Visa information for English Language students
If you’re planning to study English in Ireland, it’s important to understand the difference between
an entry visa (to travel) and immigration permission (to stay and study).
This page explains the steps, typical documents, and how Dorset College can support you.
Important: Visa and immigration rules can change. Always check the official Irish Immigration
guidance and your local Irish Embassy/Consulate instructions before you apply.
1) Your nationality decides if an entry visa is needed
Not all non-EU passport holders need an entry visa to travel to Ireland. Use the official “visa & non-visa required nationalities” list to confirm your status.
2) Staying over 90 days means registration is required
If you are coming from outside the EU/EEA/UK/Switzerland and plan to stay more than 90 days, you must register your immigration permission in Ireland and receive an IRP card.
3) English language study has specific immigration conditions
Full-time English language programmes must meet specific requirements (minimum weeks/hours and attendance), and there are limits on how long you can stay in Ireland studying English.
Who needs an Irish student visa to study?
Whether you need an entry visa is based on your nationality. If you are a visa-required national, you must obtain the correct Irish visa before travelling. If you are non-visa required, you may be able to travel without an entry visa — but you still need to meet the immigration conditions at the border and (for stays over 90 days) register your permission after arrival.
Use the official list here: Irish Immigration – Visa & Non‑Visa Required Nationalities ↗
Irish study visa types (English language)
The correct visa type depends on how long you plan to stay in Ireland.
| Planned stay | Typical visa route | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 90 days | Short stay ‘C’ Visit (Study) visa (visa-required nationals) | Suitable for short courses. It does not allow work. |
| More than 90 days | Long stay ‘D’ Study visa (visa-required nationals) | You will also need to register in Ireland (IRP) before your landing stamp expires. For long-term English language study, your course must be eligible (e.g., listed on the relevant approved lists). |
| More than 90 days (non-visa required nationals) | No entry visa required, but immigration permission still applies | You must meet border requirements and register your permission after arrival (IRP). Financial evidence is checked either during visa application or at arrival/registration depending on your status. |
Official guidance: Short stay ‘C’ Study Visa ↗ | Long stay ‘D’ Study Visa ↗
Applying for an Irish study visa (typical process)
If you are visa-required, you normally apply from your home country (or where you are legally resident). Irish Immigration advises applying up to 3 months before your travel date.
-
1) Confirm your visa status
Check if your nationality is visa-required. If yes, plan your visa timeline early.
-
2) Secure your course place
Apply to Dorset College and obtain your enrolment documentation and proof of fee payments (as applicable).
-
3) Apply online via AVATS
Create your online application and follow the instructions on your AVATS summary form for document submission. AVATS link: Apply via AVATS ↗
-
4) Submit documents to the correct office
Submit the full set of documents as directed by your local Irish Embassy/Consulate or the visa application centre (where applicable).
-
5) Wait for a decision, then book travel
Do not finalise travel plans until your visa is issued (if required). Processing times vary by country/office.
-
6) Arrive & comply with border/registration rules
You must be able to show documents at the border (passport, visa if required, proof of funds/insurance, course letter, etc.). If staying beyond 90 days, you must register your permission and obtain an IRP card.
Visa documentation checklist (guidance)
Exact requirements vary by country and by visa office. Your Irish Embassy/Consulate will confirm what you must submit. Below is a student-friendly checklist used by many applicants.
✅ Common documents students prepare
- Completed visa application (AVATS summary form printed, signed and dated)
- Passport (ensure it is valid for the required period) + copies of relevant pages
- Passport photographs (as specified by the visa office)
- Proof of enrolment / acceptance on the course
- Proof of payment of course fees (as applicable)
- Proof of medical insurance (Dorset College can provide medical insurance for students – where included)
- Evidence of English level (if requested – e.g. IELTS/TOEFL or other evidence)
- Education history (high school/university documents where applicable)
- Travel/immigration history and any previous visas/refusals (if any)
- Work experience evidence (if applicable)
🏫 What Dorset College can support with
- Course offer / enrolment letter (once your application and payment requirements are met)
- Receipts / proof of fees paid (as applicable)
- Course timetable details (useful for registration in Ireland)
- General guidance on next steps (visa-required vs non-visa-required routes)
- Support after arrival with permission/registration questions (where applicable)
Evidence of finances (typical thresholds)
You must be able to show you can support yourself in Ireland without relying on public funds. The Irish Immigration guidance (as of recent updates) uses these reference amounts:
| Course / stay length | Typical minimum access to funds | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stay resulting in residence greater than 8 months | €10,000 | Plus tuition/course fees (as required). You may need to show access for each subsequent year if applicable. |
| Stay resulting in residence 8 months or less | €833 per month (up to €6,665 total) | Applies to both visa-required and non-visa required students (per current guidance). |
Official reference: Irish Immigration – Information on Student Finances ↗
What happens after arrival in Ireland?
When you arrive, you must be able to explain the purpose of your stay and show supporting documents. If you are allowed to enter, the Immigration Officer will place a landing stamp in your passport. This stamp sets the initial duration and conditions of your stay (typically up to 3 months).
If you plan to stay more than 90 days, you must register your permission in Ireland and receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card. Registration is carried out by Immigration Service Delivery (ISD), and a registration fee (often €300, depending on permission type) may apply.
Student responsibility, refusals & refunds
The student is responsible for informing Dorset College when they have submitted a visa application. Please share your visa reference number and date of submission with our International Office.
If your visa application is refused, a refund of eligible fees may be processed in line with Dorset College policy, usually less an administration fee. You will normally be asked to provide evidence of refusal (for example, a refusal letter/email).
Frequently asked questions
Do all non-EU passport holders need an Irish entry visa?
No. Visa requirements are based on nationality. Some non-EU nationals are visa-required and must apply before travel; others are non-visa required. Use the official visa/non-visa list to check your status.
What’s the difference between a visa and an IRP?
A visa (if required) lets you travel to Ireland. Your permission to stay is granted at the border (landing stamp), and if you stay longer than 90 days you must register to receive an IRP card showing your conditions (stamp).
Can Dorset College guarantee my visa?
No. Visa decisions are made by Irish immigration authorities. Dorset College can support you with enrolment documentation and guidance on the process, but cannot influence the outcome.
Can I work while studying English in Ireland?
Students with the relevant student permission (e.g., Stamp 2) may work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and up to 40 hours per week during specific periods (as permitted by Irish Immigration rules).
How long can I study English language full-time in Ireland?
English language permissions are typically granted in blocks (up to 8 months each) with a maximum number of programmes, subject to meeting attendance and exam requirements and the applicable immigration rules.
Who do I contact if I need help?
Contact Dorset College International Office: +353 1 5746850 or [email protected].
Need help understanding the process? Our International Office can guide you on the typical steps, the documents Dorset College can provide, and what to do after you arrive in Ireland.
