IRP Delays and Renewals: What are the interim measures, who qualifies, what to do next and how to avoid further delays
Processing times for IRP renewals are currently taking over 17 weeks for certain categories.
Two interim measures are now in place - this is what they cover, who qualifies, what to do next and how to avoid further delays.
Interim Measure - Employment
You can keep working with an expired IRP
If your IRP has expired, you can continue working in Ireland until 31st August 2026, provided you meet all of the following criteria:
- Timely Application: You submitted your renewal application online before your current IRP card expired.
- Complete Documents: You uploaded all required documents (including a valid employment permit, if applicable) at the time of applying.
- Proof required: You must show proof of your renewal application (your OREG receipt email or application completion email).
This measure does not apply if your card expired before you submitted your renewal application!
Interim Measure - Travel
Summer Travel Allowance
You can travel internationally between 13 July - 31st August 2026 with your expired IRP card provided you applied to renew before their card expired.
- Bring necessary documentation: Download and print the official Travel Confirmation Notice and carry it with your expired IRP card and proof of your renewal application (email confirmation).
- Apply early: Your renewal application must have been submitted before your current card's expiry date.
- Check with carriers: Contact your airline before traveling to ensure they recognise the notice.
- Check transit rules: If transiting through a third country, confirm that country accepts the travel notice before booking.
Re-entry Queries - If your IRP expired before you renewed it, you are NOT covered by the travel notice. If you are visa required and must travel urgently, apply for a re-entry visa via the Customer Service Portal
How to Avoid Further Delays
- Select the Correct Stamp Category: If you’re changing your immigration status (e.g., upgrading to Stamp 4 after Employment Permit), make sure to select the category of stamp you’re changing to, NOT your current one.
- Upload All Supporting Documents: Double-check all required documents are attached before submitting. (Link in bio/caption)
- Apply Early: You can submit your application up to 12 weeks before your current card expires.
- Choose the Right Query Category: If you are submitting a query on the Customer Service Portal, make sure you select the appropriate category. Queries in relation to IRP card should be sumitted on category Registration & Irish Resident Permits (IRP) Cards - Don’t raise it as a Visa application query!
Our Statement
To advocate for meaningful change, we recently reached out to the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan. Our letter outlines the critical challenges currently facing the community and puts forward practical solutions, including longer extensions for travel notices and employer notifications. We have also requested a meeting with the Minister to discuss these urgent matters directly. You can read our full statement below:
Our Helpline staff are dealing every day with cases where people are being laid off, losing mortgage approvals, or having house sale agreements fall through because they cannot produce a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card. These difficulties are being caused by the significant waiting times and processing delays at the Department of Justice.
Similarly, visa-required nationals are unable to travel outside the State for family emergencies or essential medical treatment because they cannot obtain a valid IRP card in time.
For migrant workers already living in Ireland, the waiting time for IRP cards has now increased to 17 weeks—one week longer than last month. As IRP holders are only permitted to apply for renewal within 12 weeks of their permit's expiry, many are now facing a gap of at least five weeks during which they have no valid residence permit to demonstrate their legal right to live and work in Ireland.
While we welcome the Department of Justice's recent announcement of interim measures to address the current backlog, these are only a temporary solution. A sustainable, long-term approach is urgently needed to ensure people can access timely renewals and avoid unnecessary hardship affecting their employment, housing, travel, and overall security
Supporting Links
- Interim Notice to Employers
- Interim Travel Confirmation Notice
- Required Documents
- Irish Independent: ‘It feels like I don’t belong anywhere’ – migrants say residence permit delays affect right to travel, buy a home or work