Ireland Student Visa- Ireland is now becoming a popular study destination for international students because it is home to an increasing number of top-ranking universities in the world. Once you apply to a university in Ireland, you will need to start preparing for the Irish student visa application process.
Types of Ireland Student Visa:
There are two main types of Ireland Student Visa:
- C-type study Visa: This type of visa is suitable for students wishing to pursue a course which is for less than 3 months.
- D-type study Visa: This type of visa is suitable for students wishing to pursue a course which is for more than 3 months.
Student Visa Requirements
- International students must have valid documents related to medical insurance.
- If you wish to stay in Ireland for more than 3 months, you will have to register at the nearest Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) within 2 days of your arrival.
- You would need to have easy access to a minimum deposit of €3000 in an Irish bank for the GNIB registration.
- Subsequently, you will receive a Certificate of Registration (GNIB card) and an extended stamp on your passport.
- You will also be eligible to apply for the multiple entry visa once the GNIB registration is done.
Here is a checklist of documents required for the visa application process:
- Offer Letter or confirmation letter from an Irish university
- Visa payment receipt
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Copies of the fully completed and signed visa application forms
- Proof of financial support
- Documents pertaining to income returns
- Property documents/ Chartered Evaluators Report
- Proof of relationship between the applicant and parents where applicable
- Sponsorship letter, if applicable
- Transcripts of academic records
- A well-written Statement of Purpose
- A well-drafted Resume
- Work Experience certificates, if applicable
- Valid passport
- Recent passport sized photographs
Prices and Fee
The visa application fee for single entry is €60 or US$64 and €100 or US$ 106 for multiple entries. International students whose online application has been directed to the visa office in Dublin must submit a bank draft (in Euros) drawn to an Irish bank. No other currency or mode of payment is accepted in Dublin.
Applicants from certain countries like Bosnia, Morocco, Peru, Indonesia, Serbia, Sri Lanka, etc. are exempt from visa fees.
Application
- You need to fill and submit the online application form available on the website of the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service.
- After filling the form, you will have to upload your documents as per the instructions are given on the website.
- You may also be asked for biometrics information as part of the application process.
- Although the visa processing time would vary depending on your country of origin, you can generally expect a reply within four to eight weeks (from the date of submitting the visa application) by the visa office/Embassy/Consulate.
- It is always advisable to buy your tickets only after you receive an official confirmation from the visa office/Embassy/Consulate.
Working in Ireland with a student visa
You will be allowed to work in Ireland provided your program is recognized by the Internationalization Register. If your program is recognized, the local Immigration Officer will put a stamp ‘2’ on your passport and you will be allowed to work part-time for almost 20 hours per week during the semesters and full time for 40 hours per week during the summer and winter breaks.
If your program is not recognized, the Immigration Officer will put a 2A stamp on your passport but you will not be allowed to work. Hence, make sure that your course is recognized before enrollment.
Who needs an Ireland student visa?
Students from EU/EEA countries do not require an Ireland student visa. Nevertheless, students from other parts of the world do require a student visa in order to enter the country.
When to apply?
You are eligible to apply for a student visa three months before your arrival in Ireland. Also, remember that you must apply for the visa only after you receive a confirmation letter from your university in Ireland.
Visa Language Requirements
International students will be required to meet the English language requirements in order to be given student immigration permission.
You will be required to provide proof of your proficiency in English by submitting an internationally recognized certificate. The certificate should have been issued within two years of the expected date of commencement of the course in order to be considered valid.
You could submit scores of one of the English proficiency tests namely, IELTS, TOEFL iBT, CELA which was formerly known as Cambridge ESOL and PTE or Pearson Test.
Having gone through the various steps involved in the Irish student visa application process, ensure that you follow the guidelines properly and start preparing well in advance to avoid any hassle.
