Radu's Story: When Your Work Permit Expires Mid-Search

Radu came to Ireland from Romania three years ago on a work permit, holding a Stamp 1G that allowed him to work for a specific employer. He'd settled well in Galway, built friendships, and become part of his community. But in early 2024, his employer went through restructuring, and Radu found himself looking for a new job. He knew his stamp was expiring soon, but he hoped to find new employment before that happened.

The job hunt took longer than expected. Months passed, and Radu's Stamp 1G expired while he was still searching. He was in legal limbo—not working, not able to work, and unsure what his status meant. He'd heard stories about people who overstayed or worked without permission accidentally getting in trouble, and he was anxious about what this gap meant for his future in Ireland. When he finally got an offer from a tech company in Galway, it felt like relief—but then came another worry: how would his application work now that his stamp had already expired?

Radu contacted a solicitor who specializes in immigration matters. The solicitor explained that while his stamp had expired, he could still apply for a new one with his new employer. More importantly, they obtained a bridging letter—a document explaining his situation to immigration authorities while his new permit application was being processed. This letter protected his legal status during the waiting period and allowed him to begin his new job without fear. Within weeks, his new work permit came through, and he could start fresh with his employer, confident that everything was in order.

What the Law Says

In Ireland, if your work permit (Stamp 1G) expires, you cannot legally continue working for your previous employer. However, if you've found a new job and applied for a new permit before your old one expired—or shortly after—you're not automatically in breach of immigration law. A bridging letter from immigration authorities protects your status during the application period, confirming that you've applied lawfully and are awaiting a decision. This letter allows you to begin work with your new employer while your application is being processed, provided you've been honest about your circumstances and followed the proper procedures.