Ireland Residence Permit (IRP) Delays: Why Students Are Waiting to Work & What Steps You Can Take

Guidance for Students on Delays to Ireland Resident Permit (IRP)

In an interview with Dublin Live recently, Ireland international student Pedro Henrique Luiz told Aakansha Surve about the issues he’s facing over slow immigration processing. He said:

 “I called the immigration office the same week I came here, and I was told the closest appointment I would get is November 13, which is too far away”

“The serious issue is: we can’t do anything until we get our IRP, we can’t work legally, we can’t open a bank account and other things.”

Students have factored work into their budgets and are relying on savings more than they would like, or more than they are comfortable with, due to the delays in getting work permissions that come with an IRP.

Addressing the delays faced by hundreds of international students in Ireland, Okeremute Okeregha, a Senior Caseworker and lawyer at IAS Ireland, said:

“The registration process for renewals is now fully online, and hopefully, it will become more accessible and easier after the current backlog is cleared.

“The ISD has also taken over the process of issuing IRP cards for first time applicants from the Garda National Immigration Bureau, which seems to have come with some teething problems too.

“Like every new process, there are expected to be delays. The Department of Justice is working to make the processing of IRP’s faster and more efficient. Addressing the backlog is a priority

“You may be able to expedite your IRP processing. For example, If you have a job offer that commences on a particular date, you can notify the ISD to expedite the process. We can assist with fast-track options for IRP registration.”

What can students do while they’re waiting?

For anyone in Ireland, as an international student, we offer sympathy during the wait times. Additional resources are being deployed, but appointments for October and November are fully booked.

• If you are renewing your IRP card, you will be able to work upon submitting your online renewal application. You will receive an acknowledgment email with your unique Registration Office (OREG) application number. This number acts as confirmation that you’ve officially requested to renew your immigration permission with ISD. This, together with an expired IRP card is effective as permission to continue working.
• You can check for cancellations on the ISD website. Some people have had success by frequently checking for new slots opening up.
• You can prepare all your documentation in advance to ensure when the time comes for your appointment, or if one opens up earlier, you are ready.
• It’s possible to apply for a job during this time; however, if you are expected to begin imminently, you may face obstacles with proving your right to work. If you have a job offer that commences on a particular date, you can notify the ISD to expedite the process.
• A letter of support from your University explaining the situation might also serve to help you deal with visa officers, landlords and perhaps access unpaid internships and volunteering opportunities to upskill while you await your IRP.
• You might be able to expedite your application in situations of extreme hardship or extreme delays. You can check your status and contact INIS with evidence of your circumstances.

Student unions and universities are lobbying for changes to the process for faster processing, or online processing of work permissions for students. There is no solution yet, but reducing the timeframe is an immediate priority.

Statement from Department of Justice

“The Department of Justice has established a modernisation programme to transform its immigration system making it faster, easier to access and more efficient for all its users.”

“It will replace legacy immigration management systems by introducing a single view, on a single platform, of an individual’s engagement with all aspects of immigration services. When delivered, this platform will significantly improve customer service capacity alongside comprehensive self-service functionality and enhanced border security capability and capacity.”

How Can IAS Help?

Speak to an Ireland immigration lawyer to clarify your situation. Whether you are worried about waiting to work prior to applying for a student visa in Ireland or require support with applying for or renewing an IRP, as fast as possible, you can get in touch today.

We advise on eligibility, requirements and documentation. We are also able to support and complete applications for the best possible chance of approval.

Our experienced Ireland lawyers are here to help. Call us today on +353 (0) 61 518 025 in Ireland or +44 (0)333 414 9244 in UK, or contact us online to discuss your needs and goals.