Staying Compliant with Renewals
Work permits and visas have expiry dates. Timely renewal ensures your employees maintain legal work authorisation without gaps that could affect their status.
When to Start Renewal
Ireland Employment Permits
- Recommended: 12 weeks before expiry
- Minimum: 8 weeks before expiry
- Risk zone: Less than 4 weeks—may not process in time
UK Skilled Worker Visa
- Recommended: 3 months before expiry
- Can apply: Up to 3 months before
- Continue working: While renewal pending (if applied in time)
Irish Permit Renewal Process
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
To renew, the employee must:
- Still be employed by the permit employer (or have valid change)
- Role remains eligible for permits
- Salary still meets minimum thresholds
Step 2: Gather Documents
Employer documents:
- Current tax clearance certificate
- Updated employment contract (if changed)
- Confirmation of continued employment
Employee documents:
- Current permit
- Valid passport
- Proof of residence in Ireland
- P60 or payslips (showing salary compliance)
Step 3: Submit Application
- Apply through EPOS
- Pay renewal fee
- Track status online
Step 4: Receive Decision
- New permit issued (if approved)
- Update employee records
- Note new expiry date
UK Visa Extension Process
Step 1: Assign New CoS
Employer must:
- Check employee still meets requirements
- Request new CoS (Undefined CoS for in-country)
- Assign CoS to employee
Step 2: Employee Applies Online
- Complete online application
- Pay visa fee and IHS
- Upload supporting documents
Step 3: Biometrics
- Book appointment at UKVCAS
- Provide fingerprints and photo
- Submit any physical documents
Step 4: Decision
- Standard: 8 weeks
- Priority options available
- Can continue working while pending
Changes During Permit Period
Ireland: Changing Employer
- New permit application required
- After 12 months: can change without LMNT
- Before 12 months: full LMNT required
UK: Changing Sponsor
- New visa application required
- New sponsor assigns CoS
- Can work for new sponsor once application submitted
Promotions and Salary Changes
- Ireland: Notify DETE of significant changes
- UK: Update CoS if salary or role changes significantly
Automatic Renewal Reminders
Recruitroo tracks all permit expiry dates:
90 Days Before
- Initial reminder sent
- Checklist generated
- Timeline created
60 Days Before
- Urgent reminder
- Document collection prompts
- Application preparation begins
30 Days Before
- Critical alert
- Application should be submitted
- Escalation if not actioned
Renewal vs New Application
| Scenario | Ireland | UK |
|----------|---------|-----|
| Same employer, same role | Renewal | Extension |
| Same employer, new role | New application | Update CoS |
| New employer | New application | New visa |
| Higher salary | Update application | May need new CoS |
What Happens If Permit Expires
Before Application Submitted
- Employee cannot legally work
- Must stop working until renewed
- Potential immigration consequences
Application Pending
- Ireland: Can continue working (stamp extended)
- UK: Can continue working (Section 3C leave)
Avoiding Renewal Issues
1. Start early – Begin process 3 months ahead
2. Track expiry dates – Use calendar reminders
3. Keep documents current – Tax clearance, passports
4. Monitor salary – Ensure still meets thresholds
5. Use Recruitroo – Automated tracking and reminders
Proactive renewal management keeps your international team working legally without stressful last-minute applications.