There should be no less than 6 months validity on the passport from the date of the course’s completion. If available, copies of previous passports exhibiting the immigration history of the applicant should be provided. All pages, not just those with valid visas must be included.

The college should provide an original letter, indicating that the person has been accepted on a full-time course of education (specify subject) entailing 15 hours or more study in a privately funded course. Provisional letters offering a place are not acceptable.

Evidence must be supplied that the course fees have been paid in full.

Every student should have full private medical insurance. Evidence of such insurance cover will be taken to be the Letter of Acceptance provided by the host school, college, university or other educational institution.

Applicants should disclose details of family members who are already residing in Ireland or in other EU countries. For this purpose family members include first cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews or grandparents.

There should be nothing in the person’s personal history which would give rise to concerns on public policy, public security or public health grounds.

Occasionally, applications are refused on these grounds, despite the production of all of the required documents for reasons which will not be disclosed.

Applicants must provide evidence that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in Ireland, including emergencies, without recourse to State funds.

This is important as recourse to State funds might have a detrimental effect on the person’s future immigration prospects.

Bank statements which clearly identify the holder together with a translation and details of conversion rates at the approximate date of application are required.

The applicant’s profile should appear to match the course of studies proposed. Colleges should endeavour either through interview or through their agents to satisfy themselves as to the bona fides of the prospective student. Information regarding checks/interviews of the candidate which have been undertaken by the school or its agents can be submitted in support of the application.

The applicant’s prospects of obtaining a visa are enhanced by the submission of verified details of their profile, including family background, history of study etc.

If the applicant is in employment the Employer must state

• that all course costs are being met by the Employer or, if the Employee is meeting the costs, the Employer must state that in the opinion of the Employer the Employee has the financial resources to meet all such costs
• the length of leave being granted to the Employee and this must not differ from the stated duration of the course on which the Applicant has been accepted
• the purpose of participation in the proposed course of study
• the applicant’s level of pay and the currency it’s received in.

None of the details within the application or its supporting documentation should be of a conflicting nature, e.g. the proposed length of stay on the application form should not conflict with the verified course acceptance.

Full details of course duration should be disclosed in the initial application in so far as they are known.

If there is any probability that a person intends to study for longer than 90 days (3 months) they should ensure that they apply for a ‘D’ study visa. Persons who seek to study for less than this period can apply for a ‘C’ study visa.

In the case of an applicant with a ‘C’ visa, extensions of permission to remain will only be entertained where a written request is made to the visa appeals officer and will be given in very exceptional circumstances only. The following details must be supplied to allow the request to be considered and applications that do not supply all the required documents will be refused.

• Itemised details of payment of relevant fees and proof of payment.
• Details of the course of studies proposed
• Accommodation details identifying host family
• Evidence of financial self sufficiency, all financial details should identify the student
• Details of the student’s attendance at the initial course of studies must be lodged
• The particular circumstances of the applicant will be a major issue in the decision
• A copy of the passport exhibiting the original visa must be lodged

Any decision to refuse a visa can be appealed by writing to:

Visa Appeals Officer,
Immigration Division,
Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform,
72-76 St. Stephen’s Green,
Dublin 2.

Only written appeals will be dealt with.
The visa reference number, decision number and nationality will facilitate processing.
Obviously the success of an appeal will be enhanced if the appellant is in a position to forward additional supporting documentation in favour of the application or to submit a document previously omitted.

Although a visa is a form of pre-entry clearance, it does not guarantee entry to the State.

Immigration officers at point of entry are entitled to deny access and to question students regarding their bona fides.

Students who have a valid reason for leaving the State during their period of study and who can show that they are genuinely continuing with their studies may apply for re-entry visas.

Non EEA nationals who have permission to remain in the State as students will be entitled to take up casual employment (defined as up to 20 hours part time work per week or full time work during vacation periods) for the duration of their permission to remain. The entitlement to take up employment ceases upon the expiry of their permission to remain as a student and their being in casual employment will not, in itself, entitle them to further permission to remain.

During my stay I undertake not to enter full time employment while in the State other than casual employment as defined in the student visa guidelines.

I undertake not to visit Great Britain or Northern Ireland or any other country without a valid entry visa and a re-entry visa for Ireland. Should I enter another country illegally, or attempt to re-enter Ireland without a re-entry visa, I understand that I could be refused entry. I also undertake not to breach any of the other conditions of my permission to remain in the State.

I acknowledge that should I breach any of the conditions of my study visa my case will be reviewed and consideration will be given to my deportation.