Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 December 2020
7. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice if consideration will be given to extending the temporary online application process for international student graduates seeking to avail of the third level graduate scheme but are unable to renew in person as they are outside of the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42158/20]
View answerThe Immigration Service of my Department has made significant efforts to support people impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19, including by bringing more applications online, rolling over existing permissions, and introducing a range of other reforms to the services we provide.
Last Friday, the Immigration Service of my Department announced updated immigration arrangements applying to all non-EEA persons holding a Stamp 2 student permission, who wish to avail of the Third Level Graduate Programme but are unable to report to their local registration office to receive a Stamp 1G either because:
- They have returned to their home countries or countries of ordinary residence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, or
- They cannot secure an appointment due to the impact of COVID-19.
It was also announced as a further temporary measure that applications may be submitted electronically to the Registration Office in Burgh Quay in Dublin by emailing bqregofficeapplications@justice.ie. This means that there is no need for anyone to attend in person. All required documentation should be scanned and included in the electronic application.
Where a permission is granted, applicants will still be required to register when they have returned to Ireland or when appointments are available.
This temporary measure will be in place until 28 February 2021 and will be kept under review in light of the restrictions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
All other eligibility criteria set out in the 2017 Revision of this Scheme will continue to apply. Full details are available on the Immigration Service website.
Non-EEA students have also benefitted from the rolling extensions of immigration permissions announced by my predecessor and I during the pandemic. This ensures that students enrolled in a course of study can continue to be able to work part-time. The most recent extension is currently in place until 20 January 2021 and is being kept under review in my Department.
