Ireland: Visa Process and Post-Study Work Permit
Do You Need an Irish Student Visa?
You do not require an Irish student visa to study in Ireland if you are a citizen of the EU or EEA (including Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein). Several additional nations do not require Irish student or entry visas.
Suppose you are a student from a non-EEA country. In that case, regardless of whether you require a student visa for Ireland, you must report to an immigration officer upon arrival in Ireland to be granted permission to enter. You must do this within the district where you intend to live; for example, you must contact the Garda National Immigration Bureau if you are studying in Dublin.
Suppose you are not from the European Union, the European Economic Area, or one of the countries designated as visa-exempt. In that case, you will need to apply for an Irish student visa to study in Ireland.
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How to Apply for Your Irish Student Visa
If you need a student visa for Ireland, you’ll need to apply at least a few months before your trip. Most of the time, you can do so online.
If you plan to study in Ireland for less than three months, you should apply for a ‘C Study Visa,’ but if your course takes longer than three months, you will need a ‘D Study Visa.’ It is doubtful that a ‘C Study Visa’ may be extended to cover a longer duration. So, make sure it will cover your entire stay before applying.
To obtain an Irish student visa, you must submit the following documents:
- Acceptance letter to a full-time program at an authorized university.
- Proof of competency in the English language (often in the form of a TOEFL or IELTS test score)
- Proof of tuition fee payment in full (or student loan declaration)
- Evidence of sufficient income to cover living expenses (at least €7,000/US$9,400) for the first year of study. If you wish to study in Ireland for more than a year, you will need to show proof of sponsorship or pay an additional €7,000 for each additional year of study.
- Proof of private medical insurance – A written commitment that you will return to your native country after completing your degree in Ireland.
Standard visa application processing expenses for a single-entry visa are €60 (US$80) and €100 (US$135) for multiple entries, depending on your place of origin.
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Part-Time Work in Ireland with a Student Visa
You will receive a ‘stamp number 2′ after you consult with the local immigration officer if you wish to study in Ireland on a program recognized by the Internationalization Register. This stamp allows you to work part-time in Ireland for up to 20 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours per week during the summer vacation. When you finish your degree of study in Ireland, your right to work expires.
You will receive a ‘stamp number 2A’ on your passport if your course is not registered on the Internationalization Register. If this is the case, you will be unable to work in Ireland while studying.
Keep in mind that an Irish student visa does not automatically allow you to enter the country several times. You will need to apply for a re-entry visa if you need to leave the country and return during your studies.
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Student Visas for Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland (Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh, and Tyrone) is a part of the United Kingdom, with significantly varied student visa procedures. If you intend to study in Northern Ireland or visit these countries, you will almost certainly need a visa from UK authorities. Contact your local Irish consulate or embassy for additional information.