Do I Need a Visa to Study in Ireland?

• If you are from an EU country, you do not need a visa and you do not need to register with the Department of Immigration.

• If you are from a non-EU country, you will need a visa to study in Ireland.

• Some nationalities (e.g., Brazil, Mexico, Argentina) may enter Ireland without a visa, but must bring a Letter of Acceptance from the school and apply for a student visa after arrival.

• Others (e.g., China, Venezuela) must apply for a visa before travelling, through their local Irish embassy.

👉 You can check your visa requirements here: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-study-in-ireland/

How Long Is a Study Visa Valid For?

A student visa for English language study is valid for 8 months, which includes:

• 6 months of study

• 2 months of holidays (at the end of the course)

⛔ You cannot take a holiday at the beginning of your course.

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How Do I Register as a Student in Ireland?

You must book an immigration appointment online after arrival:
👉  https://burghquayregistrationoffice.inis.gov.ie

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What Do I Need for My Immigration Appointment?

Please bring the following:

1. Letter of Enrolment confirming your course.

2. Proof of Full Payment for your course.

3. Bank Statement in your name showing at least €6:500.

4. Medical Insurance Letter covering your full stay.

5. Credit/Debit Card to pay the €300 registration fee.

6. Printed Appointment Confirmation (sent via email).

7. Letter of Attendance (if your course has already started).

8. Proof of Irish Address (e.g., host family letter or lease).

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What Are My Obligations on a Student Visa?

As a student visa holder, you must:

• Attend at least 85% of your classes.

• Register for an external, internationally recognised English exam (e.g., Cambridge PET, FCE, CAE, CPE, IELTS Academic PeopleCert or T.I.E).

• Maintain valid medical insurance for your full stay.

• Remain enrolled in a course listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP).

• Ensure your passport is valid for more than 8 months.

📢 Important: If your attendance drops below 85%, the school is required to report this to immigration.

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Can I Renew My Student Visa?

Yes. You can renew your visa twice, allowing you to stay up to 2 years total for English language study, if you:

• Remain enrolled in an ILEP-registered school.

• Have paid your tuition in full before each renewal.

• Maintain at least 85% attendance.

• Sit an external exam at the end of each course.

• Hold valid medical insurance.

• Have a passport valid for at least 8 months beyond each course end date.

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Can I Pay in Instalments?

Yes, but please note:

• You must show immigration that your course fees have been paid IN FULL at the start of your course.

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What If I’m Refused a Visa?

• If your visa is refused and you have not started your course, you are entitled to a full refund minus a €300 administration fee.

• Active Language Learning will assist you with the appeals process.

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Can I Work While on a Student Visa?

Yes. You may work:

• Up to 20 hours/week during the school term

• Up to 40 hours/week during official holidays:

  • May to August

  • 15 December to 15 January

🕑 Work must not interfere with your classes. Weekday work must be before or after class, or anytime on weekends.
❌ Working is not an acceptable excuse for missing classes.

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What If I Need to Return Home Unexpectedly?

In exceptional circumstances (e.g., family bereavement), you may take leave without advance notice.

Please speak to the Academic Manager and provide evidence or assurance for your absence. The school is required to monitor attendance and inform immigration if extended absences are not justified​