Justice and Equality Minister Charlie Flanagan TD announced a new online visa renewal system for foreign students in Dublin on 22 June.
Students wishing to renew their permit will now complete the online application form, upload copies of the required documents, pay the fee and send their current passport and IRP (Irish Residence Permit) card by registered post.
The documents will be verified and if approved, the passport will be stamped and returned by regular mail and a new IRP card will be issued and sent to your address.
Previously students were required to make an appointment before appearing in person at the Registration Office in Burgh Quay for visa renewal, which was often difficult due to high demand.
The online system is only available for visa renewal, as first-time registrations require biometrics (a photograph and fingerprints), it is not possible to do this online. As soon as the office reopens, it will focus exclusively on registering students for the first time.
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In 2019, the Registration Office in Burgh Quay processed over 105,000 applications. Of which, approximately 60,000 / 70,000 were renewals.
By making this change, the department hopes to significantly reduce the bureaucratic burden on applicants and also, with faster processing, provide greater security that their permissions will be renewed in time.
The new system will be kept under continuous review with the intention that the online service can be implemented for other categories of applicants in the upcoming months.
The online visa renewal portal can be accessed here.
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