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FAQ

  • My mother is on Stamp 0. After how many years she can apply for Citizenship through naturalisation?
    In the above situation Stamp 0 holder has to finish 5 years of recknobale days to apply for Citizenship through naturalisation process.
  • What are the single-parent benefits in Ireland?
    The foreign nationals who are living and working in Ireland have certain rights if he/she is a single parent of a child. Please find below the list of benefits one may be eligible for if they satisfy all other criteria to avail the below: ➡️ One-parent family payment ➡️ Household budget scheme ➡️ Fuel allowance ➡️ Working family payment ➡️ Medical card ➡️ Help with your rent We check your tax credits at no fee.
  • I am on a graduate Stamp 1G. Can I switch to dependent Stamp 1G if my partner has CSEP?
    Any foreign national who in/out side of Ireland and is a spouse of a CSEP holder can apply for dependent Spouse 1G anytime.
  • My CSEP is refused even though I am an IT analyst and my job falls into the CSEP Occupation list. Can you please put some light on it how can I deal with this?
    Many foreign nationals recently have received a refusal decision on their employment permit applications in which the reason for refusal is mostly that the concerned occupation does not fall under the critical or general employment list. Please note that such refusal is not only concerned with solely your job title rather it includes many factors like education, work experience, current profile etc which should have been genuine for approval. We assist refusal cases with changes of a positive decision.
  • Can my wife leave her Stamp 1 and apply for Stamp 1g based on my Stamp 1?
    Yes spouses of Stamp 1 (CSEP) holders can apply for dependent Stamp 1G anytime they wish.
  • Are there any fees involved for an appeal to refusal of an employment permit?
    Foreign nationals who applied for any employment permit application and have faced refusal have the right to appeal the decision within the given time limit on refusal correspondence. There are no fees to apply for an appeal.
  • I and my Spouse are living in Ireland since 2019 in Ireland. He has received his Stamp 4 after spending 2 years on CSEP. I am on Stamp 1G dependent. Can I apply for Stamp 4 too?
    Foreign nationals who are on Stamp 1G (spouse) can only apply for Stamp 4 after spending 5 years on a Stamp 1G (spouse) visa. The spouse of the Stamp 4 holder is not directly eligible to apply for Stamp 4.
  • I am a CSEP holder. Can I do a second job if my employer with my current employer's consent?
    Foreign nationals who are in Ireland on an Employment Permit Visa are not allowed to do any job other than the employer stated on their employment permit. Any such activity can cause trouble on their next visa renewal and Stamp 4 as well. In the above situation, foreign nationals are not allowed to have two offices of profit on Stamp 1.
  • I am the holder of a Working Holiday Authorisation, am I allowed to apply for an employment permit?
    Holders of a Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA), as per the terms and conditions of their WHA, must leave the State on expiry of the WHA and cannot apply for an employment permit whilst in the State. The foreign national may consider submitting an application for an employment permit from outside the State, upon expiration or cancellation of their WHA, and on foot of an eligible job offer, which will be considered subject to the usual criteria applying under the Employment Permits Acts and Regulations.
  • I am a non-EEA national in a de facto (non-marital) relationship with an EEA national. Do I need to apply for an employment permit?
    If you are a non-EEA national married to, or in a civil partnership with, an EEA national and both you and your spouse or partner are residing in Ireland, you should contact the Department of Justice and Equality to seek residency in the State on that basis. If you receive Stamp 4 immigration permission, you will not require an employment permit to work in Ireland.
  • I am an employer who currently has no employees – can I apply for an employment permit?
    In cases where there are currently no employees, employment permits can only be granted in respect of the following exceptions: Applications for Critical Skills, General or Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permits in respect of a start-up company within 2 years of its establishment (i.e. registered as an employer with the Revenue Commissioners) which are clients companies of Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland and which are accompanied by a letter of support from Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland confirming that the start-up company will contribute to the further development of employment in the State.
  • Can I do double jobs on Stamp 1?
    Foreign nationals who are in Ireland on an Employment Permit Visa are not allowed to do any job other than the employer stated on their employment permit. Any such activity can cause trouble in their next visa renewal and Stamp 4 as well. In the above situation, foreign national is not allowed to have two offices of profit on Stamp 1. Let us know if your stamp 4 is refused due to any reasons.
  • Can a new employment permit application be submitted when a request for review of another application for the same foreign national is pending?
    Every individual can only have one active application at a time. If a request for a review of a refusal decision has been submitted and the applicant wishes to submit a new employment permit application, then the request for the review must be withdrawn by the applicant before the new application can be submitted.
  • I am a CSEP holder. Can I do a second job if my employer with my current employer's consent?
    Foreign nationals who are in Ireland on an Employment Permit Visa are not allowed to do any job other than the employer stated on their employment permit. Any such activity can cause trouble on their next visa renewal and Stamp 4 as well. In the above situation, foreign nationals are not allowed to have two offices of profit on Stamp 1.
  • During my CSEP, I was not in Ireland for 90 days. Can I still apply for Stamp 4 after the completion of 21 months on CSEP?
    CSEP holders who were not in the state for 90 days and still they were working remotely and getting paid as per the employment contract submitted at the time of CSEP application can apply for a Stamp 4 support letter post-completion of 20 months on CSEP.
  • I am currently a Stamp 1A holder. I just completed ACCA. If I want to apply for Stamp 1 from a different company. What is the procedure?
    Stamp 1A is issued to a foreign national based on the contract and employment in a particular Company. In the above condition, the foreign national will have to apply for an employment permit and successfully secure it and thereafter join the Company.
  • I am currently resident in the State as a visitor or a student can I apply for an employment permit?
    It is the policy that all first-time applicants for employment permits should normally make their application while residing outside the State. However, non-EEA citizens with a valid certificate of registration (GNIB Card) and who are holders of Stamps 1, 1A, 2, 2A and 3 immigration permissions and who have been offered employment in an eligible occupation, are allowed to apply for employment permits following all of the legislative procedures whilst already legally resident in the State. In this instance, if an application for an employment permit is successful and on receipt of the employment permit, the persons concerned must register their change of status with the GNIB Department.
  • I got my CSEP but I haven't changed my IRP card yet from Stamp 1G to Stamp 1 and I don't want to. Can I renew my Stamp 1G?
    Any foreign national who has secured a critical skills employment permit should switch to Stamp 1 straight away. Not doing so might be considered a wrong activity in the eyes of immigration office. In the above situation, an applicant can not apply for Stamp 1G renewal being on Stamp 1.
  • I have just received GEP and now I have got an offer which is under critical skills and I want to apply for a CSEP. How can I go for it?
    Foreign nationals who have applied for and received an employment permit can not withdraw their application once it is approved. In the above case, an applicant should cancel his/her General Employment Permit and only can then apply for Critical Skills Employment Permit.
  • Can I do business on Stamp 1?
    Stamp 1 based on any type of employment permit with support of their respective employer is not permitted to have two offices of profit though it is written on IRP Card. Doing such activity may lead to a negative impact on the stamp 4 application.
  • I am on CSEP and the ownership of my Company was changed before I applied for my Stamp 4. Now My Stamp 4 is refused for the same reason. What should I do?
    Any such major change in the Company like a change of ownership may affect the permit holder's future immigration status. This case requires proactive measures from the Company side as well as the employee side. Whenever anyone notices such changes in Company kindly inform the department and seek help from the professional or department for steps to be taken immediately. In this particular case, a special application should be made for requesting a Stamp 4 grant to the concerned department.
  • My wife is on Stamp 1 she recently got a very good offer. Can she leave her Stamp 1 and come back to Stamp 1G?
    Based on the above situation the spouse of Stamp 4 can withdraw the CSEP and apply for Stamp 1G as a dependent spouse. We would suggest that this decision should be taken after consideration of all pros and cons of the respective action.
  • I am a recent graduate. Can I apply for an employment permit even if I am with the contract of 27K annually?
    Recent graduate students who finished their graduation last year can apply for a certain type of employment permit with their employer's support at a salary of 27000 euros.
  • I have received my employment permit. Can I change my Stamp 1G to Stamp 1 at the time of expiry of my current 1G or do I have to do it immediately after receiving the permit?
    All the foreign nationals who have secured any employemt permit are required to convert their Stamp 1G to Stamp 1 respecting their employment permit start date and not later. Not doing so can affect their Stamp 4 application in future. It is advisable for all visa-required nationals to perform their obligations in a timely manner to avoid any future problems.
  • 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐭
    Minimum annual remuneration - is generally €30,000. However, it is: - €27,000 in respect of employment as a healthcare assistant; - €27,000 in respect of a non-EEA student – who has graduated in the last 12 months, from an Irish third level institution, and has been offered a graduate position from the Critical Skills Occupations List; - €27,000 in respect of a non-EEA student – who has graduated in the last 12 months, from an overseas third level institution, and has been offered a graduate position as an ICT professional from the Critical Skills Occupations List; - €27,000 in respect of an employment which requires a person fluent in the official language of a state which is not a Member State of the EEA, where the employment is supported by an enterprise development agency and the employment is in: - a customer service and sales role with relevant product knowledge, - a specialist online digital marketing and sales role, or - a specialist language support and technical sales support role, and - €27,500 in respect of an employment as a boner (meat).
  • After being employed on CSEP for more than 12 months, If I Switch my employer, Do I have to have a minimum 24 months contract or 12 months contract is enough?
    Foreign nationals who are on critical skills employment permit are required to follow the same process as they followed previously for the same. There are no separate provisions for the applicant who is applying for the second time after the completion of one year on any work permit.
  • I am on Stamp 2 Student Visa. Can I apply for an employment permit?
    Non-European students who are studying in Ireland can directly apply for an Employment Permit if the applicant is satisfying all eligibility criteria. The applicant concerned must possess the relevant qualifications, skills and experience that are required for the employment. However, in the above case, the applicant can not join full-time employment unless he/she secures an Employment Permit successfully.
  • I paid the Application fee while applying for CSEP. After one year, Am I allowed to work for a different employer?
    Non-European nationals living in Ireland on a Critical Skills Employment Permit can not work for a different employer other than mentioned in the employment permit. Any permit holder who wants to switch employers will have to apply for a new CSEP permit from a future employer to work with them.
  • I have been made redundant after 16 months of being on CSEP. What are my rights as a redundant employee?
    Lot of people are currently contacting being in similar situation. Foreign nationals in the above situation have to apply for 6 month's job search visa and then new work permit. The employee has to find new employment which supports to apply for a new CSEP and then after spending 4 months on CSEP, the employee can apply for Stamp 4. The employee can apply for financial benefits like Job Seeker Payment and Redundancy payment in this scenario.
  • I studied Master's and then I join PhD program. If I left PhD after 1 year. Will I get Stamp 1G?
    Foreign nationals in the above situation can apply for a Stamp 1G graduate visa after the completion or partial completion of the PHD program equivalent to masters. As per the Irish Immigration guidelines third level graduate students are entitled to get 2 years graduate visa after successful completion of the course.
  • If I change my employment during my GEP period, do I need to wait for 5 years to apply for a Stamp 4 support letter?
    Foreign nationals who are changing employers while on a Stamp 1 GEP can consider their time spent on a previous GEP with stamp 1; for a Stamp 4 support letter application. They do not need to wait for finishing 5 years all over again with the latest employment.
  • I am on a visitor visa and currently I am in Ireland. Can I switch to a Student visa?
    Visa-required nationals who are on a visitor visa in Ireland are not eligible to apply for a student visa while they are here in the State. The applicant has to apply from their current country of residence as its an extensive application to be assessed and decided on merits.
  • I am a PhD student in Ireland. Can I work for a UK company?
    Non-European students in Ireland are not allowed to work for any other country as it will be considered self-employed work and Non-European students studying in Ireland can not register themselves as self-employed with the revenue department in Ireland on Stamp 2 visa.
  • If I live outside Ireland for more than 6 weeks in a year. Particularly which period will not get counted towards my citizenship application?
    In the above situation, only the time spent outside Ireland will not be considered as a reckonable residence and citizenship application shall be delayed for that number of days.
  • I am a student. Am I allowed to work freely any where after finishing one year of employment in my field of study?
    Getting lots of queries like the above from new students in the State. Please be advised that a post-study visa allows students to find a job which supports them to apply and secure an employment permit. One can not get a free work visa e.g. Stamp 4 after third level graduate visa.
  • I did not complete my study for the last 2 years. I have an appointment for my IRP renewal. Is there anyway that officer will renew my IRP?
    Foreign nationas in the above situation can only get further Stamp 2 visa after satisfying conditions suggested by Immigration officer like providing mandatory documents requested for further extension of Stamp 2 visa.
  • I am a student. Am I allowed to work freely any where after finishing one year of employment in my field of study?
    Getting lots of queries like the above from new students in the State. Please be advised that a post-study visa allows students to find a job which supports them to apply and secure an employment permit. One can not get a free work visa e.g. Stamp 4 after third level graduate visa.
  • My Indian passport is due to soon expire. When is the latest time I should apply for renewal/re-issue?
    Application for renewal of passports, which are expiring within 12 months, can be accepted for processing/granting at Indian Embassy in Ireland. If all pages of the passport have been used, an application may be made for a new passport for 10 years of validity. Moreover, if there have been any changes/corrections in the details of the applicant on the first inner cover page of the passport, a new passport should be applied.
  • I already have a one month only Police Clearance Certificate. If I am applying for a visa do I need to apply for it again?
    For any kind of visa procedure for any country. All documents like Police Clearance Certificate, Address proof, Finance proofs, Employment proofs, Letters of Recommendation, etc. must be recently dated (a week older) for better chances of approval.
  • Can I bring my sister as a dependent in Ireland?
    Foreign nationals living in Ireland on a specific category of visa are allowed to bring their specific family member in Ireland under the Policy on Non-EEA Family Reunification.
  • I am on a graduate Stamp 1G. Can I switch to dependent Stamp 1G if my partner has CSEP?
    Any foreign national who in/out side of Ireland and is a spouse of a CSEP holder can apply for dependent Spouse 1G anytime.
  • I am on ICT visa and my partner has CSEP. Can I switch to dependent Stamp 1G visa? if yes how?
    Visa-required nationals who wish to switch from a Stamp 1 visa to Stamp 1G are required to give up their current employment permit by informing the same to the DETE and then they can apply for a dependent Stamp 1G visa using the online portal if based in Dublin, Ireland.
  • I am applying the dependent visa for my partner. We do not have any tenancy contract, what can we attach as a proof of address?
    Foreign nationals who are living in Ireland should always have one valid address proof all the time. If one can not manage to get his/her name on contract then WiFi bill, Gas Bill, Mobile Phone Bill, Electricity Bill, Bank Statement etc. can be given as address proof.
  • Who are permitted family members under Non-EEA Family Reunification?
    There is also another category of permissible family members known as permitted family members. These include: 🔶 De facto partners; 🔶 Dependent family members of the EEA resident or their spouse or civil partner; and 🔶 Other members of EEA citizen household who are dependent family members on medical grounds.
  • What will be effect on my immigration Status, if my permit holder spouse loses her employment?
    Non-EU nationals who are on an employment permit, if loses his/her job by any means then the visa of their spouse also gets cancelled by law and default. In such cases employment permit holder is required to seek visa permission from relevant authorities to stay in the State.
  • I am a CSEP holder. Can I apply visa for my dependent partner while I am in India for a short trip or is it necessary that I have to be in Ireland to apply for it?
    Non-European nationals who are residing in Ireland on an employer permit visa can apply for visa for their respective spouse from their home country as well. There is no such restriction in place at the moment that the permit holder partner has to be physically present in Ireland.
  • What will be effect on my immigration Status, if my permit holder spouse loses her employment?
    Non-EU nationals who are on an employment permit, if loses his/her job by any means then the visa of their spouse also gets cancelled by law and default. In such cases employment permit holder is required to seek visa permission from relevant authorities to stay in the State.
  • How the 6 weeks or more than 6 weeks gap in my residency can affect my citizenship application?
    Please note more than 6 weeks gap in residency is not a hurdle to get citizenship but yes 6 weeks gap can delay your application because of reckonable days of calculation. Once you have 365 immediate days of residence before application and 1825 or 1826 reckonable days in last 9 year you can apply.
  • I was on Stamp 1G before the pandemic period and I was living in Ireland I left Ireland during the pick of a covid period now I have come back and I am on Stamp 4. Will my period before the pandemic count as a reckonable for naturalisation?
    Foreign nationals in the above situation can consider the time spent before March 2020 as a reckonable. Below stated information will help you further on the same. The specific requirements are that you: - Have a period of 365 days (1 year) continuous reckonable residence in the State immediately before the date of your application for naturalisation and - During the 8 years before that, have had a total reckonable residence in the State of 1,460 days (4 years)
  • Is Stamp 1A reckonable stamp for citizenship?
    Stamp 1A indicates permission to participate in full-time, paid accountancy training for a specified period, subject to conditions. Stamp 1A is a recognised stamp when a stamp holder wants to apply for citizenship by naturalisation.
  • I came to Ireland on a Critical Skills Employment Permit. When can I apply for citizenship?
    Foreign nationals who came to Ireland on a critical skills employment permit can apply for citizenship after spending 2 years on Stamp 1 and 3 years on Stamp 4 and a dependent spouse can apply after spending 5 years on a Stamp 1G visa. Please note: There are several other eligibility criteria as well along with the above to apply for citizenship by naturalisation and we assist in the same.
  • Can I extend my Stamp 4 before applying for Citizenship, if I am away from Ireland for more than 6 weeks?
    Please note that Stamp 4 & Citizenship are two different applications. The rule of 5 years does not apply to Stamp 4. Individuals who can support themselves can renew Stamp 4 for the end number of times.
  • I came on a student visa. When can I apply for citizenship?
    Foreign nationals can apply for citizenship after completion of 5 years of reckonable residence. Stamp 2 is not a recknobale residence. However, Stamp any 1G is.
  • Every year I have stayed 2 months outside Ireland. When can I apply for citizenship?
    Foreign nationals in the above situation can apply for citizenship after spending 1825/1826 reckonable days in the last 9 years of stay. Anyone who spends more than 6 weeks outside the State during that particular holiday period does not count as reckonable days.
  • Can I apply for an Irish citizenship after completing 2 years time on a CSEP?
    In the above situation citizenship by naturalisation can only be applied after the completion of 1825/1826 reckonable days with many other eligibility criteria. Completing the CSEP period is not enough to apply for citizenship.
  • My spouse lives in France and I have an EU Blue card on basis of him. Will that affect the citizenship application?
    Intentions to stay for a longer period of time in the State are very much important at the time of application. Having permanent/temporary residency in any other State can create confusion at the time of Citizenship application in the above case. One should not hide any activity when making an any immigration application.
  • Is the 6-week rule applies for all the eligible Stamps or is it specific?
    For all the visa required national 6-week rule applies for each type of stamp. In the above situation, the stamp 1g holder should follow the six-week rule if he is wishing to apply for naturalisation in future.
  • I am on General Employment Permit for the last 3 years. Can I apply for citizenship for my newborn baby?
    Foreign nations who reside in Ireland for the last three years and are on Employment Permit or on Stamp 4 are eligible to apply for citizenship for their newborn baby.
  • How many days I can be outside of Ireland and still be counted as a resident for Citizenship?
    You can leave Ireland for up to 6 weeks (in total) per year and still be considered a resident in that year. If you leave for more than 6 weeks in one year, you should not count this period when you are calculating your reckonable residence for citizenship application.
  • I came to Ireland in 2016 and worked for one year on a CSEP and went back India for some reason. Then again I came to Ireland in Jan 2018 on CSEP and now I am on Stamp 4 currently. Does my stay of 2016 will be counted for Citizenship application?
    The foreign national in the above situation can apply for Citizenship by Naturalisation if he/she is completing 1825/1826 days in his last 9 years of residence. He/she can count reckonable days from his previous residency of Ireland if it is within 9 years of allowance.
  • Can I apply for an Irish citizenship after completing 2 years time on a CSEP?
    In the above situation citizenship by naturalisation can only be applied after the completion of 1825/1826 reckonable days with many other eligibility criteria. Completing the CSEP period is not enough to apply for citizenship.
  • I am a Malaysian citizen. I am in Ireland as a visitor. Can I visit Spain as well?
    Citizens of Malaysia who hold valid Malaysian passports are free to travel to Ireland and most of the Schengen countries on their own for 90 to 180 days depending on the country's rules. In the above case, the Malaysian national can enjoy free moments between Ireland and Spain within the given time limit.
  • Can I apply New Zealand visitor visa from Ireland?
    Any foreign national living in Ireland with a valid visa can apply for any type of visa for any country. There are no such kind of boundaries that someone has to apply from their home country.
  • Has Ireland started giving 5-year multi-entry visas to visitors?
    The rule of 5-year multi-entry short-stay visa was introduced by the Minister of Justice in the year 2019 for Chinese nationals but now from 22/04/2022 is applicable to all visa-required countries. There are many foreign nationals who have received the 5-year visa. Please note: This 5-year decision is completely discretionary and the final decision is in the hand of the visa officer.
  • Can my parents who are on Short Stay Visa apply for Long Stay Visa while they are in Ireland?
    Foreign nationals who are currently in Ireland on a short stay 'C' visa can not apply for a long stay 'D' visa being in Ireland. However, there is no restriction in trying to secure the same depending on the caseworker to approve or refuse.
  • My Mother is here in Ireland on a Visitor Visa. Can I apply dependent visa for her and she stays here with me while waiting for her visa?
    The qualified dependent family member of an Irish citizen (earlier non EU / EEA national) in this situation can only stay here at one condition if she entered Ireland on a Long Stay D Visa and made it clear that post coming to Ireland she shall be submitting such visa application based on her Irish son in the Republic.
  • How many days prior I should enter in Ireland? If my IRP is expiring soon.
    Technically foreign nationals who are residents of Ireland are allowed to enter and exit anytime within their IRP card expiry dates. But it is always a best practice to enter Ireland at least a week before your expiry with proof of renewal.
  • I just came to Ireland and I am due to receive my IRP card. Can I join employment without an IRP card?
    Foreign nationals who are in the State and suppose to receive their IRP card shortly which will have working rights can join their respective job by conveying facts to the employer.
  • I live in Dublin, Can I renew my IRP offline?
    Applicants who are living in Dublin have to renew their IRP cards through an online process only. There is no alternate way that one can apply for an IRP.
  • How many days prior I should enter in Ireland? If my IRP is expiring soon.
    Technically foreign nationals who are residents of Ireland are allowed to enter and exit anytime within their IRP card expiry dates. But it is always a best practice to enter Ireland at least a week before your expiry with proof of renewal.
  • I have caught up in a driving offence. Do I need to get a solicitor to defend my case?
    All immigrants are requested to obey the law of the State and not to break any rules. The driving offence will not just harm your immigration status but it can harm someone's life. People in this situation can on their own or through a Solicitor plead guilty subject to consideration.
  • I live in Limerick and my partner lives in Dublin. I got an appointment in Limerick. But I applied online using my partner's address. But haven't got the approval yet. Can I go to Garda office in Limerick and get it done?
    Foreign national in the above situation should wait for the application he has already made. There can not be two separate active application for the same purpose in the State.
  • I made a mistake while renewing my IRP card online, how can I amend it?
    Foreign nationals who are living in Dublin and are making an online application for their IRP card can contact Immigration Service Delivery at immigrationsupport@justice.ie for any such mistakes and amendments. Online applications are very critical and once submitted can not be amended. Kindly write to the above-given address as soon as you realise any mistake and chase until addressed.
  • Can I permanently work from India for Ireland Company?
    Any individual can work permanently from their home country as long as their employer is happy with the required arrangement. No revenue liability and no immigration dependency should be there in such cases.
  • Which number is the IRP number on my IRP card?
    Many foreign nationals are confused about the correct IRP number. The IRP Number is stated on the back side of the IRP card beside the registration number. Most of the time It is a 6-digit number without any letters. Every immigration application requires this number and it has to be a correct number for approval.
  • Can I apply for a Schengen visa if my IRP is expiring in 3 months?
    Non-European nationals who are residing in Ireland should have at least 3 months of validity on their IRP when applying for a Schengen Visa from Ireland.
  • Can I use a Schengen visa for business?
    Non-EU nationals who are applying for a Schengen visa should mention the purpose of the visit at the time of visa application. It is always best to practise mentioning particular reason(s) to safeguard any unforeseen future circumstances and always make sure that you are following the same rules while visiting.
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