1. What is a long stay visa for Ireland?

A long stay visa for Ireland is a type of visa that allows a non-EU/EEA citizen to live and work in Ireland for an extended period of time, typically longer than 90 days. It is also known as a “D visa” or “long stay ‘C’ visa.” Long stay visas are generally issued for the purpose of employment, study, or family reunification.

2. Who needs to apply for a long stay visa in Ireland?

Anyone who is not a citizen of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland and wishes to stay in Ireland for longer than 90 days needs to apply for a long stay visa. Examples of those who would need to apply include:

– Non-EU students attending university in Ireland
– Non-EU individuals seeking employment or setting up a business in Ireland
– Non-EU family members of Irish citizens or residents
– Individuals with temporary permission to remain in Ireland who wish to extend their stay past 90 days

3. How do I apply for a long stay visa in Ireland?
The application process for a long stay visa in Ireland varies depending on the purpose of your visit. Generally, you will need to:

– Determine which visa category you fall under (e.g. study, work, family)
– Gather all required documents, such as a valid passport, proof of finances, and letter from an Irish sponsor if applicable
– Complete an online application form and pay the processing fee
– Schedule an appointment at your nearest Irish embassy or consulate to submit your application and biometrics (if required)

It is important to start the application process well in advance, as it can take several weeks for the visa to be processed.

4. Can I work while on a long stay visa in Ireland?
This depends on the type of long stay visa you have been granted.

– If you have a Stamp 0 or Stamp 1G immigration permission (e.g. student stamp), you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during holiday periods.
– If you have been granted immigration permission as a spouse/civil partner/de facto partner/dependent child of an Irish citizen or EU/EEA/Swiss national, you have full access to the labor market.
– Other types of visas may restrict or prohibit employment.

It is important to check your specific conditions before starting work in Ireland.

5. Can I travel to other countries with an Irish long stay visa?
No, an Irish long stay visa only grants you permission to stay and reside in Ireland. If you wish to travel to other countries during your stay, you will need to obtain a separate visa or apply for a multiple entry Schengen Visa if traveling within the EU/EEA/Switzerland.

3. What is the duration of a long stay visa in Ireland?

A long stay visa in Ireland is valid for up to 90 days. After that, the person can apply for a residence permit which will allow them to stay for a longer period of time.

4. Can I work on a long stay visa in Ireland?

Yes, you can work on a long stay visa in Ireland if your visa allows for it. You will need to check the conditions of your specific visa to see if it allows for employment. If not, you may need to apply for a separate work permit or other authorization to legally work in Ireland.

5. How do I apply for a long stay visa for Ireland?

To apply for a long stay visa (also known as D visa) for Ireland, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Determine the type of visa you need: Before applying for a long stay visa, determine the purpose of your trip and accordingly choose the appropriate type of visa. The most common types are work visas, study visas, and family reunification visas.

2. Gather required documents: Check the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) to find out which documents are required for your specific type of visa. Generally, you will need a completed application form with two passport-sized photos, a valid passport, evidence of financial means, proof of travel/health insurance, and any other supporting documents relevant to your purpose of stay.

3. Submit your application: Once you have all the required documents, submit your application in person at an Irish embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence. You may also have the option to submit it through an authorized visa application center.

4. Pay the application fee: A non-refundable fee is required for all long stay visa applications. The fee amount can vary depending on your nationality and type of visa you are applying for.

5. Attend an interview: Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be called for an interview as part of the visa process.

6. Wait for a decision: The processing time for long stay visas can vary depending on factors such as peak season volumes and individual case complexities. It is recommended to apply well in advance to allow plenty of time for processing.

7. Receive your decision and collect your passport: If your application is approved, you will receive a letter stating when and where you can collect your passport with the issued visa stamp. If it is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reason(s) for refusal.

Note: It is important that you do not make any travel arrangements until you receive your visa. Also, keep in mind that possession of a visa does not guarantee entry into Ireland, as border control officers have the final say on whether or not you can enter the country.

6. What documents are required for a long stay visa application in Ireland?

The following documents are typically required for a long stay visa application in Ireland:

1. Completed long stay visa application form
2. Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and two blank pages
3. Two recent passport-sized photographs
4. Proof of financial means, such as bank statements or a letter from an employer indicating salary and length of employment
5. Proof of travel medical insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in Ireland
6. Detailed travel itinerary explaining the purpose of your trip and planned activities
7. Letter of invitation from an Irish resident/organization if applicable
8. Marriage certificate or birth certificate, if you are traveling with family members who are dependent on you
9. Police clearance certificate from your home country, if you are staying in Ireland for more than 6 months
10. Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay (e.g., hotel reservations, rental agreement)
11. Evidence of ties to your home country, such as property ownership, employment proof or family ties
12. Other supporting documents may be required depending on the purpose of your trip, such as acceptance letter from a university if you are going to study in Ireland.

It is always advisable to check the specific requirements for your country of origin before applying for a long stay visa in Ireland as they may vary slightly.

7. Is there an age limit to be eligible for a long stay visa in Ireland?

There is no specific age limit for individuals seeking a long stay visa in Ireland. However, applicants are required to meet the general eligibility requirements and provide evidence of their ability to support themselves financially during their stay in Ireland. They may also be required to provide proof of health insurance and accommodation arrangements.

8. Can I study on a long stay visa in Ireland?

Yes, as an international student you can study on a long stay visa in Ireland. You will need to apply for a study visa if you plan to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days to attend a course of study.

To obtain a study visa, you will need to have been accepted onto a full-time course at a recognized educational institution in Ireland and provide proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. You may also be required to show evidence of medical insurance and meet other visa requirements set by the Irish immigration authorities.

It is important to note that holding a long stay visa does not guarantee entry into Ireland or permission to remain in the country beyond the specified period. Once you arrive in Ireland, you may be required to register with immigration authorities and undergo further screening before being granted permission to study.

For more information on obtaining a study visa for Ireland, it is best to check with the Irish embassy or consulate in your home country or visit the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.

9. Do I need travel medical insurance for my long stay visa application in Ireland?

Yes, travel medical insurance is a requirement for obtaining a long stay visa in Ireland. This insurance should cover any medical expenses that may arise during your stay in Ireland, including emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation. The minimum coverage amount required is €30,000 and the policy should be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Ireland. Without proof of adequate medical insurance, your visa application may be rejected.

10. What is the processing time for a long stay visa in Ireland?

The processing time for a long stay visa in Ireland can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of visa being applied for and the individual’s circumstances. In general, it can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks for a long stay visa to be processed and approved by the Irish authorities. However, this time frame may be longer in some cases, particularly if there are any additional documentation or background checks required. It is important to apply for a long stay visa well in advance of your intended travel dates to allow enough time for processing.

11. Do I need to go through an interview for my long stay visa application in Ireland?

Yes, you may be required to attend an interview as part of the long stay visa application process in Ireland. The Irish immigration authorities may want to meet with you in person to verify your identity and discuss the details of your application. This interview may also give you the opportunity to elaborate on your reasons for wanting to stay in Ireland for an extended period of time. It is important to be prepared for the interview and have all necessary documentation available to support your application.

12. Can my family members accompany me on my long stay visa to Ireland?

Yes, your family members may accompany you on your long stay visa to Ireland, as long as they meet the requirements for entry and have their own visas if applicable. They will need to apply for their own visas and provide supporting documents such as proof of relationship and financial support.

13. Is it possible to extend my long stay visa while staying in Ireland?

Yes, it is possible to extend your long stay visa while staying in Ireland. However, you must apply for an extension before your current visa expires. You can apply for an extension through the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) by filling out an application form and providing the necessary supporting documents. The decision to grant an extension will be based on various factors such as the reason for your extended stay, your financial stability, and compliance with immigration laws. It is important to apply for an extension at least 3 months before your current visa expires to allow enough time for processing.

14. Will I need to go through immigration control when entering and leaving Ireland with a long stay visa?

Yes, you will need to go through immigration control both when entering and leaving Ireland with a long stay visa. This is because all foreign nationals entering or leaving Ireland are required to present themselves at immigration control for entry or exit clearance. Your long stay visa will be checked during this process.

15. Does the validity of my Irish residence permit automatically start on the day of issue or from my date of arrival into the country?

The validity of your Irish residence permit will start from the date of issue.

16. Can I travel within the Schengen area using my Irish student residence permit?

Yes, you can travel within the Schengen area using your Irish student residence permit. As an EU citizen, you have the right to freedom of movement within the Schengen area and are not subject to border controls. However, it is always recommended to have your passport or national identity card with you when travelling, as well as your residence permit, for identification purposes.

17. How do I open a bank account as an international student living in Ireland?

As an international student living in Ireland, you will need to follow these steps to open a bank account:

1. Choose a Bank: Research and select a bank that offers services suitable for your needs. Popular banks in Ireland include AIB, Bank of Ireland, and Ulster Bank.

2. Gather Essential Documents: You will need to provide the following documents to open a bank account:

– Valid passport
– Proof of address in Ireland (e.g., rental agreement or utility bill)
– Confirmation of enrollment from your university/college
– Letter of introduction from your institution’s International Office

3. Visit the Bank: After gathering all the necessary documents, make an appointment with the chosen bank and visit their branch.

4. Complete Account Application Form: The bank will provide you with an application form that you must fill out accurately with your personal information.

5. Provide Identification: As an international student, you may be required to provide additional identification such as your visa or national ID card.

6. Make an Initial Deposit: Most banks in Ireland require an initial deposit ranging from €10 to €100 when opening a new account.

7. Wait for Approval: Once all the necessary documents have been submitted and reviewed by the bank, they will inform you if your account has been successfully opened or not.

8. Collect Your Debit Card and PIN: If approved, you will receive your debit card and PIN number separately through mail within 5-10 business days.

9. Register for Online Banking: Upon receiving your debit card, you can register for online banking services that allow you to manage your money anytime, anywhere.

Note that some banks may have additional requirements and procedures for opening an account as an international student; therefore, it is advisable to contact them directly for complete guidance.

18. Which insurances do I need as an international student studying in Ireland?

As an international student studying in Ireland, you will generally need to have health insurance, travel insurance and possibly personal liability insurance. Some universities or colleges may also require you to have public liability insurance.

1. Health Insurance:
International students from outside the EU/EEA must have health insurance in order to obtain a visa and reside in Ireland. This is usually provided by your institution as part of your registration process. If not, you can purchase private health insurance from a recognized provider, such as VHI or Laya Healthcare.

2. Travel Insurance:
It is highly recommended that international students have travel insurance when coming to study in Ireland. Travel insurance covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost baggage and other unforeseen circumstances that may occur during your travels.

3. Personal Liability Insurance:
This type of insurance will protect you if someone makes a claim against you for accidental damage to property or for injury caused by your actions.

4. Public Liability Insurance:
Some institutions or accommodation providers may require you to have public liability insurance before starting your studies in Ireland. This type of insurance protects you against any financial claims made by third parties for accidents resulting from negligence on your part.

It is important to check with your institution for specific requirements on insurances and consult with an experienced insurance provider for guidance on the best options for your situation.

19.Can international students get part-time jobs while studying in Ireland with their student residence permit?

Yes, international students with a valid student residence permit are allowed to work part-time in Ireland while studying. However, there are certain restrictions and regulations that they need to adhere to.

According to the Irish immigration laws, non-EU/EEA students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during holidays or semester breaks.

In addition, students must also ensure that their employment does not interfere with their studies and they should not engage in any prohibited or illegal employment. They are also required to have a valid GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) card and a PPS (Personal Public Service) number in order to work in Ireland.

It is important for international students to check with their university or college and the Department of Justice and Equality for any updates or changes in the rules regarding working while studying in Ireland.

20.What are some popular universities for international students to study at inIreland?

1. Trinity College Dublin
2. University College Dublin
3. National University of Ireland, Galway
4. University College Cork
5. Maynooth University
6. Dublin City University
7. University of Limerick
8. Waterford Institute of Technology
9. Cork Institute of Technology
10. Griffith College, Dublin