Student Information and Services: On Arrival Information - Immigration Procedures

Immigration Procedures

What is Immigration?

Immigration is permission to reside in a country. It is necessary for anybody, who does not hold Irish citizenship, wishing to live in Ireland for more than 90 days, to obtain an Immigration Card.

Passport and Immigration Control

At the port of entry all non-EUstudents will have their passports computer swiped and date stamped by the Immigration Officer, endorsing a requirement for you to register with the Immigration Office. 

Immigration Registration

All international students are required to register with Immigration within one month of arrival in Ireland. EU students may or may not have to register depending on individual circumstances.  Immigration registration takes place at the Gárda Síochána (police) barracks at Anglesea Street in the city centre during normal office hours, which are 9.30am - 12.00 noon and 2.00pm - 4.00pm, Monday to Friday *, excluding public holidays.

You will need:

• Completed immigration form - available during the Orientation Programme and from the International Education Office.
• Passport.
• Valid UCC Student Identity card.  All students, other than first years, will be required to produce a letter of attendance/registration and confirmation that fees have been paid in full.
• Proof of private medical insurance (policy document including full cover for hospital).
• Immigration Card Fee - €150
• Evidence of permanent residence.
• Financial Evidence – a Sponsorship Letter or Irish Bank Statement.  Sponsorship letters must be from a recognised third party, usually an Embassy, government educational organisation or home university, etc.  Sponsorship letters from parents are not acceptable.  Irish Bank Statements must have your name and address with sufficient funds.  Current Minimum balance is €1,500, subject to change.  Also, you should bring a mini bank statement, printed from ATM, dated the day you present to Immigration.

* The Immigration Office may choose to provide additional services to students at the start of term.  This year we have been advised that the Immigration Office will also open as follows:

Tuesday 29th September 2009           17.00 – 20.00

Thursday 1st October 2009                17.00 – 20.00

Tuesday 13th October 2009               17.00 – 20.00

Thursday 15th October  2009             17.00 – 20.00

Tuesday 27th October 2009               17.00 – 20.00

Thursday 29th October 2009              17.00 – 20.00

Payment Methods

Payment of €150, will be by bank giro, issued at the Garda (police) Station only, or by credit card.  (Visa, Mastercard or Laser).

Bank Giro Payment

If you pay by bank giro you will have to make two visits to the Immigration Office. 

On your first visit you will submit all your documents and collect your bank giro form.   You will be advised of the duration of processing times, approximately one week.

Take the bank giro form to your bank, make payment and retain your receipt.

Return to the Immigration Office, with the bank giro receipt, when the appropriate processing time has elapsed. 

Provided that your documentation is in order you should be able to collect your Immigration Card.

 

Credit Card Payment

Those making credit card payments will have their Immigration Cards processed immediately, if all the documentation is in order.

Renewal of Immigration Card

Registration with Immigration Services must be renewed annually – failure to comply will incur severe penalties including possible deportation. 

All students are responsible for maintaining valid immigration registration. 

You should follow the same procedure outlined above under Immigration Registration.

In addition, students will be required to produce the following:

• An attendance letter, available from the Student Exams & Records Office, UCC. This letter should also state that your fees are in order.
  
• Students coming from a second level educational institution will be required to produce a satisfactory attendance record.
• Proof of private medical insurance (policy document including full cover for hospital).
• Financial evidence – you must provide a sponsorship letter or proof of an active Irish bank account with a history of three months activity.

Please remember that you are a guest in Ireland and the issuing of your Immigration/Residency/Green Card is at the discretion of the Irish government.