Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2025
406. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plan to ensure that people living here on stamp 3 visas are supported to go to university; access work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53199/25]
View answer434. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans to ensure international students on stamp 3 visas can work to support themselves during university; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53587/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 406 and 434 together.
I can advise the Deputy that a Stamp 3 immigration permission is granted to dependent children of Employment Permit holders, people in the state as Ministers of Religion and volunteers working with charitable organisations.
A Stamp 3 immigration permission does not prevent the holder from engaging in study, however, they do not have the same rights to work as students on a Stamp 2 immigration permission. Stamp 2 holders are allowed to take up casual employment, up to 20 hours a week during term time and up to 40 hours a week in the holidays.
A Stamp 3 holder is permitted to undertake an internship once it forms part of their course, contributes to the final course award, and the course is listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). This would be regarded as part of their studies and not considered employment.
Where the holder of a Stamp 3 permission wishes to move to a Stamp 2 student permission, they can apply to my Department with the necessary documentation– an acceptance letter from a school/college, evidence of private medical insurance and evidence of finances.
Detailed information on how to change immigration status is available on the Immigration Service website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/changing-your-immigration-permission/
Finally, Stamp 3 holders may apply for an Employment Permit in their own right if they wish to work in Ireland. Matters relating to employment permits are a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. Further information relating to employment permits can be found on that Department's website, www.enterprise.gov.ie.
