student visa in ireland - Lomelono Travel Solutions

The first step in getting a student visa is to search for the right course in Ireland. The following list shows you the courses are most popular among Irish Universities. This website is dedicated to helping anyone willing to study under a student visa in Ireland.

When applying for a student visa to Ireland, it is important to be aware of the application procedure and associated costs. The first step is to find out if you are eligible to apply for an Irish student visa. The following infographic details some essential points that can help you get to know Ireland and Irelands student visa program better:

The Irish Government have set out plans to introduce an e-visa scheme which will make it easier and quicker for non-EU nationals to visit Ireland. The move has been welcomed by the tourism industry who expect the change to encourage more foreign visitors looking for student visa in Ireland.

This article helps you with information on student visa in ireland. The student visa is a non-extendable visa that is issued for the duration of the course. This means that the holder of a student visa cannot have it extended, but will have to apply for another one when their current student visa expires. As with other visas, it will require a number of forms, most of which are listed below:

Students coming to Ireland to study have a number of options when it comes to visas.

If you are a student coming from the European Union, you can apply for an “EU” visa. This is a short-term visa that allows you to stay in Ireland for up to 90 days per visit. You can apply for an EU visa at the airport or any port of entry (including ferries and trains) during your trip into Ireland. You will need a passport photo, proof of your intention to return home after your visit, proof of how long you intend to stay in Ireland, proof of sufficient funds while visiting (typically at least 50 euros per day), and proof that you have booked accommodation in advance. If this sounds like something you’d like to do, check out our full guide on applying for an EU visa at www.touriago.com/blog/how-to-apply-for-an-eu-student-visa/.

If you are not from the European Union or don’t want a short-term stay in Ireland, then you may want to consider applying for a student visa instead. This type of visa allows students from outside the EU who plan on studying in Ireland for more than 90 days to enter without needing an entry

Student visas in Ireland can be a little bit tricky. Here are some of the things you should know about student visas for Ireland:

-You can only apply for a student visa if you already have an offer from an Irish university or college. You’ll need to apply for a points system, which is based on your qualifications, experience and intended course of study. If you’re accepted by the institution, they’ll send you an invitation letter that will allow you to apply for a visa.

-You’ll need to provide evidence of a guaranteed place at your chosen educational establishment before applying for a student visa. This can come in the form of an acceptance letter or offer letter from the school itself, as well as proof that tuition fees have been paid in full (and any other financial obligations).

-Student visas are valid for one year at first entry level, but may be extended upon application by providing proof of registration with an educational institution at least two months before expiry date of current permission to remain in Ireland (permission granted under previous immigration regulations).

Before you get on the plane, there are some important documents you’ll need. If you are from a non-EU (non-European) country, you will most likely need a student visa for Ireland. Don’t worry, we’re here to help with all that boring paperwork!

Table of Contents

Student visa Ireland – What you need to know

If you are thinking about moving to Ireland to study, you may need a student visa. We recommend you check the requirements for your country with the INIS (Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service) and if you need a visa, ask your IDP counsellor to help with the visa application process.

When should I apply?

You should apply for your Irish study visa as early as possible, as it normally takes eight weeks or longer to process. You can apply up to three months before you arrive.

What do I need to submit as part of my visa application?

You must submit the required documentation, passport photograph and appropriate fee for the correct visa type, to the correct offices. You may also be required to provide biometrics information.

We highly recommend that you ask your IDP counsellor to guide you through the process, to ensure everything is done correctly. If the documentation is not what’s required, you risk having your student visa refused.

How do I check on my visa status?

You can check your Ireland visa application status online, using your Visa Application Number to see if your visa has been processed. This list is updated weekly
If your visa is approved, the Irish Embassy office will attach your visa to your passport
If your visa is refused, you can appeal the decision if it’s within two months

Can I get a visa for my spouse?

No. Non-EU international students studying in Ireland are not allowed to bring their family with them. Spouses and children of international students can apply to live in Ireland separately.

What happens if my visa application is refused?

If your visa application is refused, the college will refund the fees, minus a small application fee.

Ireland student visa checklist

A recent passport-sized photo
A passport that is valid for 12 months
A signed letter of application which explains why you require the visa
A Letter of Acceptance from the Irish university, college or school, confirming you have been accepted and enrolled on a course of full-time education
Evidence that you have paid your tuition fees in full or, if they are more than €6,000, you must pay at least this amount to satisfy visa requirements
Evidence that you have taken out private health insurance that meets the requirements of your visa
Evidence of English language proficiency. Most Irish universities and colleges require IELTS of 6.5
Evidence that you or your sponsor has sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and cost of living expenses
Evidence of your scholarship, if you have been granted one
If you are applying from China, India, Nigeria, Russia, United Arab Emirates or the United Kingdom, you may need further documentation

There’s a lot involved in the visa application process. Take off the pressure and get expert advice from an IDP counsellor. We’re here to help you with your Ireland visa application process.

Can I get an internship in Ireland?

Most Irish study program include an internship or work placement. This part of the program cannot be more than 50% of the duration of the program. For example a four-year program allows a maximum of two years of work placement. Work placements must form an essential part of the study program.

Can I work in Ireland when I finish my study?

Possibly. The Irish Government’s Third Level Graduate Scheme offers graduates of Irish higher education institutions a one-year stay back visa so that they can stay in Ireland and seek employment. This is extended to two years for postgraduate students.

Legally resident non-EU third level graduates can also apply for a Green Card Permit, which is a way to stay in Ireland long term. This allows you to work for a particular employer in an occupation where there is a shortage of skills.

Ireland student visa process (Type D)

Accept a university offer: you should accept and secure your place at an Irish university before applying for a visa.
Apply online: this type of visa has to be applied for online and will not be processed until the immigration services receive any requested supporting documentation from you.
Get your summary form: this is generated when you complete the online section of the visa application. You need to print it and sign it as it forms one of your supporting documents. The form contains information on where to send all your requested documents.
Send supporting documents: you’ll be told exactly which documents you need to send as this varies depending on your home country.
Give biometrics: If requested, you will need to give your biometrics at an Irish visa application center (VAC) near you.
Receive a decision: In general, you will need to wait up to eight weeks for a decision on your visa application.
Apply for an IRP: When you arrive in person to Ireland, you need to register for an Irish Residence Permit within 90 days (before the end date of your landing stamp). This needs to be done in person at a registration office. An IRP will cost you €300.

Visas for dependents

In general, you won’t be able to bring your family with you to Ireland on a study visa. If you wish a spouse to join you during your studies they will have to apply for a visa separately — your visa status has no impact on theirs. Any children you have are also unable to join you in Ireland on a study visa.

Ireland student visa requirements

For a type D student visa you will need to provide documents during your application. These can vary slightly depending on the person and the country they are from, but can include:

Two recent color passport photos
Your passport, valid for 12 months following your arrival in Ireland
Any old passports
Proof of finances for your study
Evidence you are enrolled and have paid the University any fees
Educational history
Biometrics
A letter of application
English language certification
Private medical insurance — this may be provided by your university
Visa documents — for registration when in Ireland

If your documents need to be translated into English, this must be done by a translator with their confirmation the translation is accurate, contact details, and signature.

What to provide in your letter of application

Your letter of application should give an idea as to why you want to study in Ireland and the subject of your choice. You also need to give the details of any family you have in Ireland or the EU. You should acknowledge that you understand you cannot remain in Ireland beyond your visa.

If your educational background does not show a clear link to the degree program you have chosen, you should explain and show evidence of an interest in the subject.

Irish student visa processing time

How long it takes to get your visa varies depending on your nationality and other factors. Usually, you will get a decision in between four and eight weeks from the date you submitted your application.

Your application will take longer if you forget or need to re-submit any documents, so it’s worth making sure you supply everything first time round.

You can apply for your visa up to three months in advance of your travel date to Ireland, so it’s worth starting as soon as you can.

Working with an Irish student visa

A D Study Visa allows students to work full time during the months of June, July, August and September and from 15 December to 15 January. For the rest of the year you can only work up to 20 hours per week.

In addition to the rules around working hours, international students are not permitted to work as taxi drivers or work as self-employed.

What to do if your Ireland study visa is denied

If you are refused a D Study Visa, you will be given a refusal letter that includes the reason you have been denied and whether or not you can appeal the decision.

If you appeal you must do so within two months of receiving the refusal. In your appeal make sure you clearly outline why you think your application should be accepted, and supply any supporting evidence you have.

Alternatively, you are also able to pay for and submit a new visa application. This is the best option if the reason for your rejection can be easily put right, for example, if you forgot to include a document.

Conclusion

EU or EEA countries aren’t required to get an entry visa to study in Ireland; this is also the case for a large number of countries outside of the EU and EEA, however, you may still need to register with immigration in Ireland when you arrive.