Documents Required for Irish Visa Application

If you require a visa to study in Ireland, here is a list of documents you will need to present to your nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate with your visa application :

• A provisional letter of acceptance from EBC (Limerick) confirming that you have been accepted on a full time course of study lasting a minimum of one academic year.
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• You will need to transfer course fee amount from your home country financial institution to E.B.C College’s bank account (necessary details will be sent to you after initial contact). Verification of this transfer will be sent to E.B.C from its bank and this will then be forwarded to you for use with visa application, along with a letter of offer detailing course start date, duration etc. this letter must be used with your application.
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• Should your study visa not be granted, EBC (Limerick) will return your fees in full, less €100 administration fee.
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• Evidence, for example, a sponsor’s bank statement, should show that you have enough funds to maintain yourself for at least the initial part of your stay in Ireland.
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• Copies of your educational qualifications to be sent to EBC (Limerick) prior to your acceptance.

Please access the www.gov.ie for all documents required as they can be subject to change.

The Right to Work and Study in Ireland :

As a visa student in Ireland, you must register as a full-time student with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB - The Irish Police). You will then be permitted to work part-time in Ireland (up to a maximum of 20 hours a week and full-time during vacation periods) to support yourself.

Students at EBC (Limerick) must attend college for a minimum of 15 hours a week for 26 academic weeks.

At EBC (Limerick), we will help and guide you with these processes.

Citizens of an EU/EEA member State do not require a visa to study in Ireland. For more information see : www.justice.ie

Personal Public Service (PPS) Number :

All employees in Ireland have a PPS number for tax purposes. Your Personal Public Service number is a unique reference number that helps to you to gain access to social welfare benefits, public services and information in Ireland. If you are planning to take up part-time employment in Ireland, you must apply for a PPS number. Applications are made through your local Social Welfare Office. Non-EU Students will need to take the following with them :

• Passport
• Garda Registration Card
• Student Card
• Proof of Address (Utility Bill in your name/Bank Statement)
• Letter from the college stating you are a student

You cannot apply for a PPS Number before your arrival in Ireland. You must be already living in Ireland in order to apply for a PPS Number.

Pay and Conditions of Employment :

You are entitled to a written statement of your terms of employment within two months of starting your employment. You are also entitled to a contract of employment

You have a right to a written statement of wages each time you are paid. All Employers are obliged to abide by the National Minimum Wage with all employees (excluding family members).

Additional Fees/Costs :

Students wishing to apply to study in Ireland should be aware of additional costs, which they will incur. Some of these are as follows :

• Agent Fees (If your application is being processed by a college agent, this is only a once off fee)
• College Fee for academic year tuition – this fee is due for renewal on anniversary of your arrival date in the country.
• Medical Insurance Fee (Medical Insurance is a requirement and this is arranged through the college on behalf of the student, there is a charge for this and at the moment is €150 per annum. (2009))
• Visa Renewal Fee – GNIB currently this is €150, this must be paid on first getting a visa on arrival in Ireland and on every occasion visa is renewed.
• Exam Fees for courses awarded outside of the college scope, this can vary depending on awarding body and level of course
• Living expenses, such as Rent, Food, Utilities, Travel etc. a minimum of €150 a week is necessary depending on whether or not you are sharing accommodation.
• Re – entry visa if you wish to travel home and re enter the country you must apply for a re entry visa from Dept of Justice in Dublin which currently is charged at €150
• If you wish to visit other countries while studying in Ireland you must apply directly to the relevant embassy headquarters in question, in Dublin. An interview will be arranged for you to attend the embassy and a fee will be charged for visitors visa if granted.
• Students are not expected to travel during college term except in case of emergency or in exceptional circumstances.