Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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522. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps that must be taken for an American citizen who wants to come to live in Ireland (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57299/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As a non-visa required national the person referred must apply for a preclearance letter of approval. A de facto partner of an Irish citizen may apply under De Facto partner of an Irish national scheme. The person concerned should apply before they travel to Ireland and must remain outside the State while their application is processed. The application must made from the persons home country or a country where they are a legal resident. Proof of residence outside the State may be requested.

Full details of the De Facto partner of an Irish national scheme and a link to the application form can be found at the following link:

www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-join-family-in-ireland/joining-an-irish-national/de-facto-partner-of-an-irish-national/

A preclearance letter does not give the holder a right to enter the State. Entry into the State, for both visa required and non-visa required nationals, is solely at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at the port of entry. The onus is on the individual to have all documentation relating to their reasons for entering Ireland for presentation to the Immigration Officer to gain entry. The Immigration Officer may grant leave to enter to a maximum period of three months. They may, depending on the documentation, the reasons for seeking entry to the State and/or a person’s previous Immigration history, refuse entry to the State or grant permission for a period of less than 3 months.

Persons looking to reside in the State, should prepare documentary evidence of private health insurance, along with details of finances to show how they will be able to maintain themselves, or be maintained, whilst in the State.