Frequently Asked Questions
Key Acronyms
- ISD - Immigration Service Delivery
- IRP - Irish Residence Permit
What is an Irish study visa?
An Irish study visa (often called a D visa for long-term studies) is a document placed in your passport by an Irish embassy or consulate.
- It allows you to travel to Ireland for study purposes.
- It is not permission to live in Ireland long-term — it's simply an entry clearance.
Think of it like a “ticket” to get into the country for your course, not the “membership card” that lets you stay for the whole degree.
How long will my Irish visa take to be processed?
Visa processing times can vary depending on the visa office / embassy where you applied, the time of the year, and other factors individual to your application. You are advised to apply well in advance. From our experience, visas can take upwards from 8 weeks to be processed.
The Dublin visa office provides a helpful table which sets out the dates of visa applications currently being processed at the office. [hyperlink: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/]
Should I apply for a single-entry or multi-entry study visa?
When choosing between a single-entry and a multi-entry study visa, we encourage you to consider the following:
Cost: A multi-entry visa is slightly more expensive than a single-entry visa.
Travel Needs: If you anticipate travelling during the first few months of your programme before you receive your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card, a multi-entry visa may be more suitable.
In recent years, students have experienced delays securing an appointment to register for the IRP card. Holding a valid multi-entry visa will allow you to travel in and out of Ireland during this period should the need arise.
Why is my study visa only valid for a few months?
- The visa validity period only needs to cover your arrival date into Ireland, not your full course duration.
- Once you arrive, you must register with ISD within 90 days.
- At that registration, they will check your documents (e.g., proof of registration, proof of funds, medical insurance) and grant you permission to remain for the length of your study programme.
I am from a non-visa required country (i.e. USA, Canada, Australia, etc.), do I need to do anything regarding my immigration before arriving in Ireland?
As a non-visa-required national, you do not need a visa or pre-clearance to enter Ireland. You can simply book your flight using your passport and bring a few required documents for border control. You may arrive in Ireland at any time before your programme begins -however bear in mind that you will need to register with ISD within 90 days (see below), for which you will need your Trinity registration documents, which you will only get in August (for those with a September start date).
Upon arrival, an immigration officer at the airport will stamp your passport, granting you permission to remain in Ireland for up to 90 days.
If you intend to stay longer than 90 days (as all full-time students do), you will need to register with the ISD within that 90-day period to obtain student permission (Stamp 2). This permission allows you to remain in Ireland for the duration of your studies. Once registered, you’ll receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card with a Stamp 2 endorsement. This card permits multiple entries into and exits from Ireland while it remains valid.
What is "permission to stay"?
- If you are coming from outside the EU, EEA, UK or Switzerland, whether visa-required or not, and intend to reside in Ireland for more than 90 days to work, study, live or join family, you must register a "permission to remain" with Immigration Service Delivery (ISD).
- Each permission is associated with a Stamp category. For students, this is usually Stamp 2 (full-time study) and Stamp 2A (single-semester study).
- Your permission details (type of stamp, expiry date) are recorded on your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card which you receive after you register.
What is an IRP card, and why is it important?
The Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card is proof of your legal residence in Ireland. It is required for re-entry into Ireland if you travel abroad and must be renewed before it expires. It shows what you can do while you are here, for instance study or work.
What is Stamp 2, and how does it work?
Stamp 2 is a type of immigration permission granted to non-EU/EEA/Swiss/UK nationals who are coming to Ireland for full-time study. Once registered, this permission will be recorded on your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card.
Stamp 2 allows you to:
- Stay in Ireland for the duration of your full-time course
- Work part-time (up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during scheduled holidays)
Stamp 2 does not grant access to public services or long-term residency rights.
Please review more information on Stamp 2 on the Dept. of Justice website.
What is Stamp 2A?
Stamp 2A is typically issued to single-semester (e.g., visiting or exchange students). Holders of Stamp 2A are not permitted to work in Ireland.
Please review more information on Stamp 2A on the Dept. of Justice website.
I'm coming to Trinity as an international student but hold an EU/EEA/Swiss/UK passport. Do I need to meet any visa or immigration requirements?
If you hold an EU, EEA, Swiss, or UK passport, you are exempt from Irish visa and immigration requirements—even if you are admitted to Trinity as an international student.
You do not need any special permission to live or study in Ireland. You can enter the country freely and are not required to register with immigration.
Can I bring family members with me while studying in Ireland?
International students generally cannot bring family members to Ireland. Exceptions are sometimes made for PhD students.
Do you run any events related to visa and immigration support?
Yes, we organise Immigration Clinic often with different topics, please keep an eye on our Instagram: TCDGlobalRoom for updates.
How can I contact the Trinity Immigration and Support Team?
You can email TCDGlobalRoom@tcd.ie or visit us at the Global Room for advice on immigration matters.
How can I contact Immigration Service Delivery (ISD)?
To get in touch with ISD, you must first register on their Customer Service Portal. Through the portal, you can:
- Submit queries related to visa applications processed by the Visa Office in Dublin (if your application was submitted elsewhere, please contact the relevant Embassy or Consulate)
- Ask about immigration registration
- Book an appointment for first-time registration
- Raise other visa and immigration-related questions.
If you're unable to complete the registration, you can contact the technical support team at ImmigrationPortalSupport@justice.ie.
Please note: This email is for technical issues only and will not respond to visa or immigration-related queries.
I'm having trouble verifying my passport on the ISD portal. What should I do?
For issues with ID verification (e.g., through IDPal), consult the IDPal Troubleshooting Guide. If the issue persists, contact ImmigrationPortalSupport@justice.ie.
My English language requirement has been waived by Trinity. Do I still need to provide the evidence of English language ability for my visa application?
Evidence of English language ability is generally required for visa applications. However, since Trinity has waived this requirement for you, you should contact the relevant visa office, embassy, or consulate directly to confirm whether they will also waive the English proficiency certificate for your visa.
If my visa is delayed, can I defer my offer and what else can I do?
If your visa is significantly delayed and you’re unable to start your programme on time, you may consider deferring your offer to the next academic year. Please contact your programme coordinator to discuss your options.
You’re also welcome to contact us at TCDGlobalRoom@tcd.ie for advice. While we can’t fast-track visa applications, we may be able to offer guidance on your next steps.
Do I need health insurance as an international student?
Health insurance is mandatory for all non-EU/EEA/Swiss/UK citizens. You can purchase it in your home country (only for first time registration) or through Irish providers (required for subsequent registrations) like Irish Life or VHI.
Health insurance is not a legal requirement for EU, EEA, Swiss, or UK students. EU students should ensure they have an EHIC card.
More details please visit our health insurance webpages
Can I travel to Ireland for my studies with a one-way ticket?
Yes, traveling with a one-way ticket is acceptable when entering Ireland as a student. However, you must ensure you have all the required documents ready for border control. For full details on what to prepare, please visit the Irish immigration webpages
What should I do if my immigration (IRP) appointment is scheduled outside the 90-day window?
If you can’t get an appointment within that time, don’t worry, you won’t be asked to leave the country while waiting to register.
I missed my immigration (IRP) appointment. What should I do?
If you miss your appointment, you will need to book another appointment.
I received my IRP card, what should I do next?
Once you receive your IRP card, please check that all your personal details are correct, including the expiry date.
As a general guide:
- Undergraduate students usually receive IRP cards valid until September of the following year.
- Postgraduate students typically receive IRP cards valid until September or December of the following year.
If your card expires earlier than expected, please contact us for further guidance.
We also recommend taking a photo or scanned copy of your IRP card and saving it in a secure, easily accessible location (e.g. cloud storage). This can be helpful in case the card is lost or misplaced.
If you lose your IRP card while in Ireland, you will need to:
- Obtain a Garda (police) report, and
- Contact the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) via their online portal to request a replacement.
Are there any visa or immigration considerations if I take a Pre-Sessional English Language Course?
Please be aware that the Pre-Sessional English Language Course is considered separate from your main undergraduate or postgraduate programme.
You will be required to pay the tuition fees for both the English language course and your main programme in advance. However, you will only be invited to register for your main programme upon successful completion of the Pre-Sessional English Language Course.
As the ISD treats these as two distinct programmes, you will be required to complete two separate immigration registrations – and pay the associated fee each time. Each registration and the associated IRP card will only cover the specific programme for which it is issued.
Can I work while studying in Ireland?
Yes, international students holding Stamp 2 in Ireland can work:
- During term time: Up to 20 hours per week.
- Outside term time (1st June to 30th September and 15th December to 15th January): Up to 40 hours per week.
This is regulated by the Irish government, not the university.
Students holding Stamp 2A cannot work.
You can find detailed information on these official websites:
• Citizens Information: Immigration for Non-EEA students
What happens if my passport expires while I'm in Ireland?
Renew your passport through your home country’s embassy in Ireland. Notify the ISD and update your records.
What should I do if my student status changes (i.e., off-book, withdrawn)
Do you provide support for visas going to the United State or anywhere else outside Ireland?
Unfortunately, we do not offer direct support for visa applications outside of Ireland. In the case of visas to the U.S., we recommend contacting the Emerald Isle Immigration Centre or the U.S. Embassy directly for advice on the J1 visa and other U.S. visa matters. Likewise, for visas to other countries, we recommend contacting the relevant country's Embassy.
What is the difference between Stamp 1G and Stamp 1?
• Stamp 1G is for students who have finished their degree in Ireland. It lets you work full-time or look for a job without needing a job offer or a work permit. Your employer doesn’t need to meet any conditions, and you don’t need to apply through the Department of Enterprise. However there are some employment restrictions.
• Stamp 1 is for people who have a job offer and a valid work permit. To get this, your employer must meet certain requirements (like minimum salary and job type), and you must apply for the permit first.
In short:
Stamp 1G = No work permit or employer requirements needed.
Stamp 1 = You need a work permit and your job must meet specific conditions.
Do you provide support with work permits after I've finished studying?
No, the student support team does not assist with work permits. Students should consult the relevant Irish authorities or their prospective employer for work permit-related enquiries.
If you are joining Trinity as a staff member and have a question about work permits, please contact Work.Permits@tcd.ie.
Am I eligible for Stamp 1G if I exit my programme wiht a postgraduate diploma instead of a master's?
No, you are not eligible. Stamp 1G is only granted to students who can confirm the successful completion of the degree programme they were originally admitted to. If you were enrolled in a master’s degree but exit with a postgraduate diploma, you do not meet the eligibility criteria for Stamp 1G.
When will my final results be released?
There is no standardised timeline for releasing final results across the university. Some Schools may release results as late as December, while others may release results as early as September. You will need to contact your School for further information on this.
What should I do if my IRP card expires before I receive my final results?
If you anticipate that your final results will be published after your current stamp 2 expires, and you plan to avail of the Stamp 1G programme, you will need to request a letter from your school department to state your final results releasing time and reach out to ISD with this letter requesting your Stamp 2 to be extended.
When submitting their request, be sure to include the following details:
• their full name
• Nationality
• IRP registration number (found on the back of their IRP card)
• their current address (so they can post an updated IRP card to them)
This is the simplest and quickest method, and some students have successfully had their IRP expiry dates extended this way.
However, in other cases, ISD has redirected students to apply for an extension through a separate formal process. We’d suggest trying the first approach first. If ISD can’t amend your IRP expiry date, they will advise you on the next steps.
What level of detail is required to apply for the second 12 month Stamp 1G if I have been unable to secure employment (relevant to Master's and PhD graduates)?
You can provide email exchanges between you and HR departments or recruitment agencies etc. about arranging interviews or job-hunting activities as proof that you have been actively seeking employment. You do not need to submit a long letter explaining your personal situation.
Can I work full-time after submitting my thesis/completing my exams but before receiving my Stamp 1G?
Until you are granted Stamp 1G, your working conditions remain subject to your Stamp 2 permission, i.e. you may work full-time only between 1 June and 30 September. From 1 October onwards, if you are still on Stamp 2, you will be restricted to part-time work (up to 20 hours per week) until your Stamp 1G is issued.
I am on Stamp 1G and moving to a master’s programme. What do I need to do? Can I still avail of the 24-month 1G later?
If you are currently on Stamp 1G (Third Level Graduate Scheme) and have been admitted to a master’s programme:
- You must change your immigration permission from Stamp 1G to Stamp 2 for the duration of your master’s studies.
- Any time spent on Stamp 2 while studying a master’s does not count as Stamp 1G time.
Eligibility for Stamp 1G after completing a master’s You may still be eligible to avail of Stamp 1G after completing your master’s, subject to the scheme rules in place at the time of application:
- If you previously completed an undergraduate degree in Ireland and used one year of Stamp 1G, you may be eligible for one further year of Stamp 1G after completing an eligible master’s programme.
- If you have already completed a master’s programme and used the full 24 months of Stamp 1G, you may not be eligible to avail of further Stamp 1G,
- All Stamp 1G permissions are subject to the overall student permission limit (currently eight years). Please note that Stamp 1G eligibility is assessed at the time of application, not in advance, and meeting the criteria at one stage does not guarantee future permission.
How should I declare a scholarship in my visa application and at border control?
If you are in receipt of a scholarship:
- You should declare the scholarship in your visa application and upload official documentation confirming:
- •the amount
- •duration
- •what costs it covers (e.g. tuition, living expenses)
- At border control, you should be prepared to explain your funding if asked and have supporting documents available (digital or printed).
A scholarship can be used as part of your financial evidence, but you must ensure it meets ISD financial requirements.
When can I apply for my study visa?
You can apply for your study visa as soon as you meet the key requirements.
- Application timing: In most cases, visa offices allow study visa applications to be submitted up to three months before the course start date. Some embassies or consulates may accept applications earlier, so you should always check with your local Irish Embassy or Consulate.
- Offer letter: You must normally hold a final offer letter. In some regions, visa authorities may accept a conditional offer to begin the visa application process—this varies by location, so please confirm with your local Embassy or Consulate.
- Tuition deposit: You must have paid the required tuition deposit (normally a minimum of €6,000, or the full fee if it is less than this amount).
- Supporting documents: You must be able to submit a complete visa application, including all required supporting documentation.
What is the visa processing time?
Visa processing times vary depending on your country of application and the time of year.
- During peak periods (especially summer and early autumn), processing can take several weeks or longer.
- You should always check the official processing times published by the Irish Immigration Service. Please note that these timelines are estimates only and are not guaranteed.
- Submitting a complete and accurate application with all required documents helps reduce the risk of delays.
In some regions, visa applications may be referred to the visa office in Dublin for assessment. Based on experience, applications assessed in Dublin may take significantly longer to process. You should not book non-refundable travel until a visa decision has been issued.
I have changed from a registered student to “off-books”. What are the impacts?
If you are no longer registered as a student and your immigration permission is based on student status, you may now be considered “off-books” for immigration purposes. This can have serious implications for your immigration status.
- Students who are off-books should not remain in Ireland on a student-based immigration permission.
- You must not work or travel while you are off-books.
- You must not provide false or misleading information in any visa or immigration application.
University staff can provide general immigration guidance and help you understand your options. Before your status changes to off-books, or as soon as you become aware that you are no longer registered, you are strongly advised to contact the Global Room by emailing TCDGlobalRoom@tcd.ie.
In some cases, students may be advised to contact the Irish Immigration Service (ISD) to notify them of the change in status and to confirm an intended departure date from Ireland. Taking early and transparent action may help reduce negative implications for future visa applications or permission renewals. Please note that university staff cannot provide legal advice or advise students to breach immigration conditions. If your situation is complex, you may wish to seek independent legal or immigration advice.
I finished an undergraduate degree (at Trinity or another Irish university) and am now admitted to a TCD master’s. What do I need to do regarding my visa?
If you have completed an undergraduate degree in Ireland and have received an offer for a master’s programme, you must ensure that your immigration permission reflects your new course. Your previous undergraduate permission does not automatically transfer to a master’s programme.
- If you are currently in Ireland: You will need to update your immigration permission (by submitting a renewal application to Stamp 2 to reflect your master’s programme once you receive confirmation of enrolment (e.g. proof of registration from the TCD portal). More details on renewing your immigration permission (IRP card, Stamp 2) please visit: https://www.tcd.ie/study/international/arriving-in-ireland/visa-immigration/during-your-studies/
- If you are outside Ireland:
- Visa-required students: If you do not hold a valid IRP card that allows you to return to Ireland, you must apply for a new Study Visa (Type D) using your master’s offer letter.
- Non-visa-required students: You do not need to apply for a visa to return to Ireland, even if you do not currently hold a valid IRP card. You may enter Ireland as a non-visa-required national and request permission at the border based on your new master’s programme. Both visa-required or non-visa-required should bring relevant supporting documents for border control, such as:
- your master’s offer letter
- proof of fee payment (if available)
- accommodation details
- proof of finances (visa-required only)
- medical insurance
In all cases: You must meet standard student immigration requirements, including tuition fees, medical insurance, and financial evidence (visa-required national only). You must ensure your immigration status is correctly updated before starting your master’s programme.