Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

Student Visa Process for Ireland

PROCESS TO REGISTER AS A STUDENT IN IRELAND

As an American citizen, you do not need to obtain a student visa PRIOR to arriving in Ireland. Once on site, you will be required to register with Immigration Services to obtain an IRP (Irish Residence Permit) within 90 days of arrival into the country. As a guest of the Irish government you will be expected to comply with these Immigration guidelines. Please see below on detailed information on how to register.

Non-U.S. citizens should check the following website for their immigration requirements, as it will depend on their home country and immigration status in the U.S.: http:// www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/check-irish-visa 

You will be required to present certain documentation to the Customs/Immigration official upon arrival in Ireland in order to have the appropriate immigration status. At the airport, the Customs/Immigration official will ask to see your passport and may ask for your Irish university acceptance letter.  You should have both of these items in your carry-on bag.

Once in your program city, students participating in Ireland programs will need to book an appointment through an online link provided by the host university. You will be able to choose your date and time for the appointment. Appointments take place Monday- Friday during business hours.

Your Immigration Appointment will take place in Dublin City and you will be responsible for obtaining your own transport to and from your appointment. In-person appointments take place at: Department of Justice & Equality, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, D02 XK70.

Why do I need to register with the GNIB? 

  • The GNIB keeps a record of all non-EU and non-EEA visitors to the country who are staying for longer than 90 days AND visiting students.  As a guest of the Irish government you will be expected to comply with GNIB guidelines. 
  • If you leave Ireland to travel during your study abroad program you MUST have your IRP card to re-enter Ireland. Failure to provide your IRP card may result in immediate deportation at the discretion of Gardaí and the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services (INIS). 
  • If the Gardaí have reason to request identification from you then you will be expected to provide your IRP card. 

What will I need in order to register with Immigration? 

  • Your U.S. passport valid for at least 6 months after the program end date
  • Your student I.D. from your Irish university.  You will receive your student I.D. during university registration
  • A letter from your Irish university confirming that you are a registered student– You will be able to request this letter from the International Office at your host university or find it on your student portal. It is important that you have your updated Irish address on your student portal so that your university registration has an accurate up to date address while you are in Ireland
  • API Immigration letter– This provides proof of medical and life insurance and evidence that your university fees are paid in full
  • Evidence of private medical insurance– Your CISI insurance brochure can be used to show evidence of medical insurance
  • Evidence of access to financial support– You must show that you have access to €585 per month of your studies OR €3,000, whichever is the lesser amount. If you are studying in Ireland for more than 6 months (such as an academic year) you will need to show that you have access to a minimum of €7,000. If you do not have €3,000 in your bank account, because your parents/guardians are supporting you financially for the duration of your studies, you will need a letter from them stating that they are supporting you financially for the semester and a copy of a recent bank statement from them to show that they have sufficient funds
  • €300 payable by credit/debit card ONLY. This fee cannot be paid in cash
  • ALL DOCUMENTS NEEDED above should be printed and brought to the appointment

It is highly recommended that you arrange your immigration appointment during the first/second week of arrival into Ireland. Your API Resident Director on site is there to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding this process. Once you have your IRP card in hand, you must bring this card with you when you travel outside of Ireland during your studies as it is required by law to present it at the airport when returning to Ireland. To find more information and frequently asked questions please visit the following link to the Department of Justice website: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/frequently-asked-questions-for-registration/

API reiterates the following points: 

  • You are solely responsible for obtaining the proper documentation for your study period in Ireland and arranging your appointment to register with Immigration once on site
  • The university you will be attending in Ireland requires that all students have the proper documentation for their period of study. Students who do not follow the correct procedures may not be eligible to complete their semester or obtain credit for courses taken abroad

NEWLY REQUIRED UK ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION

If you plan to travel to the UK or Northern Ireland during your stay in Ireland, as an American citizen, you are now required to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) in advance of departing for your trip. Please note, the Republic of Ireland is not part of the UK. ETA’s for the UK and Northern Ireland are digitally linked to your passport and cost about £10. You should be able to apply through a quick and simple process by using the UK ETA app. More information on who can get an ETA and how to apply before going to the UK can be found linked here.

Please note that it is your responsibility to apply for this ETA if you plan to travel to the UK or Northern Ireland.