Steps in the asylum process

Step 1: You will register your asylum application at the IPO or Citywest 

Step 2: You will complete your Questionnaire at the IPO or Citywest (usually on the same day as Step 1)

Step 3: You will undergo your Substantive Interview with an IPO officer

Step 4: You will receive a recommendation following your Interview - this could be refugee status, subsidiary protection, permission to remain (PTR) or, a negative decision. 

Step 5: If positive, you will receive your Ministerial letter confirming your status (usually this takes a couple of weeks)

Step 5: If not, you can make an appeal to the IPAT

Step 6: Permission to Remain review - if your IPAT appeal is unsuccessful, the IPO can consider you case for PTR again

Step 7: If your PTR review is negative, you will need to speak to a lawyer about your options. You may or may not receive a deportation order

What happens after I am granted status?

Registering your immigration permission: 

After you receive your Ministerial grant letter (yellow page with your picture) confirming your status, you need make an appointment to register your permission with the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD).

To book an appointment you need to make an online account through the ISD's portal. For information on how to make an online account see the relevant ISD webpage here.

If you are a refugee and do not have the required identity documents to verify your identity for the purposes of making an online account you should email: [email protected] with a copy of your Ministerial grant letter and a copy of your Temporary Residence Certificate (TRC/ blue card).

Currently there is a significant wait time for appointments.

After you have attended your appointment you should receive your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) within 10 working days.

Social Welfare: 

If you require social welfare support, you should apply for a relevant payment as soon as possible at your local Intreo Office (e.g jobseekers allowance, disability allowance etc). You are no longer entitled to the daily expenses allowance and this might be cut suddenly. 

Leaving IPAS accommodation: 

1. If you need housing support, you may be eligible for Social Housing Support. You can apply for Social Housing Support through your Local Authority or Council. 
2. If your application for Social Housing Support is approved (this can take up to 6 months), you may be placed on a housing waiting list. Please note housing waiting lists are long and people often wait many years. However, you may also be eligible for other supports, including the Housing assistance payment (HAP).
3. You will need to work out how much your HAP rate is. This will depend on your family size and what part of the country you live in. Send an email to [email protected] if you are unsure. 
4. To avail of HAP you will need to find somewhere to rent. Once you find somewhere, you should notify your Local Authority to arrange the HAP paperwork. This will include the details of your new home. Your new landlord will need to sign your HAP form. 
5. For more information on HAP and finding somewhere to rent, please read this presentation

Travel Document, Family Reunification and Citizenship

Please read This page for an overview of your rights and entitlements depending on the status you were granted. 

Please read this page for more details on family reunification.