Immigration Services are currently experiencing a backlog in processing registrations. Following the completion of a registration, it may take a further two weeks to receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card via post.
Visa-required nationals who are in possession of a valid, in-date Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card do not require any type of visa to facilitate their return to Ireland following travel.
Non-visa required nationals also do not require an IRP card or any type of visa to enable their return to Ireland following travel.
To facilitate non-EEA nationals legally resident in Ireland who are required to renew their current permission and who wished to travel internationally during the Christmas period, the Minister issued a Travel Confirmation Notice requesting carriers to allow individuals to travel on their recently expired IRP card where an application to renew their permission was submitted in advance of the expiry date of their IRP card.
This travel notice has now been extended to February 28, 2026.
The updated notice can be found here: ISD announces initiative to facilitate customers travelling at Christmas
- IRP holders can apply to renew their IRP up to 12 weeks prior to its expiry date. Applicants are strongly advised to apply in a timely manner to allow enough time to process your application prior to the current expiry date.
- Stamp 2 applicants (students) must wait until their course starts before they can apply to renew.
- All permissions to remain will be renewed from the current expiry date; there is no disadvantage or time lost in renewing prior to expiry.
- IRP holders must currently be present in Ireland to be eligible to renew their permission to remain online. Applications submitted from outside Ireland will not be accepted.
- Further information on renewing the IRP card and the current date of applications being processed can be found here:Renewing your registration permission
- Those who have urgent, emergency, or extenuating circumstances that necessitate immediate travel should contact the Registration Office.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.