On 13 July 2026, the Department of Justice introduced interim measures in response to the significant volume of applications for the renewal of Irish Residence Permits (“IRPs”) being processed through the Immigration Service portals.
The Department has noted that the Immigration Service Registration Office is currently experiencing exceptionally high volumes of IRP renewal applications. As a result, processing times for some categories may exceed 17 weeks. In addition, once a renewal application has been approved, it may take a further two weeks for the new IRP card to be delivered.
These interim measures will apply from 13 July 2026 until 31 August 2026. Previously, IRP holders benefited from a 12-week grace period while awaiting renewal of their registration (information available here). The new interim measures expand upon those arrangements and apply to all expired IRP cards, regardless of the length of time that has elapsed since expiry, subject to certain conditions.
To avail of these interim measures, an individual must satisfy the following requirements:
- They applied to renew their IRP before it expired.
- They have submitted all required documentation and hold a valid employment permit (where needed i.e. Stamp 1).
- They can provide proof that they applied to renew their registration, such as the online application receipt showing the date of application and the unique OREG number.
Applicants can check the status of their application through the online portal, which is updated by the Department every Monday.
Once a renewal application has been approved, a confirmation email is sent to the applicant. This email may be used as proof of registration while the applicant awaits delivery of their physical IRP card. Importantly, these temporary arrangements do not apply where an individual submitted a renewal application only after their immigration permission had expired.
Travel Concession for Expired IRP Holders
In response to concerns regarding international travel during renewal processing delays, the Department of Justice has issued a Travel Confirmation Notice for IRP holders travelling between 13 July 2026 and 31 August 2026.
Under this arrangement, individuals with expired IRP cards may continue to use their expired card for re-entry to Ireland, provided that they have submitted their renewal application before their IRP expired.
Travellers relying on this concession should carry:
- Their expired IRP card.
- Proof of their renewal application, including the OREG number.
- A copy of the Department of Justice Travel Confirmation Notice (please see here)
Individuals who applied for renewal after their immigration permission had expired are not covered by the travel concession.
What Employers Need to Know
Employers should be aware that eligible employees with expired IRP cards may continue to work legally in Ireland under these temporary arrangements until 31 August 2026. Employers should ensure that employees can provide:
- Evidence of their IRP renewal application,
- Proof that the renewal application was submitted before the IRP expiry date,
- A valid employment permit, where applicable.
Employers should also note that these interim measures will expire on 31 August 2026. Following that date, the standard 12-week grace period arrangements will apply.
These interim measures provide welcome certainty for both employees and employers while the Department of Justice works to reduce the current backlog in IRP renewal applications.
This article was prepared by Gloria Malandra.
