The Department of Justice has issued a warning that the Immigration Services Registration Office, Burgh Quay, Dublin, is currently experiencing a very large volume of applications for renewal of residence permission with a current processing time to renew an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card of 6-9 weeks.
Following the completion of the renewal of registration it may take a further two weeks to receive the new IRP card via post. An in-date IRP card may be required to facilitate travel to and from Ireland.
To facilitate non-EEA nationals legally resident in Ireland and who are intending to travel over the Christmas holiday period, the Minister is urging customers to submit a renewal application online as soon as possible, should their current permission be expiring between now and their intended departure date or during travel.
Therefore, non-EEA nationals in Ireland, who are required to apply for a renewal of their IRP card, before or during any intended international travel over the coming Christmas holiday period, should apply online via the ISD online portal as soon as possible.
The Registration Office cannot guarantee that any renewal submitted close to planned travel will be processed and an IRP card delivered in time to facilitate travel (although every attempt will be made to do so).
Applicants for renewals are advised they should not rely on the issuance of re-entry visas to facilitate their travel. Re-entry visas will continue to be considered only where there is appointment availability, the applicant is awaiting delivery of their IRP card and can demonstrate a genuine need in an emergency, i.e., not planned work-related or recreational travel.
ISD notes that, regardless of the date on which a renewal application is submitted or processed, the validity period for renewal of the permission will be based on the current expiry date of the IRP card.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news becomes 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.