Extended wait times from an online renewal application being submitted to being reached for processing can be frustrating for applicants. Immigration Service Delivery is exploring every avenue available to facilitate as many customers as possible and to increase processing capacity.

Additional staff have been assigned to this work, which has now begun to reduce the processing time for renewals. For certain categories of renewals, the processing time is now approximately 6 – 8 weeks from the time of initial application, with no category exceeding a wait time of 16 weeks.

While we endeavour to process applications as quickly as possible, processing times may vary due to a number of factors, such as the number of applications on hand, individual circumstances, the complexity of applications, whether further information is required, and peak application periods.

The Registration Office within Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) provide a live online renewal application processing date broken down by stamp category, which is updated every Monday, and is available at the following link: Renewing your registration permission if you live in the Republic of Ireland – Immigration Service Delivery

Applicants can also directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/

The Registration Office has issued a notice to employers regarding employing someone awaiting renewal; that they retain the conditions of their previous permission for up to 12 weeks post expiry whilst awaiting a decision and issuance of a new IRP card. This is subject to the applicant submitting their renewal application prior to their current IRP card expiring.

Further information on this notice can be found here: Notice to Employers – Immigration Service Delivery

In addition to this post-expiry 12-week provision, customers may submit a renewal up to 12 weeks prior to a current IRP card expiring to allow sufficient time for a case to be reached and processed.

This provides for a 24-week window before and after expiry in which to apply for and obtain a new IRP card.

The Registration Office strongly encourages eligible customers to avail of the opportunity to submit their application 12 weeks before expiry to allow sufficient time for a case to be reached and processed in advance of a current permission expiring.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding Registration can be found here: Frequently asked questions for Registration – Immigration Service Delivery

If you have any questions regarding an online renewal, information on contacting the Registration Office can be found here: Submitting Registration or Renewal Queries – Immigration Service Delivery

If you have an emergency or unplanned necessity to travel, information on requesting an expedited renewal or an emergency re-entry visas can be found here: Travel and Re-Entry Visas – Immigration Service Delivery.

You will need to explain your circumstances and the urgent need to travel, and you will be required to submit proof of travel, for example a flight booking and the reason of the emergency. All such requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

The next ceremonies are taking place on Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd of June 2026 at the INEC, Killarney, Co. Kerry.

Please do not contact us in this regard as we are not in a position to confirm invitation at this stage. Invitations will issue in due course.

Candidates will be required to produce identity documents on the day for verification purposes for example a valid Passport. In the event you are unable to produce a valid passport please bring an alternative means of identification.

At the ceremony candidates will take an oath of fidelity to the nation. Certificates of naturalisation will issue by registered post at a later date.

Read a longer description about what happens at a ceremony: Citizenship Ceremonies