The application process for first-time registrations and renewals of Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards for residents of Cork and Limerick will undergo significant changes. The responsibility for processing will shift from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of the Department of Justice
First time registration
First time registration of Irish residence permissions for applicants residing in counties Cork and Limerick will now be required to apply in person at the Registration Office, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. Applicants for first time registration will be required to provide ISD with their passport details and a valid email address to arrange appointments.
Renewal applications
Renewal of permissions for applicants residing in counties Cork and Limerick will be submitted using the Immigration Service Delivery online renewal portal. Applicants will not need to attend the Burgh Quay Registration Office in person to renew their permission.
Applicants can submit their renewal applications up to 12 weeks prior to their IRP card expiration date, effective from 8 July 2024.
Currently, applications in Cork and Limerick for both first time and renewal applications must apply in person at their local GNIB office, where waiting times can take up to five months.
The GNIB will continue to process first registrations and renewal applications for applicants residing outside of counties Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Wicklow, Cork and Limerick.
Processing times
ISD provide a live processing update for online renewal applications being processed. Applications are processed in date order from when received. Once processed, it can take a further two working weeks to receive the new IRP card.
Conclusion
The transfer of responsibility for first time registration and renewal of IRP permissions in counties Cork and Limerick is a further example of the Department of Justice continued efforts to streamline immigration processes. This is welcome development for applicants residing in Cork and Limerick with currently lengthy waiting times for an appointment with GNIB.
The GNIB will continue to process first time and renewal applications for applicants residing outside of Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Wicklow, Cork, and Limerick until the transfer of responsibility to Department of Justice.
For more information on how you can make a submission or for any queries related to Irish Residence Permission or employment permits, contact a Business Immigration specialist from our Employment Law & Benefits team.
The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other advice.
