Renewing your IRP2 min readReviewed

IRP renewal refused: what now?

Many renewal refusals are fixable: applying too early, missing documents or ticking the wrong fee box just means applying again, ideally before your card expires. Others are more serious. If ISD writes to say it intends to revoke your permission, you have 15 working days to respond. Check your next step and your dates.

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12 weeks
Before your card expires, the earliest you can apply; earlier is refused
14 days
To send further documents ISD asks for, or it closes the application
15 working days
To respond to a letter saying ISD intends to revoke your permission
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The short answer

  • Fixable refusals: applied too early, documents missing or late, wrong fee box. Re-apply while your card is valid.
  • Serious refusals: no valid employment permit, a deportation proposal or order, or false information. Get legal advice.
  • A letter saying ISD intends to revoke: respond within 15 working days.
  • Card expired? You’re out of permission until a new one is granted.

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Refused renewal check

Your next step, and the dates that matter.

What does the letter say?

From ISD’s registration FAQ, renewal and revocation pages. Nothing you enter is sent or saved. A refusal can be serious: a solicitor or the Legal Aid Board can advise you.

Why renewals are refused

Reason What ISD says What you can do
Applied too early Applications more than 12 weeks before expiry are refused Re-apply in the window.
Further documents not sent No reply within 14 days, and the application is refused and closed Re-apply with every document.
Fee-waived in error Refused for non-payment Re-apply and pay the €300
No valid employment permit Applications without a valid, in-date permit are refused Renew the permit, or find another basis.
Deportation proposal or order Online renewals are refused, and any granted in error revoked Get legal advice
False or misleading information Refused; fraudulent documents are reported to the Gardaí Get legal advice

Re-applying

If the reason was fixable, apply again while your card is still valid, from 12 weeks before it expires. Upload every document for your permission, answer any request within 14 days, and pay the fee if you have to.

A letter saying ISD intends to revoke

ISD can revoke a registered permission if it was registered in error, its conditions were broken, or the evidence was inaccurate: for example, leaving your course, a cancelled employment permit, or false documents.

  1. ISD sends an intention to revoke letter, with the reasons, to the last address you gave it.
  2. You have 15 working days from the letter’s date to send representations: why it shouldn’t be revoked, with evidence.
  3. If you’ve applied to change your permission, include proof: ISD considers it.
  4. ISD only keeps a permission on an exceptional basis, and sends a final decision letter.

No reply within 15 working days, and ISD assumes you don’t want to respond.

If your permission ends

  • Staying without permission puts you at risk of a deportation order.
  • You can choose to leave voluntarily. Tell ISD’s Voluntary Returns Unit three times: before you arrange to leave, once you’ve booked, and after you’ve gone. Help with flights may be available.
  • Leaving voluntarily can keep the door open to coming back legally later.

Common mix-ups

Common questions

Why was my IRP renewal refused?

Common reasons in ISD's FAQ: applying more than 12 weeks before your card expires, not replying to a request for further documents within 14 days, ticking fee-waived when you should pay, having no valid employment permit, a deportation proposal or order, or false or misleading information. Your letter says which.

Can I just apply again?

Yes, if the reason was fixable, like applying too early, missing documents or the wrong fee. Re-apply while your card is still valid: from 12 weeks before it expires, with every document, and pay the fee if it applies to you.

What if my IRP card expires before I re-apply?

Then you're out of permission until a new one is granted, which affects work, travel and citizenship. See the guide on applying after your IRP expired for the routes back.

ISD says it intends to revoke my permission. What do I do?

Respond within 15 working days of the letter's date, setting out why it shouldn't be revoked, with evidence. If you've applied to change your permission, include proof. ISD only keeps a permission on an exceptional basis, so get legal advice.

What happens if my permission is revoked?

If you stay without permission, a deportation order may follow. You can choose to leave voluntarily: tell ISD's Voluntary Returns Unit before you go, once you've booked, and after you've left. That can keep the door open to coming back legally.

Is there an appeal?

ISD's pages don't describe an appeal for a refused renewal: you re-apply, or apply for a different permission if your circumstances have changed. For a revocation, your 15 working days of representations are the chance to argue your case.

Sources

All sources checked on 3 Oct 2026.

  1. Frequently asked questions for registration (renewal refusals)Immigration Service Delivery
  2. Renewing your registration permission if you live in the Republic of IrelandImmigration Service Delivery
  3. Information on revocation of registered Irish Residence PermissionsImmigration Service Delivery
  4. Voluntary returnsImmigration Service Delivery
Guidance, not advice. This guide explains the published rules in plain English. Rules and processing differ by case, so always check the current official instructions before you apply. On Path is not affiliated with Immigration Service Delivery or the Department of Justice.

Check your next step.

Whether your card is still valid, when to re-apply, and your deadlines.

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