Note 01Route summary
A refused employment permit is not the end of the road, it is a decision point with a hard deadline.
Ref PRAR-28, typed for the wall
Employment permits & sponsorshipFor employers
Permit refusal appeals & reviews
Turn a refusal into an approval with a focused Section 14 review, or a stronger fresh application to DETE.
0 days
To request review
0 review
Per decision
No fee
Section 14 review
EUR 0
Refund on refusal
Folder 01. Route file, Permit refusal appeals & reviews
0 days
A refusal can be challenged by requesting a review within 28 days of the DETE decision. The review is free of charge and is decided by a different, more senior reviewing officer.
28 days, different officer
A refused applicant can request a review within 28 days of the decision, and it is examined by a different officer from the one who refused it.
What we'll do for you
Turn a refusal into an approval with a focused Section 14 review, or a stronger fresh application to DETE.
Ledger · Permit refusal appeals & reviews
Entry 01 · registered
Diagnose the refusal
We analyse the DETE refusal letter and pinpoint each ground cited, separating fixable defects from misreadings of the facts.
AllowWeek 1
Entry 02 · registered
Choose the path
We decide whether a Section 14 review, a corrected fresh application or new evidence gives the strongest and fastest prospect.
AllowWeek 1
Entry 03 · registered
Build the submission
We prepare a response that answers every ground, drawing on the original file and any updated job, salary or company documents.
AllowWeeks 2 to 3
Entry 04 · registered
Lodge within deadline
We submit the review request to DETE inside the 28 day window, or file the fresh application on EPOS if that is the chosen route.
AllowBy day 28
Entry 05 · registered
Manage the outcome
We track the decision and plan next steps whether the refusal is overturned or confirmed, including the fee refund position.
AllowWeeks 4 to 12
Balance · application fee, all entries included
€0
The €70 Book Consultation cost is separate.
0to0
weeks to a decision
Plaque 01 The wait
A review must generally be requested within 28 days of the DETE refusal decision.
1k7505002500
Refunded on refusalEUR 900
Retained by DETEEUR 100
stubs, in the vitrine
EUR 100
01 RetainedEUR 900
02 Refunded28days
Most of the fee comes back
04 factSometimes reapplying beats reviewing
05 tipRequesting a review against submitting a fresh application
| Criteria | Review of refusal | Fresh application |
|---|---|---|
| DETE fee | No fee | EUR 1,000 |
| Deadline | 28 days | Anytime |
| New evidence considered | On the original submission | Full new file |
| Decided by | Senior reviewing officer | First decision officer |
| Keeps original filing date | Yes | No |
Plaque 02 The payoff
A refusal is not a total loss. 90 percent of the application fee is refunded, so EUR 900 of the standard EUR 1,000 fee returns to whoever paid it.
On the record
Reflects the DETE Section 14 review process.
Analyse the refusal reasons
1wk
Prepare and submit the review
3wk
DETE review decision
8wk
0 wk
0 wk
0 wk
0weeks
Diagnose the refusal
Choose the path
Build the submission
Lodge within deadline
Manage the outcome
The original refusal letter from DETE stating each groundThe full application file exactly as it was submittedEvidence or argument addressing each refusal groundUpdated job, salary or company documents if a fresh application is chosenConfirmation of who paid the fee, for the refund positionClear written instruction well inside the 28 day review deadline
Q01How long do we have to challenge a refusal?
A review must generally be requested within 28 days of the DETE refusal decision. The deadline is firm, so early instruction is important, and it is examined by a different, more senior officer than the one who refused the application.
Q02Is it better to request a review or reapply?
It depends on the grounds. A Section 14 review reconsiders the original submission with no new fee, which suits a decision that misread the facts. A corrected fresh application suits a fixable defect such as a missing advert or a salary below the threshold, and often succeeds faster.
Q03Can we add new evidence to a review?
A review reconsiders what was already submitted rather than a substantially new file, so it is not the place for major new documents. If the case needs fresh evidence, a new application is usually the stronger route.
Q04What happens to the fee after a refusal?
A refusal is not a total loss. 90 percent of the application fee is refunded, so EUR 900 of the standard EUR 1,000 fee returns to whoever paid it. A fresh application carries its own new fee.
Q05What are the chances of success?
Outcomes are case specific and turn on the reasons for refusal. Addressing every ground directly, and choosing review or reapplication deliberately, gives the best prospects.
Official28 days
Employment permits hub
Find the decision review process and the correct form for the permit type that was refused.
enterprise.gov.ie
Portal
EPOS, check the decision
Log in to read the refusal reasons in full before deciding between a review and a fresh application.
epos.enterprise.gov.ie
ToolUpdated weekly
Current processing dates
Weigh up timing: see how long a brand new application would sit in the queue versus a review.
enterprise.gov.ie
GuideFree
Citizens Information on permits
Independent explanation of refusals, reviews and the applicant's options in plain English.
citizensinformation.ie
Official
Visa decisions from ISD
If the entry visa was refused as well as the permit, the visa appeal runs separately, check decisions here.
irishimmigration.ie
Note 02Booking note
Outcomes are case specific and turn on the reasons for refusal. Addressing every ground directly, and choosing review or reapplication deliberately, gives the best prospects.
Ref VW-BOOK, typed for the wall
Figures on this page are indicative and depend on your circumstances and current DETE and ISD rules.