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Immigration News Alert
Ireland Issues Guidance for Employers on Delayed IRP Card Renewals
Key Point
- Ireland confirmed that eligible foreign nationals awaiting renewal of their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards may continue to work for up to 12 weeks after the card’s expiration if they have submitted a timely renewal application and meet specific requirements.
Irish Residence Permit Renewals
On June 19, 2026, the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) issued guidance for employers regarding foreign national employees whose Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card renewal applications are pending.
The notice comes as the Registration Office in Burgh Quay, Dublin, experiences significant processing delays, with current IRP renewal processing times estimated at approximately 10 weeks, followed by up to two additional weeks for card issuance.
Key Employer Guidance
Employees may continue living and working in Ireland under their current immigration permission for up to 12 weeks after their IRP card expires if they:
- Submit an IRP renewal application before their current IRP card expires.
- Hold a valid employment permit (if required) or a permission category that allows work without one.
- Include all required supporting documents with the renewal application, including a valid employment permit where applicable.
- Provide proof that they filed the renewal application before their current IRP card expired.
Proof of Ongoing Permission
Ireland processes all permission renewals online. Applicants receive a submission receipt with a unique application reference number (OREG number) and, once approved, an approval email. ISD allows applicants to use the approval email as proof of registration while they wait for their new IRP card to arrive.
Important Limitation
The temporary 12-week extension applies only to employees who submit their renewal application before their IRP card expires. Employees who allow their immigration permission to expire before filing a renewal application lose their permission to remain in Ireland and cannot legally work there.
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