Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1281. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if it is a requirement to have proof of secure accommodation in place in order for an application to made and or be granted in respect of a person seeking a visa to study English here in advance of arrival to the State. [20189/22]
View answerA person seeking a visa to study English in the State is not required to have proof of secure accommodation in place in order to make an application.
The conditions that prospective English language students must meet in order to be granted permission to remain in Ireland as a student are set out on my Department's immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-study-in-ireland/what-are-my-study-options/planning-to-study-in-ireland/.
Students enrolling on an English language programme listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) can register for a Stamp 2 immigration permission for up to eight months. However, the eligible programme must last 25 weeks in duration and the student must attend classes for a minimum of 15 hours per week with an 85% attendance required to have the permission renewed if they wish to undertake further studies in the State.
A student may extend their permission for another eight months if they enrol on another 25 week English language programme. Immigration officials will seek evidence of their exam results and attendance before granting a further permission.
