Ireland | IRP renewal processing delays, notice ahead of holiday travel

Ireland’s Immigration Service Delivery published an update on Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card processing times, which are currently taking six to nine weeks to process renewals.

Key takeaways:

The agency recommends applicants submit renewal applications ahead of the holiday travel period to account for processing delays. According to the update:

• Non-European Economic Area nationals whose permissions expire before or during planned international travel over the holiday period should submit their renewal applications through the Irish Immigration Service online portal as soon as possible.
• Applicants should allow an additional two weeks after processing to receive their new IRP card by mail.
• Applicants should not rely on reentry visas to facilitate planned travel while awaiting an IRP card. Planned business and recreational travel do not qualify as emergencies for a reentry visa.
• The validity period of a renewed permission will be based on the expiration date of the current IRP card, regardless of when the renewal application is submitted or processed.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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