Delay in renewing IRP during covid

[HMS90]

Hello everyone,

I am in the process of qualifying for Irish naturalisation next year. I initially received my first Stamp 4 in 2015 and a subsequent one in 2016. Due to a court case, there was a gap until 2020, after which I was granted a five-year Stamp 4. However, in 2021, there was a delay of approximately three months in renewing my Stamp 4 due to COVID-19 circumstances. I would like to inquire whether this period is counted towards the five years required for naturalisation, or will I need to extend my stay by an additional three months to cover this gap?

Also, will my stamps in 2015 and 2016 be considered?

Thanks

[pedo-cevorf-a-minno]

However, in 2021, there was a delay of approximately three months in renewing my Stamp 4 due to COVID-19 circumstances.

This I reckon shall be fine. Many went through the same situation (myself included). There was automatic extension policies on IRPs during COVID-19 (more than one announcement IIRC) so that you are likely to be covered as well.

One example as quoted from the DoJ website[1]:

Customers holding an Irish Residence Permit card that was in-date at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, will now have its validity period extended to 15 January 2022. This means that they may use their current expired card to enable them to depart from and return to Ireland in confidence over Christmas and until 15 January 2022.

[1]: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/new-imm ... announced/

Also, will my stamps in 2015 and 2016 be considered?

I think that may depend on your actual means of fulfilling the residency requirement. Likely not if you can satisfy the requirement (e.g. 5 out of 9 years) without even counting in that period.

[HMS90]

Thanks for clarifying this for me. Would I mention the delay in a cover letter at the time of applying for naturalisation or there is no need to do that?

[kupuser]

I had 1 month delay in getting my stamp 4 IRP (after completing 2 years on CSEP) due to Covid. I am also in the middle of preparing my application. I have prepared a document with all my relevant IRP cards and included the screenshot and link to the article where the minister had announced temporary extension. I am also going to attach PDF of emails of acknowledgement and approval from ISD to show I had applied on time and during this temporary extension.