Ireland: IRP Registration, Minimum Wage Increase & Holiday Season Travel
Following months of significant changes in the Irish Immigration Process, further changes and the impact of each of these changes are ongoing.
In this update, we outline the expansion of the online Irish Residence Permit (IRP) renewal service to all residents, the impact of the minimum wage increase from Budget 2025 as well as advice for travel as we approach the Christmas season.
Move to IRP renewal online for all counties
The Department of Justice has announced that from 4 November 2024, online renewals of immigration residence permissions from all applicants nationwide should be submitted using the ISD online renewal portal.
Applicants must upload all of the documents required with their application before submitting it, otherwise the application cannot be processed.
All applications, nationwide, for renewal of residence permission, including when changing Stamp category, are accepted by the Registration Office up to 12 weeks prior to expiry of a current IRP card to allow sufficient time for processing.
This marks the final transfer of responsibility for renewal of Irish Immigration Residence Permissions from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to the Registration Office of Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) which has been underway for the past few years.
This change is designed to enhance the efficiency and user-friendliness of the renewal process. The ISD online portal will enable applicants to submit their renewal applications electronically, track their progress, and receive timely updates on their submissions. This initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to improve the immigration system in Ireland.
ISD Online Processing Times
The Immigration Service website provides a live processing update for online renewal applications being processed. To ensure an equitable service delivery, applications are processed in the order in which they are received.
Renewal delays in Galway
The Galway Immigration office is presently dealing with a high volume of applications, resulting in notable backlogs. As a result, appointments are currently not available until April 2025.
Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) and the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) are working towards a solution to address current Galway-based backlogs.
Whilst the backlogs are being addressed, the interim measures in place are as follows.
If an employee’s IRP card has expired and they are unable to obtain a valid registration card by the expiry date of their current IRP card, they are still permitted to remain in Ireland on the existing conditions of their current IRP card, including labour market access. This provision is subject to the employee providing proof that they have applied for and secured an appointment in the Galway immigration office to renew their residence permission prior to their current IRP card expiring, including when intending to change stamp category.
All appointments in the Galway immigration office are confirmed via email.
Travel during the holiday season
The Immigration Services Registration Office at Burgh Quay, Dublin is currently facing a substantial increase in applications, with estimated processing times for IRP card renewals ranging from 3 to 4 weeks.
To assist Non-EEA Nationals intending to travel during the Christmas holiday period, the Minister encourages applicants to submit their renewal applications online by 31 October, especially if their current permissions are set to expire soon. If applications were submitted after 31 October, it may not be processed in time for holiday travel, although every effort will be made to process them.
Minimum wage increase
As part of Budget 2025, the Irish minimum wage will increase effective 1 January 2025 to €13.50 per hour (annualised figure of €13.50 per hour x39 x52 = €27,378.00).
This will impact Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit applications and Contracts for Service provider Employment Permit applications, whose payroll must be uplifted to the Irish minimum wage and meet the relevant threshold.
Increase in thresholds for 2025
The increase in thresholds, as outlined in December 2023 by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, is still under review. As of October 2024, the DETE has stated that they are not in a position to confirm if they will be implemented in January 2025.
The proposed increases are:
- General Employment Permit salary threshold to increase to €39,000, per annum.
- Critical Skills Employment Permit threshold for an application under the ‘Highly Skilled Eligible List’ to increase to €44,000 per annum.
- Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit threshold for a trainee permit to increase to €39,000 per annum.
- Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit and Contract for Services Employment Permit thresholds to increase to €53,000 per annum.
These increases will be considerable, as were the threshold increases in January 2024.
Relocating to Ireland?
If you are intending to relocate to Ireland for work, study or other purposes and require support with the immigration process, Smith Stone Walters can help.
Our global immigration team are experts in helping people relocate internationally with the highest level of service. To learn more about our global immigration services, please contact us today.
