Last Updated on March 30, 2022 by Visa Journal
Are you all aware of the student visa of Ireland? If not, do not panic. We are here to provide you with the details. With the growth of the education system, research facilities and best quality faculties, Ireland provide a better source for students from every corner of the world. Few of its salient advantages are listed below;
- It is a member of the European Union (EU)
- The Bologna system is used in educational institutions.
- English is the language of instruction in universities.
- In comparison to the UK and other famous European countries, students benefit from lower tuition fees and living costs in Ireland.
- The people of Ireland are renowned for their friendliness and the fact that they live in a safe environment.
If you’ve opted to study in Ireland and are from an European Nation (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA)! You will not require a student visa in Ireland. If you’re not from the EU/EEA, you need to go through the steps mentioned in the remainder of the article to get ready to apply for a Ireland student visa.
Types of Ireland Student Visas
There are two different types of Ireland Student visas: the C-type Study Visa, and the D-type Study Visa. These visas have their own requirements and benefits.
C-type Study Visa
This visa is for for any educational programme or course that is less than three months in length (90 days).
D-type Study Visa
This visa is typically for students whose study programme os more than three months of duration. The Non-EU/EEA students must also register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau, which has the authority to extend their stay in Ireland beyond the initial 90 days.
Letter of Acceptance from Ireland Educational Institute
The first step to initiate the student visa process is to apply in different colleges and universities to get the letter of acceptance. Once you are accepted in any educational institution, You’ll receive an acceptance letter, which you’ll need for your visa application.
Language Proficiency Requirements
To obtain a student visa, international students must meet the minimal English language standards. You will be required to show proof of English language competency in the form of an internationally recognized certificate issued within the last two years of the course’s projected start date. The acceptable English examinations are Academic IELTS, TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic.
Documentation Requirements for Ireland Student Visa
You will need to submit documentation with your application for a type D student visa. These can differ slightly based on the person and their home country, but they might include:
- Two recent passport photographs in colour
- Your passport, which must be valid for at least 12 months after your arrival in Ireland.
- Previous Passports and travel records
- Proof of financial support for your studies
- University/College Letter of Acceptance
- Tuition fee payment receipt
- English language certificate
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Biometrics
- An application letter (Also called Study Plan)
- Private medical insurance
Steps Involved to Obtain Student Visa for Ireland
Step # 1: Letter of Acceptance: Before applying for a visa, you should accept and secure your place at an Irish university.
Step # 2: Apply Online: You must apply for for visa online, and your application will not be processed until you provide any needed supporting papers.
Step # 3: Summary form: Once you’ve completed the online component of the visa application, you’ll be sent a summary form to fill out. It is necessary for you to print and sign it because it is one of your supporting documents. The form specifies where you should send all of your desired documents.
Step #4: Provide supporting documents: Depending on your home country, you’ll be advised exactly which documents you need to send.
Step #5: Give biometrics: You will be required to provide your biometrics at an Irish visa application center (VAC) near your location (if requested).
Step #6: Wait for decision: You should expect to wait up to eight weeks for a response to your visa application.
Step #7: Apply for an IRP: Once you have received the decision and landed in Ireland, you should apply for an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) within 90 days of your arrival in Ireland (before the end date of your landing stamp). This must be done at a registration office in person. It will cost you €300 to get an IRP.
Student Visa Fees:
The visa cost for Type D student visa is €60, but if you want a multiple entry visa, it’ll be €100.
Working while on a student visa in Ireland
Students with a D Study Visa can work full-time during the summer months of June, July, August, and September, as well as winter months from December 15 to January 15. You can only work up to 20 hours per week for the rest of the year. Moreover, International students are not permitted to work as taxi drivers or as self-employed individuals.
Visa for Applicant’s Dependents
International students from outside the EU are not permitted to bring their families to Ireland on their student status.
Ireland Student Visa Application is Refused, what’s next?
If you are denied a D Study Visa, you will receive a refusal letter that explains why you were denied as well as your options for appealing the decision. It must be noted that you must file an appeal within two months after receiving the refusal. Explain why you believe your application should be allowed in your appeal, as well as any supporting information you have. Moreover, you can also pay and submit a fresh visa application if you believe that the cause for your rejection was simply due to missing documents, that you can easily rectify.
Related Articles: US Student Visa, Japanese Student Visa, UK Student Visa