Returning to Ireland with non-Irish family? There have been some recent changes to the visa and immigration registration processes you and your family member(s) should be aware of.
Registration Changes
Returning to Cork or Limerick with non-Irish family? There are administrative changes to the immigration residence permission process you and your family member(s) need to know about.
As explained in our step-by-step guides to supporting non-Irish family members through the Irish immigration process, the registration process differs based on county. Either your non-Irish family member registers (and renews) through the central Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) Office OR through the local Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) office (Garda Station). You can find full details on the registration and renewal processes on the Irish Immigration website.
As announced by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, TD, effective 8 July 2024, responsibility for first time registrations and renewals of Irish immigration residence permission for non-EU/EEA/UK/Swiss nationals residing in counties Cork and Limerick, will transfer from the GNIB to the Registration Office of the ISD the Department of Justice.
This change means two things practically for Cork and Limerick-based applicants:
- first time registrations for applicants residing in Cork and Limerick (along with Dublin, Kildare, Meath, and Wicklow) are now required to register their immigration permission at the Registration Office located at 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. Appointments for first time registration can be booked using the Freephone number (1800 800 630). Operators are available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday to arrange appointments
- applications for renewal of permission for individuals residing in Cork and Limerick (along with Dublin, Kildare, Meath, and Wicklow) can be submitted using the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) online renewal portal
Visa Requirement Changes: South Africa and Botswana
If you are returning to Ireland with an immediate family member who is a South African or Botswana national, there are new visa requirements. Effective 10 July 2024, nationals of Botswana and South Africa are now required to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland. There is a transitional arrangement in place for nationals of Botswana and South Africa who have existing arrangements (made before 10 July 2024) to travel to Ireland before 9 August – check www.irishimmigration.ie for further information.
You can check if your family member requires a visa to travel to Ireland here. We also have a guide on the visa process for spouses of Irish nationals, as well as an overview of the pre-clearance process for de facto partners of Irish citizens of visa-required nationalities (here). Please contact us if you have questions on the visa process for these or other family members, so we can provide guidance tailored to your unique situation.
Our Services
Always refer to official government sources (e.g. the Department of Foreign Affairs and ISD within the Department of Justice for the latest immigration-related information.
We provide frontline welfare services including information, advocacy, and referral supports to Ireland’s global diaspora leaving and returning to Ireland. We have expertise in supporting Irish citizens returning to Ireland with non-Irish immediate family members in navigating the Irish immigration process (especially immigration pre-clearance and permission for non-Irish de facto partners and spouses of Irish citizens).
You can find loads of helpful information in the immigration and residency section of our website. We also regularly run virtual information sessions on immigration topics, tailored to Irish citizens supporting loved ones through the Irish immigration process, from visas and pre-clearance to residency permission. Keep an eye on our events page for upcoming event announcements and watch back previous webinars on our YouTube channel.
If you cannot find the immigration information you need or have specific questions, we also offer one-to-one support. Contact us here or by emailing irishdiasporasupport@crosscare.ie.
Additional Resources
If you have any queries about the change or other related matters, please get in touch – our team is here to help.
Some other helpful online resources include:
- Department of Justice – Irish Immigration Service Website
- Department of Foreign Affairs – Directory of Irish Embassies and Consulates Abroad
- Citizens Information – ‘Returning to Ireland: Residency and Citizenship’
- Crosscare Migrant Project (supports for immigrants in Ireland)
