Visa & Immigration Information
Important Updates
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Registering with Immigration to Stay in Ireland - First time Registrations
What is Immigration?
Immigration is permission to reside in a country. All non-EU students 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 (IRP) card * is issued to students granted long term permission to live in Ireland.
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. 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.
How to make an appointment?
For first time registrations with Immigration, students will have to attend the Registration office in Burgh Quay in Dublin in person.
Before you can register with Immigration you will need to have done the following:
- Register for your UCC programme on your student portal.
- Obtain your Student Card.
Once you are registered with UCC and collated all supporting documents listed below, you must:
- Schedule an appointment to attend an in-person appointment at ISD’s office in Dublin. The office is located near O’Connell Bridge. Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) Office, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.
- To schedule an appointment, please use the online Customer Service Portal.
- To make an appointment you must have: 1. A valid email address 2. Your passport
Once the appointment has been made, you will receive a confirmation email. You must bring a copy of this email with you on the day of their appointment, along with any documentation requested in the confirmation email.
These include:
- Copy of email appointment confirmation
- Valid Original Passport
- UCC Letter of Attendance. You can order this here.
- Proof of Payment of University Fees
- Proof of Sufficient Finances (if students did not need a visa to come to Ireland, then they need to show 6 months’ worth of bank statements)
- Proof of Health Insurance
- Payment Fee of €300: Payment can only be made by credit/debit card.
The immigration officers may also ask for other documents at any time. You should read your confirmation email carefully. Further information can be found on Home - Immigration Service Delivery (irishimmigration.ie)
Once you have access to the Customer Service Portal you can use your customer service account for registration appointments, to ask any questions, request changes to your personal details, and check your application progress.
Under 18 and Registering with the Immigration Services
If you are under 18 at the time of your appointment you will be required to have your parent/guardian attend your appointment with you. Some students use a guardianship company, such as Godsil, who can provide this service in the event that your parent is not in the country. They will assist with preparing your documents and accompany you to your registration appointment.
Renewing your Immigration status
If you want to renew your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) or change your permission type, you will be required to apply online through the Irish Immigration Service Online Portal.
Online applications for renewal of registration, including when changing stamp category, are accepted up to 12 weeks prior to expiry to allow sufficient time for processing.
Before Renewing Online
You will be required to:
- Set up an online account here
- Check the documents required to renew your registration
- Have digital copies of the documents ready (this can be a scan or photograph of the document, but the immigration officer must be able to read it clearly)
- If the registration fee of €300 is required, credit or debit card details must be ready.
Applying Online
The Irish Immigration Service Online Portal will guide you through the following steps to successfully submit your renewal application:
1. Log into your account.
2. Select the Registration Renewal form.
3. Begin your application.
4. Upload the required documents.
5. Pay the fee (if applicable).
6. Submit your application.
Following an Application Being Submitted:
- If the application is successful, an email will issue to you informing you that a new IRP card will be sent to your home address within the next 15 business days.
- If more information/further documentation is required, you will be notified of what is required and how to submit it.
- If the application is unsuccessful, an email will issue to you outlining the reasons why. Any money paid will be returned within 10 business days.
Third Level Graduate Visa- 1G Visa
Third Level Graduate Visa- 1G Visa
Students graduating from third level institutions in Ireland may apply for the Third Level Graduate Programme. 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.
Applying Online
To make an appointment you need to create an account at the Irish Immigration Service website. You will need to create an account, then go to renewals and select to renew your Stamp from Stamp 2 to Stamp 1G.
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.
What documents do I need?
- Your Stamp 1G letter from Student Records
- Your passport
- Your current IRP card
- Medical Insurance
- Registration Fee of €300 euros
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.