Hi everyone,

I’m in a bit of a tricky situation and would appreciate some advice from anyone who’s been through something similar.

I’ll become eligible to apply for Irish citizenship on 28 November 2026, but my current IRP expires shortly after, on 15 December 2026.

I was made redundant last year, and finding a new job that offers visa sponsorship has been extremely challenging.

Following my redundancy, I applied for an IRP extension under the redundancy scheme and was granted an additional 12 months (which is very nice of them and I am very thankful) to find employment. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to secure a sponsored position and will have to leave the country next month.

Has anyone been in a similar situation?
Is there any options for me at all besides leaving the country?

A chairde, I'm a non-EU international student (Stamp 2) who will be resident in Ireland for at least the next four years. I have my Irish Residence Permit and PPSN, and a DPS card, but I’m worried that a medical card/GP visit card could count as public services/benefits. Will they, or am I ok to go ahead and apply? I had the same concern about the DPS card but it seems like that’s fine. I just want to make sure I don't get flagged next time I renew my IRP, or if I apply for citizenship one day. Grma!

Hi everyone,
I applied for my Stamp 2 IRP renewal on 15 July 2026, and it has now been 3 months. I still haven’t received any emails or updates about my application.
I haven’t received an approval email or any other confirmation, and I’m getting really worried because I need my IRP card for work.
Is anyone else in the same situation who applied around 15 July and hasn’t received any emails yet?
Have any of you who applied around the same date received your approval or IRP card?
I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences. Thank you!

Any non-EU visa required spouse who has applied for Spouse of Irish National Scheme from within Ireland this year 2026, how long did it take for approval to come?

Or if you are still waiting for approval, how long have you been waiting?

Does everyone get asked for this? The solicitor who did our certifying says it’s quite randomised.

Acknowledge that it’s ACRO or access NI

I am getting it through my paternal grandmother who was born in Dublin. Gathering paperwork now. My dad (never got his citizenship, though he could have) and I have the same last name. In that case, will I need to provide my mom and dad's marriage license? (I am providing my grandmother's marriage license, since her marriage to my grandfather is how I got my last name). My mom's last name kinda seems irrelevant here so I think no but wanted to double check. TIA!

Is this normal? Tracker says passport dispatched but also processing application at the same time.

Just noticed my success email from 2 days ago just now! Over the moon!

TIMELINE
-DOCS RCVD: 30 Apr 25
-ADD’L DOCS: 25 Feb 26
-SENT DOCS: 26 Feb 26
-APPROVED: 13 Oct 26
Total Days: 531
Additional Docs added 6 months.

My daughter lives in Europe, and I’ll be able to live closer to her in the near future.

Thanks to all out here providing feedback and guidance along the way.