The Department of Justice recently announced significant changes to the immigration registration process, specifically impacting first-time registrations and renewals for non-EU/EEA/UK/Swiss nationals living in Cork and Limerick.
What’s Changing?
- Effective from July 8th, 2024: The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) will no longer handle first-time registrations and renewals for residents of Cork and Limerick.
- First-time registrations: You will now need to register your immigration permission at the Registration Office located in Dublin (13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2). Appointments can be booked by phone (Freephone number 1800 800 630) between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday-Friday.
- Renewals: You can now renew your immigration permission online! This eliminates the need for in-person appointments at the Burgh Quay Registration Office or your local Garda station. Renewals can be submitted through the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) online portal: https://inisonline.jahs.ie
Why the Change?
This move aligns with recommendations from the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. Civilianizing immigration registration frees up Gardaí to focus on other essential duties like enforcement and investigations.
Benefits for You:
- Online renewals: This new system offers greater convenience by allowing you to renew permissions from the comfort of your home.
- Streamlined process: The transfer aims to create a more efficient immigration system overall.
Important Reminders:
- Applications for first-time registration must be submitted within 90 days of arrival in Ireland.
- Renewal applications can be submitted up to 12 weeks before your permission expires to allow for processing time.
- The GNIB will continue to handle registrations outside of Cork, Limerick, Dublin, Meath, Kildare, and Wicklow until the nationwide transfer is complete (expected by early 2025).
Stay Informed:
We encourage you to visit the Department of Justice website (https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-justice/) for the latest updates and resources on the immigration process.
SEDA College is committed to supporting our students. If you have any questions or require further assistance regarding these changes, please don’t hesitate to contact our student support team.
