Long term study visa

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa name	Long Term Study Visa
Stay duration	More than 3 months
Visa cost	Varies by category; non-refundable
Application timing	Up to 3 months before travel
Processing time	Approximately 8 weeks
Study rights	Full-time (minimum 15 hours weekly)
Work rights	Cannot rely on casual employment
Medicare / Healthcare	Private medical insurance required
Travel facility	Entry subject to border control
Family sponsorship	Not stated in the source
Citizenship pathway	Not stated in the source
Visa record / Vignette	Placed in blank passport page

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Purpose & Overview

The Long Term Study Visa allows non-EEA nationals to travel to Ireland to undertake a course of study lasting longer than 3 months. Applicants must satisfy the Policy on Non-EEA Nationals studying in Ireland prior to applying.

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Eligibility Criteria

• Residence Status: You must apply from your home country or country of legal residence. If visiting another country before Ireland, that country's visa must already be in your passport.
• Course Acceptance: You must be enrolled in a full-time educational program involving a minimum of 15 hours of organized daytime tuition per week.
• Language Proficiency:
  • English-taught courses: Provide an official test certificate meeting the minimum standards outlined in the English language requirements for study visas.
  • Irish-taught courses: Provide a written statement from the educational institution confirming how your language ability was assessed.
• Academic Background: Provide evidence of academic ability (e.g., past qualifications, exam results) and account for any historical gaps in education with employment details.
• Financial Self-Sufficiency: Must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover the entire stay without relying on public funds or casual work.
• Health Cover: Private medical insurance is mandatory for all applicants.

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Costs & Payment Rules

• Application Fee: Covers administrative processing and is non-refundable if the application is refused or withdrawn. Certain applicants may qualify for fee exemptions.
• Course Tuition Payment Requirements:
  • Fees below €6,000: Must be paid in full to the college before submitting the visa application.
  • Fees above €6,000: A minimum of €6,000 must be paid prior to applying (the institution may request full payment).
  • Acceptable Payment Evidence: Electronic Transfer of Funds (ETF) directly to the college's Irish bank account or a payment receipt from an approved provider (such as Pay to Study / formerly ISPS).

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Required Documentation

All documents must be original hard copies (no photocopies unless specified; no USBs, CDs, or cloud links) submitted within 30 days of your online application:

1. Summary Application Form: Printed, signed, and dated from AVATS.
2. Application Letter: Signed personal letter explaining the study rationale, course progression, arrival/departure dates, family in the EU/Ireland, and commitments to obey visa rules, leave before expiry, and avoid public funds.
3. Current Passport: Valid for at least 12 months from the intended date of arrival, plus copies of all pages from previous passports.
4. Passport Photographs: Two recent color photos (under 6 months old) with the applicant's signature and AVATS transaction number written on the reverse.
5. Letter of Acceptance: Confirming enrollment, 15+ weekly daytime hours, course details, fees paid/payable, and insurance details (if arranged by the college).
6. Financial Evidence: A completed Summary of Finances form and supporting documentation.
7. Educational & Employment History: Academic certificates, exam results, and CV/work history explaining any study gaps.
8. Private Medical Insurance: Policy certificate from an insurer or confirmation included in the acceptance letter.
9. Visa Refusal History: Full details and original refusal letters for any prior visa rejections from any country.
10. Certified Translations: Full certified translations for any document not in English or Irish.
11. Official Letters: Any corporate/institutional letter must be on official headed paper with fixed-line phone numbers, postal address, official email (no Yahoo/Hotmail), and an original physical signature (electronic signatures not accepted).

Additional Evidence for Minors (Under 18 Years)

• Birth Certificate of the minor student.
• Parental Consent: Notarized consent from both parents/guardians granting permission to study in Ireland and designating the host/school as legal guardian. If sole custody applies, provide the relevant Court Order.
• Parent ID: Copies of parents' passport biometric pages or national identity cards.
• Accommodation & Vetting:
  • If unaccompanied by a parent: Police clearance from An Garda Síochána regarding the accommodation (arranged via the school).
  • If accompanied by a parent: Proof of parent's Irish visa application or a statement of cohabitation if the parent is visa-exempt.

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How to Apply

Step 1: AVATS Online Application (up to 3 months before travel)
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Step 2: Pay Visa Application Fee & Print Summary Sheet
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Step 3: Post Hardcopy Documents & Summary Sheet within 30 Days
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Step 4: Await Decision (~8 weeks) & Register at Border upon Arrival

1. Complete Online Form: Fill out the application on the Automated Visa Application and Tracking System (AVATS).
2. Pay Fee & Print Forms: Print and sign the Summary Application Form generated by AVATS, then follow the local instructions for fee payment and submission.
3. Send Application Package: Pack original documents in a padded envelope to the designated visa office within 30 days. Joint applications must use individual inner envelopes labeled with each applicant's name and transaction number. Provide biometrics if requested by the local office.

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Processing, Decisions & Appeals

• Standard Processing Time: Approximately 8 weeks from the date the application office receives your documents.
• Dublin Visa Office Updates: Decision lists and processing waiting times are published every Tuesday.
• Approval: An entry visa is affixed to a blank page in your passport, and key original civil documents are returned by post. Visas for minors specify if travel is accompanied or unaccompanied.
• Refusal & Appeals: Refused applicants receive a Letter of Refusal. You may submit a free negative decision appeal within 2 months of the refusal date.

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Entry Conditions & Border Control

• Permission to Enter: A study visa allows travel to an Irish port of entry but does not guarantee admission. Immigration officers make the final determination at border control; carry paper copies of all supporting documents.
• Duration of Stay: Your permitted duration of stay is determined by the landing stamp in your passport. You must depart Ireland before this permission expires.
• Extensions: Extensions of visitor permission are strictly limited to unforeseen, exceptional emergencies arising after arrival and must be applied for from within Ireland prior to visa expiry.

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Warnings & Compliance

• Misrepresentation: Providing false or misleading information may lead to an immediate visa refusal, forfeiture of appeal rights, and a 5-year ban on receiving an Irish visa.
• Travel Tickets: Do not purchase non-refundable travel tickets before receiving a final visa decision.
• Public Funds: Visa holders are strictly prohibited from utilizing state public services or becoming a financial burden on the State.