Long Stay D Student Visa (Stamp 2)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 4-8 weeks, longer during peak seasons (May-August)
- Fee
- EUR 60 single entry visa + EUR 300 IRP registration
- Validity
- Duration of course, renewable annually. Maximum 7 years for degree programmes.
- Entry
- Single entry
Non-EEA students who wish to study in Ireland for more than 90 days must register for Stamp 2 immigration permission. Visa-required nationals must also apply for a Long Stay D visa before travelling. Visa-exempt nationals (e.g., US, Canadian, Australian) can enter Ireland without a visa and register for Stamp 2 after arrival. Stamp 2 holders may work up to 20 hours per week during term and 40 hours per week during holidays (June-September and 15 December-15 January). The course must be on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) at NFQ Level 6 or higher.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
All non-EEA nationals. Visa-required nationals must obtain a Long Stay D visa before travel. Visa-exempt nationals can enter and register after arrival.
-
Age
Must be over 18 years of age.
Min age: 18
-
Financial
Must have access to at least EUR 10,000 for a one-year course. Must be able to pay tuition fees.
Minimum funds: EUR 10,000
-
Purpose of visit
Must be accepted onto a full-time course at an institution listed on the ILEP, at NFQ Level 6 or higher.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, white background
-
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Must cover full stay: No
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment; Amount: EUR 60 visa + EUR 300 IRP
-
Proof of enrollment
Provide proof of enrolment or admission from the school, university or training provider.
Must be current: No; Must be original: No
How to apply
-
Online application
For visa-required nationals: Apply online via AVATS (https://www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/) selecting 'Study' as the purpose. Apply at least 3 months before intended travel date.
-
Document gathering
Gather passport, photos, letter of acceptance from ILEP-listed institution, proof of EUR 10,000 funds, bank statements, private health insurance, and accommodation proof.
-
Fee payment
Pay EUR 60 visa fee (visa-required nationals). Pay tuition fees to the institution as required.
-
Document submission
Submit all documents to the visa office or VFS centre within 30 days.
-
Processing wait
Wait 4-8 weeks for visa processing. Longer during peak season (May-August).
-
Visa collection
Collect passport with visa. Travel to Ireland and register with immigration within 90 days of arrival to obtain Stamp 2 and Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card (EUR 300 fee).