How difficult is it to get an Ireland student visa?

Studying overseas in Ireland 

Prospective students may choose to study abroad in another country. For many, Ireland is a popular choice due to its elite educational facilities and charming surroundings. To study in Ireland, you will be required to gain an Ireland student visa.

Luckily, Irish officials have tried to make the visa application process as straightforward as possible. However, it can prove challenging to obtain your student visa due to strict Irish visa regulations. This should not be a reason to deter you from your choice of study location, as a trained immigration lawyer can assist you with your visa application in your journey to international study in Ireland.

I am planning on studying in Ireland for less than 3 months

The type of Irish student visa you need to get depends on the length of time you are planning to study within the country. It is important to determine the type of Irish visa you require before beginning your visa application.

For any period of study under 3 months, it will be considered as a short-term period of study. This option is most suited to non-EEA nationals wishing to study in Ireland for a semester or on a course lasting a short period. The ‘C’ category short-term student visa allows international students to enter Ireland and remain there for up to 90 days. You will be required to leave Ireland after this period.

There are further instances where a short-term visa is best suited to your needs. For example, you may be planning to enter Ireland for a short training course, or perhaps you are traveling to Ireland to sit an exam in the country. All of the above are valid reasons to submit a short visa application.

I am planning on studying in Ireland for more than 3 months

Students who are planning on residing and studying in Ireland for more than 3 months are required to apply to the Irish immigration service for a ‘D’ category long-term study visa. This will allow you to legally live and study in Ireland for more than a 90-day period.

It is important to note that before you proceed to travel to Ireland, you must have your student visa in place which requires you to be enrolled in a full-time course which is indicated within the Interim List of Eligible Programmes. Once all of these requirements are in place, your passport will be issued with a stamp 2 which will indicate your expiry date and when you should consider applying for renewal should you wish to remain in Ireland.

Processing times for new applicants may vary, but once a visa decision has been made and you have been approved, you are equipped to partake in your first academic year as an Irish visa student.

What are the application requirements for an Ireland student visa?

As with any visa application, a list of requirements set out by the immigration service must be met in order to have the best chance of gaining entry to your desired country. The below states each piece of criteria and supporting documentation that will be required from you. Visa applications are to be made by an online application process along with payment of a visa fee to the visa office.

• An acceptance letter from your prospective study institute
• Exam results/qualifications that demonstrate your competency in your chosen academic field
• Evidence that your study exceeds 15 hours per week
• Evidence of English language ability, unless you are enrolling in an English language course
• Proof of full payment of course fees
• At least 7,ooo euros in maintenance to support your first year of study
• Proof of private medical insurance
• Supporting documentation stating your intention to return to your home country once your study period ceases
• If you have any gaps in your educational history, you must provide a written explanation

Providing the immigration service with false or misleading information to support your visa application can have serious consequences.

Can I work in Ireland whilst I am on a study visa?

The short answer is yes. Provided that you are issued with a stamp two alongside your study visa, you are permitted by the immigration service to work up to 20 hours per week during a semester. Outside of semesters, for example; during a semester break, student visas allow your work hours allowance to increase to 40 hours per week until the semester commences once more.

If after you graduate and your stamp 2 has expired, if you wish to remain in Ireland for work you can make contact with the visa office for guidance. You must apply for an alternative employment permit or a stamp 1G- this will allow an additional 1 year in Ireland as a graduate.

If you decided to live in Ireland permanently after this, you will be required to meet the requirements for the process of Irish naturalisation.