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All You Need to Know About Ireland Student Visa Process

The number of foreign students attending higher education institutions in Ireland has increased by 45% since 2013! The overall number of non-EEA students enrolled in full-time studies has increased to 18,500.

Why Is Ireland Becoming So Popular For Studies Abroad?

In addition to being a member of the European Union, it has a welcoming post-study work policy and no language restrictions. An Indian student can use the Third Level Graduate Scheme to stay in Ireland for up to 24 months in order to hunt for employment after earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree, also known as Level 8 in Ireland.

Have You Been Thinking of a Master’s in Ireland?

If so, the first step is to look up the best colleges in Ireland and submit an application. An Ireland student visa is the second and final step, which we cover in this article.

How To Apply For An Ireland Student Visa?

Enrollment in a full-time course counts as one of the initial prerequisites for an Ireland visa. Additionally, the degree needs to be on the Interim List of Eligible Programs (ILEP). A confirmation that you have paid the relevant college’s fees in full is the second prerequisite.

When these two requirements are satisfied, you can submit an online application for an Irish study visa through the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service.

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.

Applying For Permission After Landing in Ireland

Ireland has a mandatory supplementary visa requirement over most other destinations. You must register with the local registration office, the Garda National Immigration Bureau, as soon as you arrive in the nation on a study visa. An official stamps your passport with a 2 there. This stamp demonstrates that you are able to stay in Ireland past the 90-day limit for a Master’s degree.

You also receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP), in addition to the stamp. It serves as evidence that you have a valid visa.

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

How Much Does Ireland Visa Cost for a Student?

The cost of an Ireland Visa Application is EUR 60 for a single voyage and EUR 100 for repeated journeys. Applying for a multiple-journey visa is advised since a student visa, also known as Visa D, is for Long 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?

You can apply for a study visa after receiving your college’s letter of enrollment and paying your tuition. Three months before to the date of trip is the earliest you can apply for a visa.

If you’re wondering how long it will take to process an Ireland visa, the answer is that it depends. Despite the fact that the processing time is 10 working days, the Irish embassy suggests having 6 to 8 weeks on hand. Additionally, they advise against purchasing flying travel prior to receiving 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:

      • 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:

      • 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?

After completing their master’s degree, international students can quickly obtain a work visa in Ireland under the Revised Third Level Graduate scheme. You are permitted to remain in the nation for up to two years while looking for work. You are permitted to work 40 hours a week, or full-time, under the program.

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

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

The visa granted under this program is non-renewable, however you can apply for the General Employment Permit once you’ve received a work offer or after the two years have passed.

How Can You Get a Permanent Resident Visa in Ireland?

The General Employment Permit is the first step on the road to permanent residency in Ireland. You can apply for a permanent visa if you hold the permit and have lived there for five years.

The Critical Skills Employment Permit, formerly known as the Green Card, is a speedier method. It is distributed to technologists like engineers and ICT specialists. In two years, those who hold this permission can apply for permanent residency.

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

In the majority of nations, paying for college tuition comes after obtaining a student visa. The procedure is inverted in Ireland. Before you may submit an application for a legitimate study visa, you must first pay the course price. This pre-visa disbursement clause puts you in a bind because the majority of banks are unaware of it.