STUDENT VISA INFORMATION

STUDY ENGLISH IN IRELAND

Student visas are an essential part of studying abroad. In Cork English College we welcome students from all over the world to study with us here in Cork. This of course includes students from non-EU countries. Citizens of certain countries who wish to pursue a course of study in Ireland must apply for a visa to enter Ireland before they travel here. To learn more, or to see if this applies to you, please visit the official website of the Irish Department of Justice – Irish Immigration.ie – below.

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VISA APPLICANTS

Student visa applicants must apply online for their visa – see ‘How to apply’ on the immigration website linked above.

If you wish to study in Ireland for less than 3 months, you should apply for a ‘Short Stay ‘C’ visa’.

The duration of a Short Stay ‘C’ study visa is not extended once you have arrived in Ireland. Extensions will be granted in exceptional cases only. It is especially important, therefore, to make sure you know the duration of your course before you apply for a visa. Further information on how to apply to extend a student visa is under ‘How to Apply’ below.

If your course lasts longer than 3 months, you should apply for a ‘D study visa’.

HOW TO APPLY

You will need to provide the following documents with your student visa application. (Please remember, original documents are required and must be in English or accompanied by an authorised translation):

  • Letter of acceptance from a recognised school/college/university
    in Ireland confirming that you have been accepted on a course of
    study. This course of study must be full-time (lasting an academic
    year) and have a minimum of 15 hours per week study time.
  • Evidence of your academic ability to pursue the chosen course
    through the English language (unless it is an English language course).
  • Evidence that the fees for the course have been paid in full.
  • Evidence that you have enough funds (€7,000) to maintain
    yourself for the initial part of your stay.
  • Evidence that you or a sponsor have access to at least €7,000 for
    each subsequent year of your studies, in addition to the course fees for each of those years.
  • Evidence that you have private medical insurance.
  • An explanation of any gaps in your educational history.
  • Confirmation that you intend to return to your country of permanent residence when you leave Ireland.

ACCESS TO EMPLOYMENT WHILE IN IRELAND ON A STUDENT VISA

Citizens from countries outside the EU/EEA (that is, the 25 EU member states and Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) who are registered as full-time students with the Garda National Immigration Bureau are permitted to work part-time in Ireland (up to a maximum of 20 hours a week and full-time during vacation periods) to support themselves.

RENEWAL OF STUDENT VISAS

Students who are not on full-time courses of at least a year leading to a recognised qualification will only be allowed to extend their study visas when the total period of permissions granted (and requested) is no longer than 18 months in total.

EXTENDING A STUDENT VISA

The local immigration officer in your area (Garda National Immigration Bureau if in Dublin) can advise you on any application forms you will need to complete to extend your student visa. Your application to extend your visa should contain the following information:

  • Details and proof of payment of course/study fees.
  • Details of the course of study.
  • Information on where you will live.
  • Evidence that you are self-sufficient.
  • Copy of your passport with your original study visa.
  • Visa reference number and your nationality.
  • Details of attendance if this is a further education course.

LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON VISA APPLICATIONS?

For more information check out the Citizens Information and Irish Immigration Services Website

Citizens Information Irish Immigration Services

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