Ireland Visa – Eligibility, Requirements and Application
When it comes to an Ireland visa, you will have to consider many things. First of all, Ireland has different visa policies for different people. Secondly, your visa simply means a pre-entry allowance to enter the country. Thus, obtaining a visa has not guaranteed automatic entrance into the country.
So, it is better you read through the following lines to know what applies to you when it comes to applying for a visa to visit the country. Whether you are applying for a long-term or shore-term visa, you will get the information you need here. So, let’s kick on!
Ireland Visa policies for different nations
In Ireland, there are different visa policies for nationals of different nations. Simply put, what applies to a Chinese is not what applies to a Nigerian when applying for a visa. Similarly, the same doesn’t apply to Europeans. Therefore, below are the different visa policies for different regions and countries in this country.
Ireland visa policies for EU/EEA citizens
The visa policy for citizens of the EU and EEA is quite simple. They do not need a visa for any short-term visit of up to 3 months. The only requirements are a valid passport and a National ID card. Moreover, you have no need of registering with the immigration authorities while in the country.
Ireland visa policies for non-EU/EEA citizens who are exempt from Irish visas
Just like EU/EEA citizens, nationals from non-EU and EEA countries do not need a visa to enter Ireland. However, they must register with the immigration officials upon their arrival in the country. The selected countries include
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa
- Rica
- Dominica
- El Salvador
- Fiji
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region)
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Lesotho
- Macau (Special Administrative Region)
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Vanuatu
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- San Marino
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Swaziland
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- United Arab Emirates
- United States of America
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
Ireland Visa policies Non-EU/EEA nationals who are subject to Irish visas
Unlike the nationals of the EU and countries mentioned above, citizens of other countries moving into Ireland must apply for a visa. Otherwise, they will not obtain a visa to move into the country. So, this group must, first of all, obtain a visa. Secondly, they must register with the immigration upon their arrival in the country.
Types of Ireland Visa
Irish visas are divided according to the amount of time you plan to stay in the country. Thus, we have two major types of Ireland visas. They include
- Short-term visa
- Long-term visa
Short-term Ireland visa
With a short-term visa, you can stay in the country for less than 3 months. So, this visa only allows you to stay in the country for a limited number of days. There are different types of short-term Ireland visas and they include:
Irish Tourist visa. For foreigners who are visiting the country for tourist purposes.
Irish Business visa. This is meant for only business visits to the country.
Irish Employment visa under the Atypical Working Scheme. For those who are allowed to work in this country for a short period.
Irish Stage Performance or Tournament visa. It allows you to perform on stage in Ireland or to participate in a tournament in the country.
Irish Training visa. If you are visiting Ireland for training, you will need this visa.
Irish Short-Term Internship visa. This is for international students who want to enter Ireland for an internship. Therefore, they will find a visa to allow them to enter the country.
Irish Medical treatment visa. If you have a medical condition, you can treat yourself in Ireland. However, you will have to obtain a visa to do so in the country.
Irish Join a Ship visa. If you plan to use a ship in the country within 24 hours of entering the country. Then, you will need this type of visa.
Irish Marriage visa. For partners who want to get married in Ireland. However, you will need to get clarification from the registrar of marriage.
Irish Exam visa. Are you visiting Ireland for an exam? Then, this is the right visa for you.
Long-term Ireland visa
The following are the different types of long-term Ireland visas. They include:
Study visa for international students who want to study in Ireland. You can only be allowed to study in the country with a valid study permit. Therefore, you must apply for a study permit to enter an Irish university.
Work visa allows you to work in Ireland. therefore, you must apply for a work visa to visit the country as a worker.
Family visa. This is used when you plan to reunite with your family in Ireland. So, you will indicate this in your application.
Irish Researcher visa for foreign researchers in Ireland.
Irish Long-Term Internship visa. Probably, you are staying longer than 3 months. Then, you will need this visa to continue staying in the country.
Irish Volunteer visa. Foreign volunteers also need an Ireland visa to work in the country. Therefore, you will need this visa to work in Ireland as a volunteer.
Irish Minister of Religion visa. This is for those travelling to Ireland for religious purposes. For instance, a minister who wants to conduct a religious ceremony.
Other types of Ireland Visa
In addition to these visa types, you may also apply for any of these visa types in Ireland. They include:
Ireland transit visa
You will need a Transit visa if you will stop at an Irish airport while travelling to another country. However, this is not for everyone. so, you will have to, first of all, enquire if you need it.
Single-entry visa
This allows you to enterthis country once. Therefore, even if your visa is still valid and you move out of the country. Then, you won’t be able to enter the country again.
Multiple-entry visa
With this type of Ireland visa, you can enter the country multiple times once your visa is still valid. Thus, there is no limit for you to enter the country.
Requirements for Ireland visa application
Anyone eligible for Ireland visa must have the following documents. they include:
- Visa Application Form.
- Your passport.
- Photo
- Receipt for payment
- Proof of legal residence in your country
- Cover letter
- Proof of accommodation
- Details of your host
- Your previous visas.
- Employment status
- Study documents.
- Proof of sufficient funds.
- A self-addressed, pre-paid envelope
Step to apply for all types of Ireland visa
To apply for any type of visa, you must follow the steps below. They include:
Strep 1. Find out if you need an Ireland Visa
First of all, you must find out if you are eligible for an Ireland visa. Then, you must know the kind of visa that suits your purpose of travelling to the country. Of course, if you are from the EU?EEA country, you do not need a visa to visit this country.
Step 2. Fill out an Ireland visa application form
Secondly, it’s time to fill out an application form for an Ireland visa. The visa you fill out depends on the purpose of your travel. However, you must provide the following general information. They include:
- The purpose of travel
- Duration of your travel
- Address of your relatives
- Your name
- Date of birth
Step 3. Book an appointment with the Irish embassy
Then, you will have to book an appointment with the Irish embassy in your country. This is because the embassy won’t listen to you unless you have an appointment with them.
Step 4. Gather the necessary documents
This is an important step. You must gather all the necessary documents. Each document is as important as the other. Therefore, make sure that none of the documents above is missing.
Step 5. Attend visa interview
Once you have gathered your documents, it’s time to attend your interview. So, be ready to visit the embassy once you are invited. Moreover, you must be early for your interview. Also, you must attend the interview with your application form and other documents. You will also be asked to provide your biometrics in the interview.
Step 6. Wait for a response from the embassy
Once you have finished the interview, the next step is to wait for the response. This can come within 15 days. However, it can take longer than if there is a missing document. Always be ready to provide extra information for the embassy concerning your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs an Ireland visa?
Nationals from non-EU countries who are not exempted from a visa must apply for a visa to visit Ireland.
What can I do if I am refused a visa?
Once you are denied a visa to Ireland, you will have to write a letter stating so. Then, inform them that your denial was wrong. In the letter, you must provide the original copies of your documents.
Can I Visit Northern Ireland With an Irish Visa?
No, you cannot visit northern Ireland with a visa. You can only enter the country with a UK visa.
Conclusion
In conclusion. though a visa is hard to get, it can become easy if you do the right thing. Therefore, we advise you to follow the guideline provided in this article to get your visa easily. Also, if you have a problem, you can contact us at workstudyvisa for further enquiries.
