Visa Guidelines

International Students must enroll on a full time course of 15 hours per week or more. Citizens of countries which are not a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) who are registered as full time students with the Garda National Immigration Bureau are permitted to work part-time (up to a maximum of 20 hours a week) to support themselves.

Overview of Visa Application Process
This overview of the visa application process provides you with a guideline only and is meant for this purpose only.  It is advisable to check with your local Irish Embassy or Consulate for any additional requirements.

1. Completed Application Form (All questions must be answered in full, please do not leave any blanks)
   - 3 Copies of the Visa Application Form must be submitted
   - 3 recent passport photographs required - one to be attached securely to each copy of the Visa Application Form
2. Visa Application Fee
3. Student Visa Application Form
4. 2 copies of the student‘s complete passport (blank pages included)
   - 2 copies of an expired passport, showing evidence of travel abroad
   - Passport must have more than 6 months validity from the date of the course‘s commencement
5. Evidence of any visa refusals from other countries
   - Failure to include this can result in problems for a student
6. C.V./Resume
   - Must show the educational history of the student to the present day, year-by-year and details of any work experienced gained
   - There must be NO GAPS in the C.V. as this can lead to an automatic rejection of an application
   - Full-time employment must be verified by a letter from each employer listed, indicating:
   - Detailed account of the position held, including responsibilities
   - The start date and end date of the position
   - The reason for leaving the position
7. Educational Certificates
   - Original Educational Certificates plus 2 attested copies, must be submitted
   - 2nd Level/High School students should submit Results Sheets and Certificates
   - 3rd Level students should submit Degree/Diploma Result Sheets and Certificates
   - Extra Curricular Diplomas and Certificates should also be included along with Mark Sheets
   - This information, together with the C.V. and Student Profile, complete picture of the student‘s academic history and confirms that the applicant is a genuine dedicated student
8. Student Profile
   - Student should explain all the past educational/work history and how it is linked to their current study plans.  There should be an obvious link between past study/work history and the course selected in GCD. If this link is not obvious, the student should give reasons for choosing the selected course.  Explain that the purpose in traveling to Ireland is to pursue an academic course.  Include all important personal information into this document, even if it is listed elsewhere in the application. The importance of family and the desire to return to your home country upon completion of course (A separate affidavit in respect of this should also accompany the application)
9. Employer Letter
   - An applicant who is working at present and who will return to that position or to a better position within the same company should submit a letter from the company giving the details which are shown at point 5 and also details of salary scale and currency, in addition to verification that the applicant will resume employment with the company. It would be favorable to include in a letter facts such as the benefits a company will reap from the newly acquired knowledge and skills gained by an employee.  An applicant, who is resigning from a position with a company in order to study, should also submit a letter listing the same details as above
10. Evidence of Financial Support
    - Financial Support Affidavit(s) from the student‘s family/sponsor, guardian or employer, relevant, detailing the nature of support.  Proof of all liquid assets - Bank statements detailing the family/sponsor‘s finances for the past 6 months in the form of an electronic print out or a letter on headed bank paper and original pass book; National Savings Certificates; KVPs; Fixed Deposit Slips; Mutual Funds.  Brief Financial Statement from a Chartered Accountant to verify the financial information given. Most recent Income Tax Return.  Bank Loan - An Education loan may be used as partial evidence of funds, but should not be the only means of support. Sources of revenue should also be indicated, such as rents from property and the sponsor/family member‘s salary details. There is no need to include rental agreement etc.
11. Employer Sponsor Letter
    - If the sponsor is a company, a notarised letter from the company should be submitted stating that the company will support the student in full. The letter should also state:- duties and The nature of the company‘s business. The company‘s total turnover. Why the company is supporting the student
12. Family Members Residing in Ireland or the UK
    - If the student has relatives already resident in Ireland or the UK, details of these relatives are required, including the relatives‘ names, addresses, date of birth, passport number and residency status.  If it subsequently transpires that a student as relatives living in Ireland or the UK and did not disclose this information on the original application, the application will automatically be refused
13. Medical Health Certificate
    - A certificate is required from an approved Medical Practitioner to confirm that the student is in full health
14. Evidence of English Language Proficiency
    - An internationally recognised English language qualification would be of distinct benefit and an original certificate should be included with each visa application
15. Invitation to Register Letter
16. Power of Attorney Document
    - The student must sign this document and return it to us along with all the rest of the documentation, in order that we can fully represent the student in all dealings with the Department of Justice or Embassy in terms of getting information regarding a student‘s visa status, reasons for refusal, visa appeal etc.
17. Affidavit that the student will return home country ** Not required for every country.
    - Each country whereby a student requires a study visa, will have their own specific essential requirements. Please consult with your local Irish Embassy or Consulate as to the exact requirements

The Irish Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform checks all information listed on each application. Ensure that no false information is given, as this will be uncovered and the application and any further appeals will automatically be rejected.