Irish Immigration Information

Students from the US and Canada do not require a visa to enter Ireland. A list of countries whose citizens do not require a visa can be found at the following link. On arrival at the airport, you will need to show your passport and your Acceptance Letter from the university.You may be asked for evidence of adequate funding e.g., bank statement, credit card, travelers checks, etc.

If you are a citizen of a country whose citizens are required to have a visa, you should visit the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service website. Visas are generally issued to students who have been accepted into a full-time degree course and who satisfy funding requirements.

After you have registered at your university, you will be required to register with GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau). Garda is the Irish word for Police. You will need to show a valid passport, your student card, evidence of financial support (e.g., bank statement is best), a letter outlining your student status with the start date and duration of your course (your university will provide this letter at orientation), a receipt for tuition fees paid, evidence of private health insurance and a €150 payment for the GNIB card / residence permit.



Subsequent Years

You are required to register with GNIB each year, after you register with the university. The same documents are required each year.



Spouses and Partners:

Spouses of full-time degree students are generally allowed stay in Ireland if evidence of adequate funding is provided. Partners of students are treated as individuals for immigration purposes.



Working in Ireland:

Full-time non-EU students are permitted to work part-time, up to 20 hours per week during term time, and up to 40 hours per week during vacation time. Spouses and partners are eligible to seek employment by applying for a Green Card Permit or a Work Permit under certain conditions. For further information visit: Click here .

Some spouses and partners have obtained a one-year holiday working visa. These can be arranged through a company called Travel Cuts. Travel Cuts operates in both the USA and Canada.

Once in Ireland register with the student travel organization USIT who provide employment related advice and informative public information sessions in their offices.