SupportCheck.ie — New to Ireland action plan

Guidance only. Official bodies make all decisions. Sources checked 8 September 2026.

New to Ireland

Find the right first steps without sharing personal details

Choose the route closest to your circumstances. We separate immigration, accommodation and support pathways so you are not sent to the wrong service.

Which pathway best describes you?

I need help finding the main services and practical first steps.

Private by design

Your selection and checklist stay on this page. No account, name, PPS Number or immigration document is requested or stored.

Important: this is practical guidance, not an eligibility decision or immigration advice. Rules depend on your exact permission and can change. Always confirm on the linked official page.

Your ordered plan

General newcomer

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Step 1Start here

Confirm your permission and registration route

Your permission affects which services and work rules apply. Only Immigration Service Delivery or the responsible official body can confirm your status.

SupportCheck does not decide immigration status or give legal advice.

Check official immigration registration guidanceOfficial evidence: Immigration Service Delivery

Step 2Start here

Contact your Local Authority Integration Team

LAITs operate across local authorities and can help eligible new arrivals connect with health, education, employment, English-language and community services.

Find integration and community supportsOfficial evidence: Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration

Step 3Next

Check whether you need a PPS Number

A PPS Number is used to access public services. The application normally needs identity, address and a reason for needing one; special arrangements apply to recent arrivals from Ukraine.

Check PPS Number requirementsOfficial evidence: Department of Social Protection

Step 4Next

Find healthcare and translated health guidance

Use the HSE guide to understand GPs, medical cards, emergency care, maternity care, mental health and other health services in Ireland.

Open the HSE migrant health guideOfficial evidence: Health Service Executive

Step 5Next

Arrange a school place for children

Apply directly to a school. School admissions policies must be fair and transparent, and Tusla Education Support Service can help where a place is difficult to secure.

Read school enrolment guidanceOfficial evidence: Department of Education and Youth

Step 6When needed

Get employment help through Intreo

Intreo can help with work, training and employment services. Your right to work depends on your permission; international protection applicants must follow the separate labour-market-access rules.

Find Intreo employment servicesOfficial evidence: Department of Social Protection

Step 7When needed

Find English-language and skills courses

Search the official Further Education and Training course directory for ESOL, English-language, literacy, digital and job-skills courses.

Search FETCH coursesOfficial evidence: SOLAS / Education and Training Boards

Step 8When needed

Check the ordinary council housing route only if it fits

Council housing support has its own eligibility, residence, income and local-authority assessment. Explore it separately and ask the council to confirm whether you can apply.

This route is not a substitute for IPAS or Temporary Protection accommodation.

Open SupportCheck local housing guideOfficial evidence: SupportCheck guide using official council evidence

Also check household supports

After the arrival steps, use the main checker. It can flag supports worth asking about, but the official body will assess residence, means, contributions and all other conditions.

Describe your situation

Evidence checked 8 September 2026. SupportCheck links to authoritative services but is not part of a government department, local authority, the HSE or Immigration Service Delivery.