Introduction
If you are granted an Irish Student VISA then you can shout in excitement and prepare for your departure. However, the Irish Student VISA application may also be refused and be accompanied by a letter that details the reasons for refusal. In the latter case, you can either appeal against the decision or make a new application but your application history will be taken into account if you do decide to submit a fresh application. You will have 2 months to decide upon your course of action.
After you fly
Students from outside the European countries who like to study in Ireland for more than 3 months must register with the local immigration office upon their arrival. The registration could cost approximately 300 Euros but some may be exempted from paying this amount. There are local offices for all districts. For example, Burgh Quay Registration Office for those living in Dublin. The list of documents required for endorsement is mentioned on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). At the office, passports are endorsed with the permitted duration of stay and other conditions. In addition, students also receive a certificate of registration called the Irish Residence Permit (IRP). Earlier, the IRP was called the GNIB card. You must keep your IRP very safe as it is an important document. You are also supposed to keep it with you at all times.
All circumstantial changes should be communicated to the relevant department. For instance, if you get married or change your residential address. This is because all your records are connected with the IRP and maintained at the local office. Now some information for students with families: students with dependent children should bear in mind that if they have never been to Ireland before then they may not be permitted to remain in Ireland with their children. Ph.D. students or those who have sufficient funds to support their families are exempted from this rule.
Working while you Study
Irish Student VISA application International students attending a course that is listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP), will have their passports endorsed with stamp number 2 when they register with their local immigration officer or office. In this case, students will be allowed to work for 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during vacation time. On the other hand, students enrolled in courses that are not listed on the ILEP will receive stamp number 2A and will not be allowed to work.
Before taking up employment, international students must obtain a Personal Public Services Number (PPS Number). This is because it is illegal to work without that. Employers use the PPS number for transferring wages. In addition, students should also hold an Irish bank account. Furthermore, students should also comply with the Universal Social Contribution (USC), Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI), employment laws, and other taxation requirements. So, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the system before starting work. more up-to-date information about the Irish Student VISA for Ireland on the official Irish government website.