Ireland Student Visa: A Complete Guide

Thanks to relaxed immigration policies and abundant job opportunities, Ireland is quickly becoming a favorite study destination among international students. If you’re looking to pursue a degree in Ireland, you need to get your hands on the Ireland Study Visa.

Student Visa for Ireland

Before jumping to the application process and visa requirements, it’s important for you to check if you even need a student visa for Ireland.

1. If you are from EU/EEA, Switzerland, or belong to one of the countries on this list, you don’t need an Ireland Study Visa!
2. However, if you do not satisfy the condition above, you will need to apply for it.

Types of Visa

The type of Ireland Study Visa you should get will depend on the duration of your course.

1. In case your course duration is less than 90 days, you’ll have to apply for a ‘C Study Visa.’ 
2. If you’re planning to study at a university in Ireland for more than 90 days, you will need to go for a ‘D Study Visa.’

Once you know which visa type you have to apply for, you can visit the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service (INIS) website and start your application process!

How to Apply for a Student Visa for Ireland?

The entire Ireland student visa process happens online.

But since the Ireland Student Visa processing time is lengthy, we recommend that you apply for the visa 3 months before your date of travel to Ireland.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Head to this link on the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service (INIS) website and click on ‘Continue,’ and then on ‘AVATS Online Application Form.’
2. Fill the visa application form, print it out, then sign and date it.
3. Add your supporting documents and submit them with the application as per the instructions on the form.
4. You may also be asked to include Biometrics Information as a part of your application process.
5. Once you’re done, you will be asked to pay an amount of ⚬60 as the Ireland student visa fees.
6. Wait for at least 8 weeks – the regular Ireland Student Visa processing time – for your application to get processed and only then book your flight tickets.

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Ireland Student Visa Requirements

Now that you have an idea of how to apply for a student visa for Ireland, let’s take a look at the list of supporting documents you need to collate for your application.

1. Your signed and dated summary application form and the Ireland student visa fees
2. 2 passport-sized photographs not more than 6 months old
3. Your current passport and a full copy of all your previous passports
4. A signed letter of application including your full contact details outlining your reason for wanting to come to Ireland
5. Letter of Acceptance from the college confirming that you have been accepted and enrolled on a course of full-time education, involving a minimum of 15 hours organized daytime tuition each week
6. Evidence accounting for any gaps in your educational history
7. Proof that fees have been paid to the college
8. Evidence that you have the academic ability to follow your chosen course
9. Proof of your level of proficiency in English (IELTS or TOEFL scores)
10. You must show that you have sufficient funds to support your stay in Ireland without recourse to public funds or reliance on casual employment
11. Private Medical Insurance
12. If you have been refused a visa in the past for any country, you must provide those details as well

As stated on the official INIS website, all these documents should be original. They will be returned to you later, but in the meanwhile, it’s best to keep copies of the papers with yourself.

What Happens After I Get My Visa?

The first thing you need to do after getting your visa is to book your flight tickets and find accommodation.

After that, you should keep the following things in mind before traveling and living in Ireland:

1. Prepare for border control: According to INIS, after you land, you will need to prove that you have a valid reason for entering Ireland to an immigration officer at border control. For this, you will need to keep your passport, visa, and proof you have enrolled for a course in hand.
2. Apply for permission to stay and register with immigration: After you’ve entered Ireland, make sure to apply for permission to stay in Ireland and register with immigration before the date stamped on your passport at border control. Otherwise, you might be asked to leave the country.

Having said that, this visa will not allow you to live in Ireland the way you stay in your home country. So let’s take a look at what you are allowed to do with it.

What Can I Do With My Ireland Study Visa?

A student visa for Ireland will allow you to not only enter the country but also:

1. Live and study in Ireland for the period of your course
2. Work full-time for 40 hours a week in June, July, August, and September, and part-time 20 hours a week during other months of the year
3. In some circumstances, you may even be allowed to work in Ireland after you have completed your studies (read the next section)

It’s also important to keep in mind what you cannot do using an Ireland Student Visa:

1. In general, you cannot bring your family to Ireland as a student
2. You cannot travel to Northern Ireland or the UK, and
3. You will not be allowed to leave Ireland for a short period of time and come back without a valid multi-entry visa

While you’re in Ireland, your study visa will be a ticket that will help you get around. This is why we suggest that you carry it with you every time you step out of the house.

Also, Read

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For How Long Will My Visa Be Valid After Graduation?

The student visa for Ireland will only allow you to live in the country up until the period of your graduation.

If you’re looking to stay back and work, however, you can apply for a work permit under the Third Level Graduate Programmed.

This will allow you to stay back and live in Ireland for a period of 12 – 24 months, depending on the scores you graduate with and the salary you have been offered. Keep in mind that the Third Level Graduate Programmed is only for STEM graduates and not for language and non-degree students.

 

Last Thoughts

Well! Now you have an in-depth understanding of which Ireland Student Visa requirements you need to fulfill, how you can apply for the visa, and what you need to do after you get it.

If you feel like we missed out on something or have any doubts, feel free to reach out to us or drop a comment!

We’d be very happy to help!

Liked this blog? Also, read Cost of living in Ireland | A quick guide to everything you must know!

FAQs

Q1. What are the permissible work hours for an Ireland student visa holder?

Answer – You can work for up to 20 hours a week(part-time) on an Irish student visa. Moreover, during vacations, international students can choose to work full-time for up to 40 hours a week.

Q2. Does the Ireland student visa have provisions for public health care insurance coverage?

Answer – Students who are EU residents and possess the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card can avail of public health services in Ireland.

Q3. What is the processing time for an Ireland student visa?

Answer – The visa processing time depends on the country you belong to. However, it usually takes 4 to 8 weeks for authorities to submit your application.

Q4. What is the Ireland student visa cost?

Answer – The Ireland student visa costs around 100 Euros for the long stay.