Stamp 2 Ireland

What is Stamp 2 in Ireland?

Stamp 2 is the permit Ireland issues to international students, allowing them to study at an Irish educational institution for a specified period. The Irish government introduced Stamp 2 in 2008 in response to the increase in the international student population entering Ireland.

UK citizens who wish to study in Ireland will not need to apply for the Stamp 2 permit. However, if you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national living in the UK, you will need to apply for Stamp 2 to be eligible to study in Ireland.

To be eligible for a Stamp 2, you must be enrolled in a full-time course at an Irish university, and your course must be on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP).

You can study in Ireland with a Stamp 2 visa for a maximum period of seven years, after which you’ll have to leave the country (except in exceptional circumstances). You must also show continuous progression in your studies during your stay.

Your stay in Ireland on a Stamp 2 visa does not count as a reckonable residence and, as such, you cannot apply for an Irish residence permit or citizenship.

Eligibility Requirement for Ireland Stamp 2 Visa

You must meet the following requirements to qualify for an Irish Stamp 2 visa:

• You must be 18 years or older
• You must be enrolled in a full-time course in an Irish higher education institute. You must provide a letter of confirmation from the institution to prove this
• Your course must be in the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP)
• You must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen and not be a family member of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen residing in Ireland
• You must have sufficient means to cover your tuition and living costs in Ireland
• You must have no past criminal convictions
• You must have private medical insurance with a provider approved by the Irish government
• You must meet the registration conditions of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB)

Conditions of Stay in Ireland Under Stamp 2

There are different immigration rules for staying under the different Ireland permission stamps. Understanding the conditions of your stay in Ireland is essential because the authorities can revoke your immigration permission for violating any of them.

The conditions for residence in Ireland under Stamp 2 include:

• You cannot work full-time during your stay. You can take up casual employment for up to 20 hours per week during school sessions and 40 hours per week during the holidays
• You cannot access public funds or publicly funded services, including healthcare
• You can only bring your family members to join you if you’re studying for a PhD or in exceptional circumstances
• You can study in Ireland for a maximum of seven years. You must show yearly progression in your studies
• If you’re studying English, you can only enrol in three courses lasting at least 25 weeks each. You must also have at least 85% attendance
• You cannot apply for Irish citizenship or an Irish permanent residence permit
• You can travel within the European Union as stamp holders automatically get a Schengen visa

How to Get Your Ireland Stamp 2 Visa?

You can apply for a Stamp 2 visa once you meet the requirements. The steps to applying are as follows:

1. Apply for an offer of admission from an Irish educational institution:

The first step in obtaining a Stamp 2 is to get accepted into an Irish higher education institute. Once you apply and are approved, the institution will issue you an offer letter. The offer letter must be for a full-time course lasting at least one year.

2. Complete the online application:

Once you receive the offer letter, you can apply for an Irish student visa online or at an Irish consulate in the UK. The online application process is easier and faster because it eliminates administrative delays or bottlenecks.

After completing the application form, you must upload the required supporting documents and pay the application fee before submitting. The Stamp 2 visa fee is €300.

3. Attend a visa interview at your local Irish embassy or consulate:

After submitting your application, you may be required to attend an interview at the Irish Embassy or consulate nearest to you.

4. Get your Stamp:

You’ll be issued a Stamp 2 upon satisfactorily completing the above steps. The stamp will be attached to your passport, granting you entry into Ireland.

You must register your permission to stay with the Irish immigration authorities, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), or the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) within 90 days of arriving in Ireland. Failure to do this can lead to the cancellation of your immigration permission.

Documents Needed for Stamp 2 Ireland

You must provide the following documents when applying for a Stamp 2 visa:

• Completed Stamp 2 application form
• Valid passport or travel document
• Offer letter from an Irish educational institution
• Your birth certificate
• Your educational credentials
• Two passport-sized, colour photographs
• Proof of sufficient means to support yourself
• Proof of proficiency in English language or Irish
• If you’re under 18, a signed consent letter from your parent or guardian

This list is not exhaustive, and you may be asked to provide additional supporting evidence, depending on your circumstances. You must provide certified translations of all documents not in English or Irish.

What is Stamp 2A in Ireland?

Stamp 2A is also a study visa like Stamp 2. However, Stamp 2A is issued to international students (non-EEA/Swiss) coming to Ireland to study courses not listed in the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP).

You may be given a Stamp 2A if you’re:

• Coming to do a semester in an Irish university as part of an overseas degree programme
• Attending a private secondary school in Ireland
• A spouse of an international student who is financially independent

Stamp 2A Conditions

The requirements, application process, and immigration rules for a Stamp 2A holder are similar to those of Stamp 2. The conditions of stay under Stamp 2A Ireland visa include:

• You cannot work or engage in any form of business in Ireland
• You cannot access state funds or publicly funded services, including healthcare. You must have private medical insurance
• If you want to stay in Ireland beyond the expiration of your Stamp, you must apply for a new one at least one month before the current one expires

You can apply for a Stamp 2A at an Irish embassy or consulate in the UK and pay the application fee of €300.

What is Reckonable Residence in Ireland?

Reckonable residence refers to your time of stay in Ireland that counts towards eligibility for Irish citizenship by naturalisation. You need 1825 days of reckonable residence to qualify for naturalisation in Ireland.

The period that counts as reckonable residence includes time spent on:

• Stamp 1
• Stamp 1G
• Stamp 3
• Stamp 4
• Stamp 5

Stamp 2 and Stamp 2A are not reckonable residences for Irish citizenship by naturalisation.

How Can IAS Help?

Imagine the possibilities that studying in Ireland can offer – enriching academic experiences coupled with the freedom to travel across Europe. Whether you’re aiming for a Stamp 2 or Stamp 2A visa, our team of immigration lawyers is here to guide you through every step.

From gathering essential documents to submitting your application, IAS ensures a hassle-free experience. Don’t let visa procedures stand in the way of your educational aspirations. Let IAS be your trusted partner in making your study abroad journey a seamless reality.

Our dedicated consultants are available round-the-clock to address any queries you may have. Make your dream a reality today by contacting us at +44 (0)333 414 9244 or through our convenient online form. Let us handle the complexities of visa acquisition while you focus on embracing this exciting chapter of your life.