Student Visa

1. When you can apply.

You can apply for a study visa if you are planning to come to Ireland to undertake a course of study for more than 3 months. You can apply for a study visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to Ireland.

If you are visiting another State prior to travelling to Ireland, you must have the relevant visa for that State in your passport before applying for an Irish visa.

2. How to apply.

Applications are online.

A guide to supporting documentation is set out below.

Important: Do not include false or misleading information or documents in your application. If you do, your application may be refused. In some circumstances, you may not be allowed to appeal the visa decision and may be blocked from getting an Irish visa for 5 years.

3. How long it will take.

Applications are processed in date order. You are advised not to purchase travel tickets before you know the outcome of your visa application. Processing times can vary between countries. They can also vary during high volume periods during the year. However, you can generally expect a decision within 8 weeks from the date on which your application is lodged at the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate.

Your application may take longer if e.g. you have not submitted all necessary supporting documentation, your supporting documentation needs to be verified or because of your personal circumstances (e.g. if you have a criminal conviction).

4. Conditions associated with a study visa.

The policy on non-EEA nationals studying in Ireland applies.

5. Supporting documentation

The documents below are important because they provide information about your personal circumstances in the country from which you are applying. The onus is on you to satisfy the Visa Officer that a visa should be granted for the purpose sought. The submission of any or all of these documents does not guarantee that your application will be successful. Original documents must be provided.

If you submit a document that is not in English/Irish, it must be accompanied by a full translation. Each translated document must contain:

• confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document.

• the date of the translation.

• the translator’s full name and signature; and

• the translator’s contact details.

All letters submitted by a business, company or other organisation should be on official headed paper and give full contact details so that they can be verified. These must include a full postal address, name of contact, position in the organisation, telephone number (landline), website, and email address (email addresses such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted). The Visa Officer considers each application on its merits and may request additional information or documentation.

Guide to supporting documentation.

• Your signed and dated summary application form and the appropriate fee (where applicable) must be accompanied by the supporting documents set out below. If you do not submit the required documentation your application may be refused on the basis of insufficient documentation.

• Two colour passport sized photographs not more than 6 months old

• Your current passport and a full copy of all previous passports Your current passport must be valid for at least 12 months after your proposed date of arrival in Ireland.

• A signed detailed letter of application

• Evidence that you are enrolled on a privately funded course Letter of acceptance from the college

• Evidence that you are enrolled on a privately funded course

• Evidence accounting for any gaps in your educational history

• Evidence fees have been paid to college

• Evidence that you have the academic ability to follow your chosen course • Evidence of your level of English (or Irish)

• Finances You must show that you have sufficient funds to support your stay in Ireland without recourse to public funds, or the reliance on casual employment.

• Private Medical Insurance cover is required.

• Previous Visa Refusals

If you have been refused a visa in the past for any country, you must provide the details.

6.Additional documentation for unaccompanied students under 18 years

• Birth certificate

• Consent of parent /legal guardian

• Accommodation

No entitlement on the part of other family members to accompany or join the student in the State.

We will be very happy to assist you in your student visa application – please contact us for further information.