All You Need to Know About Ireland Student Visa Process

One of the initial requirements for an Ireland visa is enrollment in a full-time course. The degree must also be included on the Interim List of Eligible Programs (ILEP). The second requirement is proof that you have fully paid the applicable college’s fees.

You can apply for an Irish student visa online through the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service after these two conditions are met.

There are 2 types of study visa in Ireland –

• The C Visa for short stay: This is applicable for courses that last for less than three months.
• The D Visa for a long stay: This is applicable for any degree that is longer than three months. For a master’s course, you will need to apply for this visa.

The official website has guidelines on how to complete the student visa application. Along with the form, you will have to submit the following primary documents: 

• The letter of acceptance from the university in Ireland.
• Financial evidence that you can afford to stay in Ireland for the first year. The country considers EUR 7,000 as sufficient funds.
• Evidence that you are proficient in the English language. The minimum IELTS bands required for Ireland student visa is 5, while the minimum TOEFL requirement is 6.
• Proof that you have medical insurance.
• Proof that you intend to return to India after leaving Ireland.

Over most other places, Ireland has an obligatory supplemental visa requirement. As soon as you enter the country on a study visa, you must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau, the local registration office. Your passport is stamped there by an official with a 2. This stamp certifies that you are permitted to remain in Ireland for an additional 90 days after receiving a Master’s degree.

Along with the stamp, you also get an Irish Residence Permit (IRP). It acts as confirmation that your visa is still in effect.

Note: Here’s the process of registration in detail given by the official site.

An application for an Ireland visa costs EUR 60 for a single trip and EUR 100 for multiple trips. It is advisable to apply for a multiple-entry visa since a student visa, also known as Visa D, is for long-term stay.

Note: If you have a single-entry visa, you can only visit Ireland once during the dates of validity listed on your visa. If you have a multi-entry visa, you can visit Ireland several times during the dates listed on your visa, but only for brief excursions.

When Should You Apply For An Ireland Study Visa?

After receiving your college’s letter of enrolment and paying your tuition, you can submit an application for a study visa. The earliest you can apply for a visa is three months before your intended departure date.

The answer to your question about how long it will take to process an Ireland visa is that it depends. The Irish embassy advises having 6 to 8 weeks on hand even if the processing duration is 10 business days. They also caution against booking air flights before getting the student visa.

Do You Need a Visa To Work While Studying in Ireland?

You do not need a separate work permit to be employed in Ireland, if:

1. 1. • You are enrolled in a full-time course that is at least a year-long and given in the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP).
      • Hold the certificate of registration, i.e. IRP card.

In such a case, your passport has a Stamp number 2, which allows you casual employment. The stamp gives you the freedom to work:

1. 1. • 40 hours/week when the college is on vacation (June to Sept and 15 Dec to 15 Jan).
      • 20 hours/week while a term is going on.

Note: If the course you picked is not listed in ILEP, you are not allowed to work while studying. 

How Can Indian Students Get a Work Visa in Ireland After Course Completion?

Under the Revised Third Level Graduate scheme, international students can swiftly receive a work visa in Ireland after finishing their master’s degree. While looking for job, you may stay in the country for up to two years. Under the program, you are allowed to work 40 hours a week, or full-time.

You can apply for an extension to stay in the country through the scheme, if:

1. 1. • You have studied a course from a recognised Irish institute.
      • Have a Stamp 2 on your visa.

The visa issued under this program is not renewable, but after receiving a job offer or after two years have passed, you may apply for a General Employment Permit.

How Can You Get a Permanent Resident Visa in Ireland?

The General Employment Permit is the initial step toward obtaining Irish permanent residency. If you are in possession of the permit and have resided there for five years, you may apply for a permanent visa.

A quicker option is the Critical Skills Employment Permit, formerly known as the Green Card. It is made available to technicians, including engineers and ICT experts. Those who have this permit may seek for permanent residency after two years.

Education Loan For Ireland: The Last (But Crucial) Step to Applying For Visa

towards the majority of countries, getting a student visa is the first step towards paying for college tuition. In Ireland, the method is reversed. You must first pay the tuition for the course in order to submit an application for a valid study visa. Since most banks are not aware of this pre-visa disbursement provision, it puts you in a bind.