Press release
Minister McEntee announces expansion of online Registration Renewal System to include all Dublin-based non-nationals
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Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, today announced the expansion of the online Registration Renewal System to now include all non-nationals based in Dublin who are seeking to renew their registration in the State. This will make the process of registration renewals easier for thousands of people every year, and significantly reduce the number of people who need to attend the Burgh Quay Registration Office in person.
Making the announcement, Minister McEntee said:
"I’m very pleased to be able to announce the expansion of our online Registration Renewal System. This is good news for our Dublin based customers because it makes the whole process easier and means they can do their renewal from the comfort of their own home instead of having to book an appointment to come into the city and attend Burgh Quay.
"Now, all that applicants have to do is complete a form online, upload supporting documents, pay the fee and then submit their passport and current IRP card via registered post. This is much easier and quicker than the previous system, where it could sometimes be difficult to get an appointment."
Between today and 20 July, the online system will be made available to those with an urgent need to travel and who require an Immigration Residence Permit (IRP) card before they travel. The online system will also remain available to students seeking to renew their registrations.
As part of the announcement, Minister McEntee also confirmed that the Registration Office in Burgh Quay would also reopen on 20 July to facilitate those who need to register for the first time. As first time registrations require biometrics (a photograph and fingerprints) to be taken, it is not possible to do these online.
"With the reopening of the Registration Office in Burgh Quay we will initially prioritise appointments for people who had their first time registrations cancelled when we had to close the office in March due to COVID-19 restrictions. Immigration Service Delivery will be contacting those affected to organise a new appointment.
"It is important that people only come to the Registration Office if they can’t renew online. While COVID-19 is still circulating in the community, we are seeking to reduce the footfall in our Registration Office. This is for the safety of our customers and staff, and to help people adhere to social distancing guidelines."
The expansion of the online system follows a successful pilot programme which saw around 3,500 3rd level students renew their registrations in 2019.
The Garda Naturalisation and Immigration Bureau (GNIB) processes applications outside of Dublin through the Garda Station network. GNIB are currently considering how they can reopen registration offices countrywide while adhering to public health guidelines, and applicants should contact their local office to confirm when they will reopen.
ENDS
The online renewal application portal can be found here: inisonline.jahs.ie.
The Immigration Act 2004 requires non-nationals (non-EU/EEA & Swiss plus some other exceptions) to register if they have been given permission to remain in the State for longer than 3 months. Alongside the initial requirement to register upon arrival in the State, the registration / permission to remain must be renewed, usually on an annual basis.
The Registration Office in Burgh Quay processes applications from the Dublin region. An Garda Síochána operate local immigration offices nationwide and process applications from the rest of the country. In 2019 the Registration Office in Burgh Quay processed over 105,000 applications. Of these approximately 60,000/70,000 were renewals. In 2019 An Garda Síochána also processed over 75,000 applications.
Note - in 2019, 3,500 3rd level students used a pilot version of the new process to renew their registrations. On 22 June this was extended to all students in advance of launching for all applicants.
The online system is only available for renewal of registrations. As 1st time registrations required biometrics (a photograph and fingerprints) to be taken, it is not possible to do these online. When the Registration Office reopens on 20 July, priority will be given to those seeking to register for the first time. Anyone who had an appointment for 1st time registration cancelled will be contacted directly and given a new appointment. Anyone who did not have an appointment but needs to register should contact ISD at burghquayregoffice@justice.ie and request an appointment.
Applicants seeking to renew their registration will now complete the application form online, upload copies of supporting documents online, pay the applicable fee and then submit their passport and current IRP card via registered post. Documents will be checked and, if approved, the passport will be stamped and returned by registered post and an IRP card issued by express post.
Previously, such applicants were required to book an appointment prior to attending in person at the registration office, and these appointments were in high demand. Applicants would then wait to apply for renewal, pay the fee as applicable, and receive the permission stamp in their passport. The IRP (Immigration Residence Permission Permit) card would issue subsequently in the post directly to the applicant.
ISD processes registrations for those resident in Dublin. The Garda Naturalisation and Immigration Bureau (GNIB) processes applications outside of Dublin through the Garda Station network. GNIB are currently considering how they can reopen registration offices countrywide while adhering to public health guidelines, and applicants should contact their local office to confirm when they will reopen.