Visa & Immigration Information
Important Updates
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Registering with Immigration to Stay in Ireland
What is Immigration?
Immigration is permission to reside in a country. All non-EU student must register with Immigration to obtain long term permission from the Irish government to live in Ireland to pursue their studies. Visas and immigration compliance is compulsory. Please read this section carefully and in full.
Why do I need to register with Immigration?
- All non-EU students must register with Immigration to obtain long term permission to reside in Ireland.
- An Irish Residence Permit card* is issued to students granted long term permission to live in Ireland.
- Please remember that you are a guest in Ireland and the issuing of your Immigration/Residency/card is at the discretion of the Irish government.
When do I register with Immigration?
- Students should register with Immigration before the Immigration date stamped in their passport, at port of entry/airport, expires.
- Registration with Immigration Services must be renewed annually on or before date of expiry - failure to comply will incur severe penalties including possible deportation. Each student is responsible for maintaining their own valid immigration registration and IRP card.
When do I get my Immigration IRP card?
After submitting documentation, if everything is in order, your IRP card will be posted to you approximately 2-3 weeks later. It will go to the address that you registered with immigration.
*Do not travel outside of Ireland without this card.
APPOINTMENT SYSTEM FOR IMMIGRATION REGISTRATION.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND IN FULL
How to make an appointment?
For first time registrations with immigration, students will have to attend the Registration office in Burgh Quay in Dublin. After arrival, and as soon as you have an Irish phone number, you will need to phone Freephone 1800 800 630 to make an appointment.
An appointment will not be issued without providing these details to the customer service representitive over the phone:
- Full Name (as in Passport)
- Passport number
- Email Address
The customer service representitive will email the appointment date and time that you will need to attend in Dublin.
Operators are available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday to take your call and book your appointment. (Excluding Irish Bank and Public Holidays)
You should also phone Freephone 1800 800 630 if you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment.
What to bring to your appointment?
- Appointment Confirmation email- digital copy accepted
- Completed IRP Registration Form or IRP Renewal Form. Please print and complete in advance. Forms not available in Immigration Office or UCC International Office. You will not be processed without the form.
- All original supporting documentation detailed on IRP form.
- If permission is based on a family member, family member must be present at registration.
- Students should use their Debit/Credit Card instead of a Bank Giro, where possible, as this will minimise the number of visits to the Immigration Office.
- If a student is using another person’s debit/credit card, the cardholder must be present with Photo I.D., they should remain outside the Garda Station until they are called by the student and asked to present at the registration desk.
- Please refer to www.irishimmigration.ie for further details of documents required in relation to your registration.
Where do I register with Immigration?
Phone 1800 800 630 once you arrive in Ireland and attend your scheduled appointment at the address below:
Immigration Service Delivery
Department of Justice
13-14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2 D02 XK70
Ireland
Third Level Graduate Visa- 1G Visa
Third Level Graduate Visa- 1G Visa
What is it?
Students graduating from third level institutions in Ireland may apply for the Third Level Scheme. The student may be issued with permission to remain in Ireland for up to 24 months working or searching for work. No work permit is required when availing of the Third Level Graduate Scheme often referred to as the Graduate visa.
When can I apply?
You are only eligible to apply for the 1G visa once you have received final and official results for your course. A statement of final results can be obtained from the Office of Exams and Records. There is no need for a transcript.
PhD students
A PhD Student needs to contact the Graduate Studies office at thesissubmission@ucc.ie or to update them on a status of a PhD going from pending to awarded. Once the status is updated, then SREO can process the Stamp 1G letter.
How do I apply?
You must email immigration and request an appoinment. Be aware that current wait times for appointments are up to 9 weeks. We can not expedite the appointment for you.
While you await your appointment you can not work full time unless it is outside of term time and your IRP card is still valid. We also advise against travelling outside the country and attempting to re enter unless you have a valid IRP card or a valid multiple entry visa.
These are the documents that you need to have with you.
Where can I find more information?
Full details are available on the Irish immigration website.
Schengen/Euro Visa
The Schengen Area is comprised of 26 countries that have agreed to allow free movement of their citizens within this area as a single country. Ireland is not a member. Schengen Visa is the document issued by the appropriate authorities to the interested party for visiting/travelling to and within the Schengen Area.