How To Apply For A Student Visa In Ireland
You're intrigued by the thought of traveling abroad and possibly taking up studies, or obtaining your degree at an educational institution outside of your home country. Or perhaps you have an interest in learning a new language in a foreign country at one of their universities, but you're not sure how long you can attend or stay there as an American citizen.
No matter where you are in this beautiful world of ours, if you plan on attending any school or university outside of the country you're a citizen of for more than three months, you may need to apply for a student visit before you can even begin thinking about registering for courses or buying an airline ticket. Let's say you fancy attending university in the stunning country of Ireland. According to Citizens Information Ireland, if you're not an Irish, UK, Switzerland, or EU citizen by birth or through dual citizenship, you'll need to apply for a student visa to attend school in Ireland, and we're going to guide you through the process.
Planning ahead before applying
The most important thing we can advise you first is that applying, and being approved for a student visa to any country is not an overnight process. Secondly, reviewing the required documents and information thoroughly before submitting your application online for your Ireland student visa is vital, and the most efficient and only way to start the process. However, it's good to plan far enough in advance and decide when you want to start your courses in Ireland. If it's within one to three months, chances are you won't have your application approved on time, which means you will not be able to start any classes. And, according to the Department of Justice in Ireland, it can take up to two months to receive a response on whether you've been approved for your student visa provided there are no issues with your submission.
It's crucial that you allow yourself a minimum of at least one year of planning to submit your request for a study visa overseas, as recommended through Education Abroad by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. If your Ireland student visa application is submitted with any missing documentation, incorrectly, or should any potential delays or regulations change (which they do often) after you've applied, having that buffer of time to correct or adjust your application is essential.
Things you should know before submitting your student visa application
Once you've completed your application for your Ireland student visa, make sure to review it thoroughly to ensure you have all the necessary documentation requested before submitting it, as requested by Citizens Information. You will also be required to submit and provide proof of payment for your student visa. In addition, you're required to provide proof of income and/or finances, with bank account statements for either yourself or your sponsor, showing that either of you have the mandated amount of funds saved in your account to help you remain self-sufficient while studying in Ireland.
To keep up to date with the constantly changing requirements when applying for a study visa in Ireland as a Non-EU/EEA citizen, it's good to regularly check the Department of Justice's student visa information page for important updates. After you've submitted your application, diligently keep an eye out on its process through the Visa Decisions page on their website, and your email as well, should they reach out to you for further information. Remember, once you're approved, it's safe to go ahead and buy your airline ticket to Ireland and pack your bags for the study adventure of a lifetime in the "Land of Saints and Scholars."