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NEW STUDENT IMMIGRATION SCHEME
The Department of Justice have recently announced some important changes to the student visa system in Ireland. Among the changes being introduced are :
New Time Limits
The maximum time a student can be present in the State enrolled on a course in the Language and Non Degree Programme category will be 3 years. At the end of the 3 years, the right to remain in the State will expire unless the student is accepted onto an academic programme at NFQ Level 7 or above.
Overall, non-EEA student permission in Ireland will be limited to 7 years. Occasionally, exceptions may be made e.g. at PhD level or for programmes which have a longer duration e.g. medicine.
New Financial Requirement
From 1 April 2011 you have access to €3,000 at first registration.
Timed Out Students
There are provisions in place for students who are unable to re-register with GNIB for a course because of the new regime e.g. a student who has been in Ireland for over 7 years and is not enrolled on year two or subsequent year of a course at NFQ Level 7 or above. Such students will be eligible for a 6 month extension of their permission. During this period, timed out students will be entitled to work full time. At the end of the 6 months, if the students have not secured another legal status to remain in Ireland e.g. work permit, they will have to leave the State.
Access to part-time work
It is permissible for Language and Non-Degree Programme students to engage in casual employment where they are -
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Registered with Stamp 2 permission
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Enrolled on a course listed on the Internationalisation Register
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Attending a full time course of education,
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Undertaking a minimum of 15 hours day time tuition, between the hours of 8am and 6pm per week for a minimum of 25 weeks per annum
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On a course of at least one year's duration
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Pursuing a course leading to a qualifications recognised by the Minister for Education and Skills [target for English language
For further details you can download the complete document at Non EEA Student Language and Non-Degree Programme Guidelines or contact Helen at admin@learnenglishireland-swan.com.
