Immigration registration appointments available online beginning Thursday

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? An online appointment system for immigration registration in Dublin will launch Thursday with appointments commencing Sept. 15.

What does the change mean? Non-EEA nationals required to register with immigration authorities in Dublin will be able to book an appointment online for a time that is convenient for them without having to queue for appointment tickets.

• Implementation time frame: Registrants will be able to book appointments beginning Thursday. The first appointments will be available Sept. 15.
• Visas/permits affected: Certificates of registration (registration cards).
• Who is affected: Non-EEA nationals required to register with immigration authorities in Ireland.
• Impact on processing times: The change will save time for affected non-EEA nationals because they will not have to wait in queues for appointment tickets.
• Business impact: Businesses may also see a benefit, as their employees will require less time out of the office to register.
• Next steps: Registrants will be able to use this INIS site to book appointments beginning Thursday at 11 a.m. in Ireland. Those outside of Dublin will not use the new system and should contact their local Garda National Immigration Bureau station for registration.

Background: Non-EEA nationals who arrive in Ireland with the intention of staying more than three months must register with an immigration officer and obtain a certificate of registration (registration card). Ireland announced plans in July to move to an online appointment system for immigration registration. The switch to the online system coincides with a transition of responsibility for the registration process from the GNIB to the Irish Immigration and Naturalisation Service. After booking an appointment online, registrants will receive a confirmation email and will be directed to the Burgh Quay office in Dublin for registration by INIS officials.

BAL Analysis: The online system will make registering with immigration authorities less burdensome. Those in need of registering in Dublin will be able to select an appointment time that works with their schedule without needing to wait in queues or having to spend significant periods of time out of the office during business hours.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in the United Kingdom. For additional information, please contact uk@bal.com.

About Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
Founded in 1980, Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) provides comprehensive global immigration services from six offices across the U.S. and from offices in Geneva, London, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney. BAL manages global visa matters and customized application approaches for work permits, business visas, and residence permits in more than 100 countries. With a single cost center for worldwide operations, BAL offers centralized management with regional and local support for the complete spectrum of global immigration matters.

Source: Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP