ve been to the doctor once since arriving.
Also, not sure why you’re arguing the border thing with the marriage certificate, I was providing my experience and didn’t say it was a standard that they don’t need to see it… definitely was an exceptional circumstance and the border guard was very nice about it.
I don’t know whether it’s a new thing or not. I just know that it was a requirement for me to get my visa two days ago.
Your border crossing experience isn’t really relevant. That’s not what we’re talking about. I wasn’t arguing with you, I was explaining that there are two separate interactions: one, less intensive, at the airport/border crossing where you only really need passports and proof of marriage, and one, more intensive, at the Immigration office where, in order to get your Stamp 4 spousal visa, you have to show your proof of insurance.
The border crossing is the first step, where you get the temporary stamp which you then take to the Immigration office.
No, I had to provide it when I moved here three years ago on a CSEP with my spouse.
Here is the policy. Argue with INIS if you want, I'm just quoting policy.
13.2 For the purposes of this document, the different categorisations of family applied are: (a) Immediate Family Nuclear family – Spouse and children under the age of 1811;
Where Sponsor is Irish Citizen 17.2 An Irish citizen, in order to sponsor an immediate family member, must not have been totally or predominantly reliant on benefits from the Irish State for a continuous period in excess of 2 years immediately prior to the application and must over the three year period prior to application have earned a cumulative gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40k.
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
“The policies do not apply to: Applications pursuant to Directive 2004/38/EC on the rights of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of Member State”
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-join-family-in-ireland/joining-a-non-eea-non-swiss-national/join-non-eea-family-member/
Again, I literally just completed this process.
Another source very clearly identifies the requirements for the Stamp 4; https://www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-register-your-immigration-permission-for-the-first-time/required-documents/#stamp4
“3) As you live with your spouse/ civil partner who is an Irish citizen. Registration of a Stamp 4 permission granted to persons based on a Multi-site General Employment Permit is usually valid for 24 months.
First Time Registrations Renewals - The biometric page of your current valid passport(s). This is the page that shows your photograph, passport number and date of birth. - Your marriage/civil partnership certificate. Proof of your joint current address with your spouse/ civil partner. - The biometric page of your Irish spouse / civil partner’s current valid passport. - Your permission letter from the Department of Justice that details the conditions under which you were granted a Stamp 4 (if applicable). - Private Medical Insurance or Travel Insurance with medical cover for accidents and medical incident including hospital stays in Ireland, valid for 12 months, or if less than 12 months – for the duration of your stay. Please bring an original Policy document, in your name for the entire length of your stay. It must include full cover for hospital with relevant dates included. - The biometric page of your current valid passport(s). This is the page that shows your photograph, passport number and date of birth. - The front and back of your current IRP card. This is the credit-card sized plastic card you received when you last registered your permission. - Your marriage/civil partnership certificate. - Proof of your joint current address with your spouse/ civil partner. - The biometric page of your Irish spouse / civil partner’s current valid passport. - Your permission letter from the Department of Justice that details the conditions under which you were granted a Stamp 4 (if applicable).”
Stop using ChatGPT and go directly to the source. I’m replying to each comment because I don’t want others to be mislead when this thread comes up on Google.
Hey OP, read the top comments. This person is wrong and giving you inaccurate info.
Oh, and another source:
6. Immigration status of sponsor 6.1 There are several different categories of sponsor22 with different requirements and entitlements as regards family reunification pursuant to this document for each: 6.2 Category A Sponsor a) Irish national residing or intending to reside in Ireland,
Spouses, Civil Partners and De Facto Partners Category A: 10.7 Category A sponsors must have earned a gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40,000, cumulative, over the three-year period prior to application
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/f88cb36e/Revised_Family_Reunification_Policy.pdf
“The policies do not apply to: Applications pursuant to Directive 2004/38/EC on the rights of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of Member State”
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-join-family-in-ireland/joining-a-non-eea-non-swiss-national/join-non-eea-family-member/
Again, I literally just completed this process.
Another source very clearly identifies the requirements for the Stamp 4; https://www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-register-your-immigration-permission-for-the-first-time/required-documents/#stamp4
“3) As you live with your spouse/ civil partner who is an Irish citizen. Registration of a Stamp 4 permission granted to persons based on a Multi-site General Employment Permit is usually valid for 24 months.
First Time Registrations Renewals - The biometric page of your current valid passport(s). This is the page that shows your photograph, passport number and date of birth. - Your marriage/civil partnership certificate. Proof of your joint current address with your spouse/ civil partner. - The biometric page of your Irish spouse / civil partner’s current valid passport. - Your permission letter from the Department of Justice that details the conditions under which you were granted a Stamp 4 (if applicable). - Private Medical Insurance or Travel Insurance with medical cover for accidents and medical incident including hospital stays in Ireland, valid for 12 months, or if less than 12 months – for the duration of your stay. Please bring an original Policy document, in your name for the entire length of your stay. It must include full cover for hospital with relevant dates included. - The biometric page of your current valid passport(s). This is the page that shows your photograph, passport number and date of birth. - The front and back of your current IRP card. This is the credit-card sized plastic card you received when you last registered your permission. - Your marriage/civil partnership certificate. - Proof of your joint current address with your spouse/ civil partner. - The biometric page of your Irish spouse / civil partner’s current valid passport. - Your permission letter from the Department of Justice that details the conditions under which you were granted a Stamp 4 (if applicable).”
Stop using ChatGPT and go directly to the source. I’m replying to each comment because I don’t want others to be mislead when this thread comes up on Google.
So the Irish government policy is wrong?
13.2 For the purposes of this document, the different categorisations of family applied are: (a) Immediate Family Nuclear family – Spouse and children under the age of 1811;
Where Sponsor is Irish Citizen 17.2 An Irish citizen, in order to sponsor an immediate family member, must not have been totally or predominantly reliant on benefits from the Irish State for a continuous period in excess of 2 years immediately prior to the application and must over the three year period prior to application have earned a cumulative gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40k.
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
The immigration website very clearly identifies the requirements for the Stamp 4; https://www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-register-your-immigration-permission-for-the-first-time/required-documents/#stamp4
“3) As you live with your spouse/ civil partner who is an Irish citizen. Registration of a Stamp 4 permission granted to persons based on a Multi-site General Employment Permit is usually valid for 24 months.
First Time Registrations Renewals - The biometric page of your current valid passport(s). This is the page that shows your photograph, passport number and date of birth. - Your marriage/civil partnership certificate. Proof of your joint current address with your spouse/ civil partner. - The biometric page of your Irish spouse / civil partner’s current valid passport. - Your permission letter from the Department of Justice that details the conditions under which you were granted a Stamp 4 (if applicable). - Private Medical Insurance or Travel Insurance with medical cover for accidents and medical incident including hospital stays in Ireland, valid for 12 months, or if less than 12 months – for the duration of your stay. Please bring an original Policy document, in your name for the entire length of your stay. It must include full cover for hospital with relevant dates included. - The biometric page of your current valid passport(s). This is the page that shows your photograph, passport number and date of birth. - The front and back of your current IRP card. This is the credit-card sized plastic card you received when you last registered your permission. - Your marriage/civil partnership certificate. - Proof of your joint current address with your spouse/ civil partner. - The biometric page of your Irish spouse / civil partner’s current valid passport. - Your permission letter from the Department of Justice that details the conditions under which you were granted a Stamp 4 (if applicable).”
Stop using ChatGPT and go directly to the source. I’m replying to each comment because I don’t want others to be mislead when this thread comes up on Google.
Happy to help! Feel free to reach out with any questions and I can answer, I will.
My guess is that it boils down to this:
EDIT: It occurs that if the government is paying for part of all of his care in the US, you're going to have to show that you leaving makes that care unsustainable - so if the US is paying for all of it, that's not gonna happen, and if they're paying for part, remember that you will need to show you can pay for the WHOLE thing in Ireland.
Remember, your son will not be eligible for government funded care of any kind.
This is not accurate. I received my stamp 4 yesterday, you do not need to prove financial support.
Sure, you're right random internet person and the Irish government is wrong. /s
13.2 For the purposes of this document, the different categorisations of family applied are: (a) Immediate Family Nuclear family – Spouse and children under the age of 1811;
Where Sponsor is Irish Citizen 17.2 An Irish citizen, in order to sponsor an immediate family member, must not have been totally or predominantly reliant on benefits from the Irish State for a continuous period in excess of 2 years immediately prior to the application and must over the three year period prior to application have earned a cumulative gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40k.
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
“The policies do not apply to: Applications pursuant to Directive 2004/38/EC on the rights of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of Member State”
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-join-family-in-ireland/joining-a-non-eea-non-swiss-national/join-non-eea-family-member/
hmmmmm...
Why am i being downvoted :p
Here are THREE official Irish government documents with the relevant passages quoted and links to each document. Note that the last document is dated 26 November 2025.
"The purpose of this document is to set out a comprehensive statement of Irish national immigration policy in the area of family reunification. It is recognised that more comprehensive and transparent guidelines are necessary to assist applicants and decision makers in this area. The policies outlined in this document will apply to all decision making in the immigration system in relation to family reunification cases in a harmonised way, incorporating both visa applications and the various leave to remain processes. The document also outlines some recommended administrative changes."
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
You and your spouse/civil partner are required to attend the appointment together and should bring the following:
At the appointment, your partner will have their fingerprints and photo taken.
If residency permission is granted
The Registration Officer will put a Stamp 4 in your spouse’s or civil partner’s passport. Your spouse or civil partner then has permission to live and work in Ireland for the length of time stated on the stamp.
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/returning-to-ireland/residency-and-citizenship/returning-to-ireland-with-your-non-eea-spouse/
Spouses, Civil Partners and De Facto Partners Category A: 10.7 Category A sponsors must have earned a gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40,000, cumulative, over the three-year period prior to application
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/f88cb36e/Revised_Family_Reunification_Policy.pdf
If you have a job offer, that can be used to meet the financial requirements (together with your recent US income).
Here are THREE official Irish government documents with the relevant passages quoted and links to each document. Note that the last document is dated 26 November 2025.
"The purpose of this document is to set out a comprehensive statement of Irish national immigration policy in the area of family reunification. It is recognised that more comprehensive and transparent guidelines are necessary to assist applicants and decision makers in this area. The policies outlined in this document will apply to all decision making in the immigration system in relation to family reunification cases in a harmonised way, incorporating both visa applications and the various leave to remain processes. The document also outlines some recommended administrative changes."
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
You and your spouse/civil partner are required to attend the appointment together and should bring the following:
At the appointment, your partner will have their fingerprints and photo taken.
If residency permission is granted
The Registration Officer will put a Stamp 4 in your spouse’s or civil partner’s passport. Your spouse or civil partner then has permission to live and work in Ireland for the length of time stated on the stamp.
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/returning-to-ireland/residency-and-citizenship/returning-to-ireland-with-your-non-eea-spouse/
Spouses, Civil Partners and De Facto Partners Category A: 10.7 Category A sponsors must have earned a gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40,000, cumulative, over the three-year period prior to application
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/f88cb36e/Revised_Family_Reunification_Policy.pdf
[deleted]
His wife has an automatic right to move back with him. This information is incorrect. She requires no visa as a US citizen and as the spouse of a citizen she will receive a stamp 4 residence permit within 90 days of arrival. He doesn’t need to prove ability to financial support her either. The rules for her son are different and I’m less familiar but nothing to do with her moving within the op requires citizenship for her or anything else. She will be eligible for naturalisation in three years but all she has to do to move here is arrive, make an immigration appt within 90 days to show a shared Irish address and private health insurance, and then renew her stamp annually.
[deleted]
You are mixing up the terms visa and residence permit. Visas are for entry, she doesn’t need a visa, ever, as an American. But to remain in Ireland, she needs a residence permit, specifically a stamp 4. She is eligible for that as a spouse of a citizen. I explained the complete process in a comment elsewhere on the post. I just did this complete process moving my American spouse to Ireland in April. If you check the immigration website as you suggested it spells it out very clearly.
[deleted]
Did you look at the website with the five steps that I shared? I don’t understand why you are arguing with very clear information on a government website, delivered by someone who literally just completed the exact process OP is asking about. All that is “determined by the government” is that at the border she has a marriage certificate and that at the residence permit appt within 90 days of landing, she has the marriage cert, proof of a shared address, and proof that she secured private health insurance.
See the five steps here: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/returning-to-ireland/residency-and-citizenship/returning-to-ireland-with-your-non-eea-spouse/
Step 1: check if she is from a country that requires a visa, she is not.
Step 2: apply for a visa if she needs one (she does not, she is from a non-visa requiring country)
Step 3: she will show passport and marriage cert at the border upon landing a get a temp stamp
Step 4: she will register with immigration within 90 days to get a residence permit (stamp 4)
Step 5: she will renew that stamp as needed
You are mixing a stamp 4 and a visa. Variations of Stamps 1 to 6 are not visas. OP contact the Irish consulate near you or people who have moved here from the USA for reliable information.
There is no requirement to prove financial support for a US spouse of an Irish citizen. I received my Stamp 4 yesterday. It’s not a requirement or even a question.
I am close to retiring here in the US, so if I moved I would possibly be claiming social security and also have some 401k funds, plus we would be buying a house cash in Ireland.
You’d be best asking DFA and potentially hiring an immigration attorney and consulting with a financial advisor.
If you’re close to retiring, and depending on pension etc, and the expense of nursing homes eventually and care for her son, it could be high expenses and I don’t know how it may affect her application. Her son can only apply once she has citizenship. However, I don’t know your pension pot etc.
Also ask the financial advisor about the tax implications for you, your wife and her son, including regarding estate taxes.
As far as I know US citizens have to pay income tax to the USA even if they live abroad so that might be something you need to check for your wife and son
You have to file as a citizen or resident alien, but there's a foreign income exclusion of $130k assuming you've lived in a foreign country for (nearly) the entire year. It's a joke regardless.
Taxes and immigration are different things.
Hey, so on the financial part, you need to prove your past three years' income meets the €40,000 cumulative threshold. I think you’d easily meet that. I moved here as a spouse of an Irish citizen together with my husband who was working in Australia and didn’t have a job to move back to when we got here. He also wasn’t in a hurry to find a job when we got here, he finally got a business up after 2 years but the government wasn’t rushing or hounding him about that. You just have to prove she won’t be a liability to the state.
Otherwise you can also look into a pensioner’s visa for her.
No you don’t. It’s possible the process of different for Australians but I’m a US citizen who just went through this. There is no requirement to prove financial support.
So Irish Immigration is wrong? You gonna tell them they're wrong?
13.2 For the purposes of this document, the different categorisations of family applied are: (a) Immediate Family Nuclear family – Spouse and children under the age of 1811;
Where Sponsor is Irish Citizen 17.2 An Irish citizen, in order to sponsor an immediate family member, must not have been totally or predominantly reliant on benefits from the Irish State for a continuous period in excess of 2 years immediately prior to the application and must over the three year period prior to application have earned a cumulative gross income over and above any State benefits of not less than €40k.
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
Another source very clearly identifies the requirements for the Stamp 4; https://www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-register-your-immigration-permission-for-the-first-time/required-documents/#stamp4
“3) As you live with your spouse/ civil partner who is an Irish citizen. Registration of a Stamp 4 permission granted to persons based on a Multi-site General Employment Permit is usually valid for 24 months.
First Time Registrations Renewals - The biometric page of your current valid passport(s). This is the page that shows your photograph, passport number and date of birth. - Your marriage/civil partnership certificate. Proof of your joint current address with your spouse/ civil partner. - The biometric page of your Irish spouse / civil partner’s current valid passport. - Your permission letter from the Department of Justice that details the conditions under which you were granted a Stamp 4 (if applicable). - Private Medical Insurance or Travel Insurance with medical cover for accidents and medical incident including hospital stays in Ireland, valid for 12 months, or if less than 12 months – for the duration of your stay. Please bring an original Policy document, in your name for the entire length of your stay. It must include full cover for hospital with relevant dates included. - The biometric page of your current valid passport(s). This is the page that shows your photograph, passport number and date of birth. - The front and back of your current IRP card. This is the credit-card sized plastic card you received when you last registered your permission. - Your marriage/civil partnership certificate. - Proof of your joint current address with your spouse/ civil partner. - The biometric page of your Irish spouse / civil partner’s current valid passport. - Your permission letter from the Department of Justice that details the conditions under which you were granted a Stamp 4 (if applicable).”
Stop using ChatGPT and go directly to the source. I’m replying to each comment because I don’t want others to be mislead when this thread comes up on Google.
“The policies do not apply to: Applications pursuant to Directive 2004/38/EC on the rights of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of Member State”
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-join-family-in-ireland/joining-a-non-eea-non-swiss-national/join-non-eea-family-member/
Ok
For the record, I know this because I’m an American who just got my Stamp 4 yesterday. Neither me nor my husband have jobs in Ireland and no one asked to prove our financial anything.
Ok
You should have already done this yourself . Instead of waiting for others to do it . . I kinda find it sad that you didn't. Normally it's a hey hey !
Patrick they're letting anyone into the country at the moment so I don't think you need to worry....oh wait you're Irish that might be a problem
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cop on