Registering your immigration permission for the 1st time

After you receive your Ministerial grant letter (yellow page with your picture) confirming your status, you need make an appointment to register your permission with the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD).

How do I book an appointment?

To book an appointment you need to make an online account through the ISD's Customer Service Account.

For information on how to make an online account see the relevant ISD webpage here.

How do I verify my identity?

When you are setting up the customer service account, you will be prompted to download an app on your phone called IDPal to verify your identity.

After you download the app, you will have to choose and upload a document to verify your identity.

If you do not have a passport or driving license, you should be able to use your TRC (blue card).

To scan your TRC, select the second option ("driving license").

If the TRC does not work, you can try using your public services card or Minister's letter.

If none of the above work, send us an email to info@irishrefugeecouncil.ie to discuss.

Currently there is a significant wait time for appointments. After you have attended your appointment you should receive your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) within 10 working days.

Renewing immigration permission

You must renew your IRP card online through your ISD account. If you do not already have an account, you will have to create one.

You should apply 12 weeks in advance of your IRP expiring due to delays with processing.

Step by step Guide

Please watch MRCI's video below. The video demonstrates exactly how to apply

When should I apply?

You should apply 12 weeks before your current IRP card expires.

Currently, it is taking around 3 months for ISD to process renewals of Stamp 4; the timelines are updated weekly here, please check for the most up to date information.

Once your application has been approved, it could take another 15 working days before you will receive your new IRP card in the post.

What documents do I need to provide?

The documents you need to provide depends on your status.

If you were granted stamp 4 based on: refugee status, subsidiary protection or permission to remain you need to provide the following documents:

1. Proof of Address
2. The front and back of your current IRP card
3. The biometric page of your current valid passport(s) or travel document, if you have one. This is the page that shows your photograph, passport number and date of birth.
4. The letter from the Department of Justice with the decision on your International Protection application
5. Your declaration of Refugee Status/ Subsidiary Protection/Permission to Remain status (Minister Letter/yellow letter)

You will need to submit digital copies of the documents listed above through the ISD portal when you are applying. You do not need to send original documents.

How much does it cost to renew?

If you went through the asylum process and were granted refugee status, subsidiary protection or permission remain, you do not have to pay a fee to renew your IRP.

If you came to Ireland as a family member of a beneficiary of refugee status or subsidiary protection, you do not have to pay a fee either.

I am worried about the delay renewing my IRP

If you are waiting to receive your new IRP card and your current IRP expires, you are allowed to continue working for up to 12 weeks.

You will have to show that you have applied for the renewal and are waiting.

If you employer is concerned, please show them the Government notice here

What happens after I apply?

• You should receive acknowledgement emai, informing you that your application is queued for processing. This email will contain your unique application number (OREG number) and receipt of any payment made.
• When your application is processed, you should receive an email to confirm this.
• If further information is needed, you should be notified by email to check your ISD account and respond.
• Following successful processing, you should receive a new IRP card within the next 15 business days.

How do I follow up on my application?

If you have questions about your application after it has been submitted, you will have to submit a query through your Customer Service account. If you do not have a customer service account yet, you will have to create one.