International Visas, Immigration + more..

Depending on your nationality, you may require a visa to travel to Ireland. You can check if you need a visa here.  

How to Apply for an Irish Long term Study Visa
Everything you need to know about applying for a study visa for Ireland can be found on the official Department of Justice website: How to apply for long term study visa – Immigration Service Delivery

Registering with Immigration
All students from outside of the EU/EEA must register with immigration after arriving to Ireland.

To register, you will need to make an appointment at your local registration office and the provide the required supporting documentation and fee. The fee to register is 300 euro. 

If you are resident in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Cork or Limerick and wish to register a permission for the first time, please register for or log into to your personal Customer Service account.

If you live outside of these counties you should make an appointment with GNIB to attend your local Registration Office (Garda Station). Check the Garda website to find the Registration Office closest to where you live. You should either call or email for an appointment. If you have a question for GNIB you can email gnib_dv@garda.ie.

After successfully registering you will receive your Irish Residence Permit (IRP). This will be valid for a specific time period which is normally 12 months.

Visa Renewal
You must renew your registration before your IRP card expires. Renewals all take place online. Further information is available here: How to renew your Irish Residency Permit

Students from the EU who have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access public health services in Ireland.

Please be aware that the EHIC does not provide access to private health services in Ireland.

Students should apply for their EHIC card before travelling to Ireland.

Information about using an EHIC card in Ireland is available here.

Students from outside the EU are required to have private medical insurance during their time in Ireland.

Your health insurance must meet the requirements of the Irish Immigration Service.

Students are responsible for purchasing and renewing their own health insurance. Some of the companies in Ireland that offer health insurance include:

• VHI
• Guardme
• Laya Healthcare
• Irish Life
• Aviva

Regulations + Restrictions

Subject to certain conditions, students from outside the EU can work in Ireland on a casual basis provided they have a valid Irish Residence Permit/Stamp 2 immigration permission.

Students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week

During specific dates students can work a maximum of 40 hours per week. These dates are 15 December – 15 January and 1 June – 30 September.

Further information is available here.

Applying for a PPS Number

If you are offered employment during your studies, you will need to apply for a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN).

This is a unique reference number that is used by Irish state departments including Revenue.

PPSN applications are managed by the Department of Social Protection. 

You can apply for an PPSN online. Further information is available on the Government of Ireland website.

The Third Level Graduate Scheme provides non-EEA students with an opportunity to remain in Ireland for 1-2 years after graduation for the purpose of seeking graduate level employment.

The scheme is open to students who have studied in Ireland and completed a degree at NQF Level 8 or 9. This includes Bachelor Hons and Masters degrees.  The scheme is also known as Stamp 1G

To be eligible for the scheme, graduates must meet the criteria listed on the Irish Immigration Service.

You can apply after your have completed your degree and received your final results.

You must book an appointment at your local registration office. You must bring all supporting documentation and your registration fee to your appointment

Further information is available here.