View our frequently asked questions below relating to immigration and permission issues during the Covid-19 pandemic.
If your question is not answered, you can get in touch with our Helpline by calling 01 6740200 or emailing info@immigrantcouncil.ie.
FAQs last updated Tuesday, 7 July.
Our telephone helpline is available on 01 6740200 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am-1pm. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic we are getting more calls than usual. If you aren’t able to get through, you can also email us at info@immigrantcouncil.ie.
The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service have automatically extended the immigration permissions of anyone whose Immigration Residency Permissions (IRP) card expired between 20 March and 20 July.
As of 7 July, Dublin-based non-Irish nationals can use INIS's online renewal system to renew their permissions by visiting https://inisonline.jahs.ie. Through the online renewal system you can upload the required documents, pay the renewal fee and then send your passport and expired/expiring IRP card through registered post.
At this time the online renewal system is only available for Dublin-based non-nationals.
In Dublin, the INIS registration office at Burgh Quay will re-open Monday 20 July for applications and renewals that cannot be completed online (such as first-time registrations). People with appointments that were cancelled due to Covid-19 will be contacted by the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) team to reschedule their appointments.
Non-nationals living in Dublin who did not have an appointment but need to register should contact the ISD at burghquayregoffice@justice.ie to request an appointment.
Unfortunately no word yet on the re-opening of registration offices outside of Dublin.
Yes – you can work up to 40 hours a week during the COVID pandemic. This is an increase compared to the standard 20 hours you were allowed to work before COVID.
Please note that if your course is due to expire during the pandemic you are required to register for another course before it expires to keep your permission valid.
Yes – applications for citizenship can still be sent as normal, but this includes the requirement for the statutory declaration witnessed by Notary Public, a Commissioner for Oaths or a Solicitor which may not be possible because of COVID. For anyone applying for citizenship, the Department has advised longer turnaround times in returning documents such as passports.
Please note that the July citizenship ceremonies have been postponed.
Yes, as long as the original permission that was automatically renewed counted as reckonable residence.
Yes, as a temporary measure. Applications can be submitted to Unit 5 Domestic Residence and Permissions Division, Immigration Service Delivery, PO Box 12595, Dublin 2 or via email to INISdefacto@justice.ie.
Yes. Visa appeals can be submitted electronically through email with scans of your original documents. Turnaround times for appeals will be longer due to COVID.
Some individuals with a valid, current permission to remain can apply to the Registration Office by email to request a letter confirming your permission to remain in the State that can be shown to employers. Visit the noticeboard on the INIS website to see if your permission qualifies for this condition.