Renewal of Green Card Work Permit

Green Card (Employment) Permit holders whose permit and immigration registration card (GNIB card) are due to expire in 2009 will not be required to apply for a renewal permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Subject to the person having complied with their previous immigration and employment permit conditions and being of good character, a Stamp 4 permission of one year’s duration will be issued (once the person meets the qualifying criteria and presents the documentation listed – see Frequently Asked Questions below) which will entitle the current Green Card Permit holder to work without an employment permit during that time.

Green Card Permit holders, if they reside in the Dublin area, should present themselves for registration renewal at the Garda National Immigration Bureau. Persons who reside outside the Dublin area should report to the local Garda Registration office in the relevant Garda District in which they reside.

Subject to parliamentary approval of the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008, further details will be published in due course advising Green Card Permit holders or those who have re-registered of how to apply under the proposed legislation for Long Term Residence.  It should be noted that the grant of Stamp 4  in these renewal cases is an interim status that simply exempts the person from the requirement to hold a Green Card Permit.  It is not a Long Term Residence status and does not confer the full benefits of that status. The Green Card Permit holder will be eligible to make an application for Long Term Residence when the necessary legislation and application process is in place.

For more information please see, Frequently Asked Questions - Green Card Permit Holders, whose permits are due for renewal 

Further information is also available at  the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment website at www.entemp.ie

 21 May  2009