Changing Employer on a Work Permit — IRP Guide

Why employer matters for Stamp 1 holders

A Stamp 1 IRP is issued in connection with a specific employment permit, which names a specific employer and role. Working for a different employer without a new permit is a breach of immigration conditions — even if the new employer is happy to hire you.

The process

• 1

  New employer applies for a new employment permit

  Your new employer applies to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) for a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit in your name. Processing takes weeks to months.

• 2

  Receive the new permit

  Once approved, you receive the permit document authorising you to work for the new employer.

• 3

  Update your IRP registration

  Attend the GNIB with the new permit to update your Stamp 1 IRP. A new card is issued reflecting the new employer.

After 5 years — the permanent solution

After 5 years of continuous legal residence on a work permit, you can apply to INIS for Stamp 4 — which gives unrestricted work rights and removes the employer-linking requirement permanently. This is the most important milestone for long-term work permit holders in Ireland.

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