Bringing in non‑EEA talent can be a great boost for your business — but the employment permit system in Ireland is strict. Delays in permit applications can disrupt project timelines, onboarding plans and even trigger legal exposure. This comprehensive guide will help employers navigate the process smoothly, minimise pauses and meet deadlines effectively.
Why Fast Permit Processing Matters
- Project delays and staffing gaps: Late approvals shift start dates or leave roles unfilled
- Employee uncertainty: Your candidate may not be able to travel, start work, or register immigration until their permit and visa status is clear.
- Legal and compliance concerns: Allowing someone to work without valid authorisation can lead to fines, employment law violations and reputational risks.
1. Apply Early — Start at Least 12 Weeks Before the Proposed Start Date
The Department expects General Employment Permit applications to arrive at least 12 weeks before employment begins Abbey Blue Legal Ltd. Critical Skills applications typically follow the same timing. Submitting late often pushes you to the back of the queue and cascades delays.
2. Use the New Online Portal (Launched April 2025) — Prepare in Advance
From 28 April 2025, the new portal replaced the older EPOS system. Employers and applicants must now submit joint applications, verify identities and upload documents again — previously saved drafts were lost.
Tips to avoid transition delays:
- Submit any draft applications before 17 April 2025, otherwise they will vanish.
- Register early in the new system and upload business and identity documents promptly.
- Familiarise yourself and your employee with the new joint application format to reduce errors.
3. Complete the Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) Correctly
For General Employment Permits, employers must perform a proper LMNT by advertising the role on JobsIreland, EURES, and a second online platform for at least 28 days under the updated Employment Permits Act 2024 rules.
Errors here can lead to outright rejection or delays while DETE requests corrected documentation.
4. Ensure Salary Meets the Latest Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR)
Understand and apply salary thresholds carefully. For example, as of 17 January 2025, salaries for roles such as Healthcare Assistants, Home Carers and Care Workers must meet or exceed €30,000. Applications advertising lower figures—even if offer is higher—may be invalid and rejected.
5. Submit a Perfect, Fully‑Completed Application
Incomplete paperwork is a major driver of delays. DETE processes applications strictly in receipt order—but only once they are fully complete with fee payment.
Common omissions:
- Missing signed employer and employee sections
- No evidence of LMNT advertising (e.g. screenshots, links)
- Inconsistent personal or company data (names, DOB, addresses)
- Absent or incorrect qualification or salary documents
- Forgotten payment receipts or wrong fee levels
Tip: After submission, check the Online Status Update Enquiry facility regularly for any processor requests, which must be responded to within 28 days to avoid rejection.
6. Track Processing Times and Application Status
The Department publishes current processing cut‑off dates regularly.
For example as of 25 July 2025:
- Critical Skills applications: being processed from 22 June 2025
- General Employment: from 17 June 2025
- Renewals: also 17 June 2025
Such insights help manage internal timelines and anticipate when visas or registrations can begin.
7. Respond Quickly to Additional Information Requests
If DETE requests more documentation, you typically have 28 days to respond. Delays beyond that may lead to refusal and restart of the queue. Responding speedily prevents that. Ensure someone in your team is monitoring the portal and email notifications.
8. Coordinate Visa Application Promptly After Permit Approval
Once the permit is granted, if the employee is from a visa-required country they must apply for a long‑stay D visa via Ireland’s AVATS portal up to three months before planned entry.
A lapsed gap between permit expiry and visa issue can delay arrival, turning down the start date or disrupting planning. So proceed swiftly once the permit is in hand.
9. Prepare for GNIB / IRP Registration Without Delay
After arrival, the employee must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to receive their IRP card (Stamp 1), a process that currently takes 4–12 weeks for an appointment, with longer queues for renewals.
Employers can help by:
- Booking appointments early
- Offering flexibility to attend cancellation slots
- Providing documentation of employment start date if needed to fast-track IRP issuance
10. Plan Renewals Well — Submit 16 Weeks Before Expiry
When your employee’s permit nears expiration, the renewal must be applied for at least 16 weeks before expiry to avert gaps and allow time for processing.
General Permits can be renewed up to three years, and after five years of continuous permit‑based residence, employees may qualify for Stamp 4 and unrestricted employment without needing a permit.
Checklist: Avoid Delays
| Action | Timing | Why It Matters |
| Submit first application | ≥ 12 weeks before start | Avoid queue bottlenecks |
| Migrate draft to new system | Before 17 Apr 2025 | Avoid data loss |
| Complete LMNT correctly | 28‑day advertising, consistent salary | Prevent rejection |
| Upload all documents accurately | Before submission | No processing holds |
| Monitor status & respond within 28 days | Ongoing | Keeps application alive |
| Apply for visa post‑permit | Within 3 months before arrival | Avoid travel delays |
| Book GNIB appointment immediately | ASAP on arrival | Avoid work authorisation delay |
| Submit renewal 16 weeks before expiry | Each term | Maintain continuity in employment rights |
Additional Tips for Smooth Processing
Designate a Single Point of Contact
Assign a responsible person (HR or legal advisor) to monitor EP system updates, respond to queries, and oversee documentation.
Keep Records of Everything
Maintain spreadsheets or folders with submission dates, reference numbers, fee receipts, LMNT adverts and correspondence. This helps if disputes arise.
Communicate Clearly with the Employee
Let the candidate know: permit timelines, expected visa issue, GNIB registration process, and salary compliance needs.
Consider Trusted Partner Status
Trusted Partner employers benefit from faster processing times, as applications from such employers are queued separately and may move quicker.
Why Work with Experts at Ireland Work Permits?
At Ireland Work Permits, we specialise in helping employers like you bring international staff on board efficiently and compliantly. We know where delays happen and we help you avoid them. We provide:
- Expert LMNT guidance and salary threshold checks
- Full application preparation, submission and tracking
- Visa planning support once permit is issued
- IRP/GNIB appointment advice and escalation tips
- Renewal and Stamp 4 eligibility consulting
Want to make sure your application avoids unnecessary stalls or errors? Contact us on 053 910 0014 to get expert assistance.
Common Pitfalls That Cause Delays
- Late or incomplete submissions, missing sponsorship or fee details
- Mis-specified salary or failing to match MAR changes
- Broken LMNT by advertising at lower-than-actual salary level
- Failing to migrate draft applications before migration window closure
- Ignoring portal messages or missing extension requests
- Delays in visa application post‑permit leading to arrival gaps
- No preparation for IRP appointment backlog
- Renewal submissions too close to permit expiry
Understanding these helps you design internal processes to prevent them altogether.
Final Thoughts
Securing a work permit for your employee doesn’t have to be a slow, stressful or error-prone process. With proper planning, awareness of updated thresholds and systems, plus swift responses to requests — you can significantly reduce delays.
At Ireland Work Permits, we make sure your applications are submitted accurately and at the right time, using the most current rules and system features. If you’d like expert help to ensure a high‑chance of on‑time approval, call us at 053 910 0014. Let us be your trusted partner in navigating Ireland’s employment permit system efficiently.
