Non-EU Grandparents - Stamp 0; What is it and how to apply?

Hey folks, I will try my best to highlight some of the main bullet points for Elderly Parents as it is something I have been repeatedly asked to write about. You must be aware of my recent campaign on getting Non-EU Grandparents of Irish Citizen Children a multi-entry tourist visa, albeit moving in the right direction the progress is unfortunately, very slow.

VERY IMPORTANT: The Irish State is simply not in a position to take on financial responsibilities of your parents, nor should it be expected to do so. Moreover, even where the family in Ireland is willing to assume the initial responsibility of providing for their relative and has a good faith intention to continue to do so, circumstances can change. If the family becomes unable or unwilling to assume the costs of maintenance, then the State could be faced with an invidious choice between assuming the financial burden from the public purse or seeking to deport an elderly person who cannot provide for him/herself.

Guys, I would personally urge all to please take the above into consideration prior to making any application for Join Family Visas, if you can't afford it, I don't care how much tax you pay, the state is not liable to look after your family.

The Irish constitution is extremely compassionate, but taking advantage of it - is a sin!

A sponsor (one person) of an elderly dependent relative will be required to have earned in Ireland each of the 3 years preceding the application an income after tax and deductions of not less than €60K in the case of one parent and €75k where 2 parents are involved.

How to apply?

There is no application form as such, you simply submit a strong cover letter stating you are asking for a Stamp Zero and outline all the documents you are submitting.

INIS requires the following information from you when considering your application:

• Clear and legible copy of applicant's passport (all pages), including the visa on which he/she entered the State;

• Copy of birth certificate;

• Copy of marriage certificate;

• Reason for request for permission;

• Details of all family members resident in the State and their legal status in the State;

• Details of Irish Associations;

• Evidence of all finances available to the applicant (i.e. six months of bank statements, payslips);

• Evidence of finances verified by an Irish based accountant listing yearly income and any financial liabilities. Investment sums are not normally reckonable - finances must be in the form of pension income or readily accessible funds;

• Evidence of private medical insurance with full cover in private hospitals;

• Police Clearance Certificate;

• Health Declaration;

• Any other information you consider relevant to your case.

Reasons for refusal are mainly due to the following conditions are not satisfied:

• Applicant must be covered by private medical cover at or above the level of VHI plan D or equivalent;

• The sponsor will be required to sign a legal undertaking to the effect that they will bear personal complete financial responsibility for the elderly dependent relative and that any State funds availed of by the relative will be reimbursed by them. The possibility of requiring the family to establish a financial bond for this purpose remains open

• The Sponsor will be required to make detailed provision for the accommodation of the elderly dependent relative.

The permission granted will be regarded as temporary but renewable on an annual basis providing the conditions are met. The immigration stamp applicable will be Stamp 0. This category would not be reckonable for Long Term residence or Naturalisation.

Applications for family reunification in cases involving elderly dependents can only be made from outside the State and will be subject to a pre-clearance procedure and application fee. Applications will not be accepted in respect of a person who has come to the State on a visitor visa and then seeks leave to remain.

You must apply in writing for permission, enclosing the required documentation to:

Residence Division (Unit 2) Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service Department of Justice and Equality 13-14 Burgh Quay Dublin 2

Best of Luck!