Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 March 2026
196. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if any changes will be made to the visa application process for students who receive placement on a course in an Irish third level institute; if their visa can be extended to match the years of their course length; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22016/26]
View answerI understand that the Deputy has clarified his question relates to visa applications for international student who wish to enter the State in order to study, and to the length of time a student is granted an immigration permission once registered with Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of my Department.
In relation to visas to enter Ireland, all Type D long stay visas (study, employment and join family) are normally valid for 3 months to allow the person to travel to the State.
Any non-EEA nationals who wish to remain for longer than 90 days must register and apply for further permission to remain. Once they register and receive their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) they no longer require a visa to travel to the State.
Non-EEA national students are granted a residence permission on Stamp 2 conditions where they have enrolled on, and commenced a course listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP), or eligible programmes offered by providers with authorisation to use the new TrustEd Education mark awarded by the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), be that an English language course or a third level degree course.
A student is required to renew their immigration permission at the end of each academic term and demonstrate progression in their studies.
While all immigration schemes are kept under constant review, there are no plans to amend current rules for students along the lines suggested by the Deputy.
