Visas and Immigration

placeholder image Learn more about applying for a visa, registering with immirgration, medical insurance requirements and working in Ireland as a student.

The information is intended a guide only. The Irish Immigration services is the primary source of information about visa and immigration matters for Ireland.

Visas

If you are a Non-EU student, you may need to apply for a study visa before travelling to Ireland.

Students from many Non-EU countries will need to apply for a study visa before travelling to Ireland.

You can check if you need a study visa on the Irish Immigration Services webpage.

Guidance on how to apply for a visa, the documentation required, and the application fees is available on the Irish Immigration Services webpage.

You can normally apply for a visa up to 3 months before your course start date.

It can take up to 8 weeks to get a visa.

You should apply early because students are required to arrive on campus in time for the beginning of term.

Registering with Immigration

Non- EU students must register with immigration within 90 days of arriving to Ireland. This is how your immigration permission is recorded and how you get your Irish Residence Permit (IRP). You will need to renew your registration for each year of your academic studies.

You may visit Irish Immigration Services webpage for more information about IRP cards, immigration permissions and stamps.

To register with immigration (or renew your registration), you will need to email to book an appointment at the local Garda station.

Students should email letterkenny.immigration@garda.ie seeking an appointment. You must bring the correct documentation and the registration fee to your appointment.

After you have registered, your IRP card will be posted to you.

Students completing an undergraduate degree, postgraduate masters or PhD will need to provide the following documentation:

  • Passport
  • Letter of Registration from ATU Donegal confirming you are enrolled student. (You can request this online here)
  • Tuition Fee receipt
  • Medical Insurance
  • Proof of Financial Support. If you did not require a visa to travel to Ireland, you will need to provide evidence of a direct access to €3000 if you will be staying in Ireland for more than 6 months. There are 4 different types of documentation that will be accepted for confirming your financial support.

Further information is available on the Irish Immigration Services webpage

The cost to register is €300.
This must be paid by debit or with credit card.

Students should make an appointment by emailing letterkenny.immigration@garda.ie

Letterkenny Garda Station is located at Letterkenny Garda Station, New Line Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 PC03.

You will need to renew your registration for each year of your academic studies.

The renewal process is very similar to first time registration. You will need to email to book an appointment at the local Garda station and bring the correct supporting documentation and pat the registration fee.

Continuing student will need to also provide their GNIB Registration number found on the back of their IRP card when requesting an appointment.

Medical Insurance

Non- EU students are required to have private medical insurance for their time in Ireland for visa and immigration purposes. Students are responsible for purchasing and renewing their own health insurance.

Your medical insurance must meet the requirements of the Irish Immigration Services webpage. It should also meet your own health requirements.

Different providers will offer different levels of insurance. It is important that you check the insurance details carefully to ensure it meets your requirements.

Some of the companies in Ireland that offer medical insurance are listed below. This is not an exhaustive list, and it is the responsibility of students to choose and purchase their own policy.

Students from the EU who have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access public health services in Ireland.

Please be aware that EHIC does not provide access to private health services in Ireland. Students should apply their EHIC card before travelling to Ireland.

Working in Ireland

Non- EU students with valid Stamp 2 immigration permission may work in casual employment subject to certain conditions.

Non- EU students with a valid Stamp 2 immigration permission may work in casual employment for up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during holidays.

Further information about what activities you can do in Ireland with Stamp 2 immigration is available on the Irish Immigration Services webpage.

If you are offered employment during your studies, you will need to apply for a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN).

This is a unique reference number that is used by Irish state departments including Revenue.

PPSN application are managed by the Department of Social Protection.

You can apply for an PPSN online. Further information is available on the Government of Ireland website.

Third Level Graduate Scheme

The Third Level Graduate Scheme provides Non-EU/EEA graduates with an opportunity to remain in Ireland for a specific period of time for the purpose of seeking graduate level employment.

The scheme is open to students who have studied in Ireland and successfully completed a qualification at NQF Level 8, 9, or above. This includes Bachelor Honour Degrees, Masters, and PhDs.

To be eligible for the scheme graduates must meet the eligibility criteria listed on the Irish Immigration Services.

You can apply after you have completed your degree and received your final results.

You must book an appointment at your local Garda station. You must bring all supporting documentation and your registration fee to your appointment.