IRELAND Visa Procedure

If you are an international student applying to study in Ireland, you must be enrolled in – and have paid for – a full-time course on the official Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) which includes English language students, undergraduates, postgraduates, higher national diploma or PhD students. NQF Level 7 or above.

Courses of study included in the ILEP for immigration permission are 

• Higher Education Programmes leading to Major Awards/Non-Major Awards

• Professional Awards

• English Language Programmes

A letter of Acceptance (LOA) is a very critical document required for applying for a study visa in Ireland. It is awarded to the student after fulfilling the academic, circumstantial, and financial requirements.

A Long Stay ‘D’ Visa grants successful applicants over 90 days to remain in Ireland, whether that be to work, study, or join and settle with existing family members in the country.

However, applicants who are from a country that is not within the European Economic Area (EEA) must acquire further permission to study in Ireland, which can involve submitting a study visa application form to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) and meeting several requirements. One of those requirements is to pay €6000 of the tuition fee or full if the fee is less than  €6000. Another requirement is to show funds of  €10000 for 1 year of living expenses. In addition to this, the student must also have private medical insurance for the entire duration of the stay.

While applying for a Stamp 2 student visa, a student must have 

• Signed application form

• Photograph

• Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

• Paid tuition fee of at least €6000 or full if the fee is less than €6000

• Proof of finance and the ability to support him/herself in the state.

• Proof of access to €10000 per year of study

• Private medical insurance

• Personal documents

• proof of English proficiency

• Residence permit

• Evidence of fee payment

Major Fees:

Visa Fee: €60 (Single Entry) | €100 (Multi Entry)

Stamp 2 Fee: €300

IRP Fee: €300

Medical Insurance: €160

While applying for a study permit the student has to ensure s/he has the below documents or meets the below requirements:

• Letter of Acceptance from ILEP listed course.

• Must be proficient in English.

• Academic transcripts.

• University fees receipt.

• Proof of financial support | Should show access to €10,000 for a period of 12 months.

• Summary of finances.

• Application Letter or SOP.

• Police Clearance Certificate.

• Proof of Identity.

• 2 color passport-size photos.

• FSF (Financial summary form).

Students may be asked to go to an interview with their officials in the local country for further clarification.

After giving the biometrics the consulate officer will either accept a visa application or refuse. You can start planning your journey once your application is accepted.

When you arrive in Ireland you must show your passport, permit, visa, and all other required documentation to the immigration officer at the airport or other port of entry.

The immigration officer will then decide if you are allowed to enter the country.

Even if you have a valid visa for Ireland, you could be refused entry by the immigration officer if they are not satisfied with your documents or explanations. Mostly the students are not denied entry as they will carry all the necessary documents and they have all the clearances.

Now you have crossed and entered Ireland. Sort your accommodation and plan your trip to the nearest date of the program. Get your IRP card if you stay in Dublin from the registration office in Dublin or get it from GNIB if you live outside of Dublin.

Join your university on the orientation day. International Student Orientation covers important immigration, employment, and cross-cultural sessions, as well as academic information specifically of interest to all international students beginning at Australian University. This program will give you the chance to learn important information for your studies, as well as to meet your new classmates. 

The Emerald Isle is waiting for you to embrace. We wish you all the best for your student journey in Ireland.

• Can work on- or off-campus with a student visa and social insurance number (SIN).

• Can work 20 hours/week off-campus or full-time during regular breaks.

• Can work as many 40 hours/week during holidays and term breaks.

• Post successful course completion. The student will be eligible to apply for PSW Visa Stamp 1G. 

Stamp 1G is the post-study work visa that can be applied by students.

The PSW visa duration will be for

• 1 year if the student finishes a course that leads to the award of a bachelor's or with honors or higher diploma. 

• 2 years if the student finishes a course that leads to the award of a master's or postgraduate diploma or doctorate. 

A student can apply for a work permit (Stamp 4) if the student finds a sponsoring employer for his/her job.

There are two kinds of work permits if you find a sponsoring employer.

• General employment permit (GEP) up to 5 years | Minimum salary of €30,000.

• Critical skills employment permit (CSEP) up to 2 years | Minimum salary of €32,000 for a student who finished a degree in Ireland or €64,000 with the necessary level of experience.

Eligible to apply for PR if a candidate has 3 years of skilled experience in Ireland and stayed continuously 1 year in Ireland before applying.