The Dublin Community Blog

So, last Tuesday I went to the Garda office/Immigration on the Quays to renew my work authorization since it expired on the 24th of May.  I got there at 7.30 AM expecting to be there all day and had appropriate materials with me.  Well, I got put into the garda card line and was the 11th person.  I got nervous because I thought I needed to go to the visa section as well and they only give out a certain number of visa appointments per day.

So, I got in line and waited.  I only had to wait about 20 minutes standing in line since someone started giving out tickets with numbers on them earlier than they had to!  I then waited about 30 minutes to meet with the garda card people.  My number was called and the guy asked to see my papers and he then took my picture.  A little while later, I had my passport back, a new garda card, and a stamp in it saying I was legal for the next two years.

So, if you currently have a work authorization, you are able to renew it, at least for the time being.  :)  I am not sure if most people will have to go to both offices or not (the guy who processed my paperwork said it was easier because of the country I am a citizen of) but I would recommend getting there early.  It only took me an hour and a half to get everything done so I had the rest of the day to do what I wanted.