Irish Student Visa (Stamp 2)
Indian students require an Irish Study Visa (Stamp 2) to study in Ireland for courses of 3 months or longer. The Irish visa application is submitted online through the INIS (Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service) portal, followed by a biometric submission at the Irish Embassy in New Delhi or at a VFS Global visa application centre in India. Processing times are typically 8–12 weeks. Apply at least 16 weeks before your course start date.
Online Application via INIS Portal
All Irish visa applications are submitted online at visas.inis.gov.ie. You complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay the visa fee (EUR 60 for a single-entry visa; EUR 100 for a multi-entry visa — strongly recommended for students). After online submission, you book a biometric appointment at the Irish Embassy in New Delhi or at VFS Global (available in multiple Indian cities including Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, and Ahmedabad). The online application reference number must be brought to your biometric appointment.
Documents Required for Irish Study Visa
Valid passport (minimum 12 months' validity beyond your intended stay in Ireland), letter of acceptance from your Irish university confirming enrolment, evidence of tuition fee payment (receipt or instalment confirmation), proof of financial means (bank statements showing EUR 7,000 minimum — personal or sponsor's account; last 6 months' statements required), private health insurance policy covering your entire period of study in Ireland, academic transcripts and certificates (Class X, XII, and degree where applicable), English language test result (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE), two passport-size photographs (white background), completed and signed visa application form.
Processing Time and Decision
Irish study visa processing takes 8–12 weeks from biometric submission. Decisions are communicated by email and the original passport is returned to you by courier with the visa sticker affixed (or returned unstickered if refused). In case of refusal, you will receive a refusal notice stating the reasons. Most refusals are due to insufficient financial evidence or incomplete documentation — Prosper Overseas's visa preparation service has an excellent approval track record.
Arriving in Ireland — Stamp 2 Permission
On arrival in Ireland (typically at Dublin Airport), your passport will be stamped with Stamp 2 permission by the Irish immigration officer at the port of entry. Stamp 2 confirms your legal permission to remain in Ireland for the duration of your studies plus a short additional period. Keep your university acceptance letter, proof of funds, and accommodation details readily available for the immigration officer at the airport.
IRP Registration — Within 90 Days of Arrival
Within 90 days of arriving in Ireland, all non-EU students must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) or the local immigration registration office. You book an appointment online (for Dublin, appointments are made at inis.gov.ie/registration). At registration, you pay a EUR 300 registration fee and submit your passport, Stamp 2 landing permission, university enrolment letter, proof of accommodation, and proof of health insurance. You will receive your Irish Residence Permit (IRP card) — a biometric card confirming your legal residence in Ireland.
Renewing Your Stamp 2 Each Year
Stamp 2 permission must be renewed annually. Renewal is done at the same immigration office where you originally registered. You must present your current IRP card, renewed university enrolment letter, proof of continued financial means, and renewed health insurance. Annual renewal fee is EUR 300. Students making satisfactory academic progress and meeting financial requirements are routinely renewed without difficulty.