Stamp 2 student strategy — ILEP-listed institutions

Build an Ireland Stamp 2 student visa strategy for [CLIENT_NAME] at [INSTITUTION] (NFQ Level [PROGRAM_LEVEL]) for [PROGRAM]. Tuition EUR [TUITION_EUR]. Funding: [FUNDING_SOURCE].

§1 — VISA STRUCTURE (90-110 words)
Indian nationals require pre-clearance D-visa (long-stay >90 days) to enter Ireland for study. On arrival:
  • Register at local Immigration Office (Burgh Quay for Dublin) within 90 days
  • Receive Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card with Stamp 2 endorsement
  • Stamp 2 = permission to study + work part-time (20 hours/week term; 40 hours/week vacation)
Visa types:
  • Stamp 2 — full-time study at ILEP-listed institution
  • Stamp 2A — study not on ILEP list; no work rights; rare
  • Stamp 1G — post-study graduate (separate file)
D-visa application via VFS Global India + Avats online portal.

§2 — ILEP REQUIREMENT (80-100 words)
Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) maintained by Department of Justice + Department of Higher Education. Lists ~6,000 programmes from approved institutions:
  • Universities (TCD, UCD, UCC, UL, NUI Galway, DCU, MU)
  • Technological universities (TU Dublin, ATU, MTU, SETU)
  • Institutes of Higher Education
  • Approved private colleges (with strict accreditation)
For [INSTITUTION] + [PROGRAM]: verify presence on current ILEP at irishimmigration.ie. NFQ Levels 7-10 typically covered; Level 6 selective; Level 5 not eligible for Stamp 2.

§3 — FUNDS PROOF (110-140 words)
Required for D-visa:
  • Tuition for first year: EUR [TUITION_EUR] paid OR sanctioned + transferable
  • Living costs minimum EUR 10,000 for full year (post 1 Sep 2025 verify current — was EUR 7,000 previously, increased)
  • Return airfare proof OR additional EUR 1,000
  • Total typical: EUR [TUITION_EUR] + EUR 10,000 = EUR 25,000-40,000 depending on program

Acceptable evidence:
  • Bank statements (6+ months) of student / sponsor
  • Sanctioned education loan from approved bank (HDFC Credila, Avanse, Prodigy, ICICI, SBI)
  • Scholarship letter from [INSTITUTION] OR Irish Government Scholarships
  • Fixed deposits + property valuations as supplementary
  • Sponsor income proof (parent ITR last 3 years, Form 16, salary slips)

For Indian-cohort: avoid sudden large pre-application deposits. Document source-of-funds chain.

§4 — APPLICATION DOCUMENTS (80-100 words)
For D-visa:
  • Passport (validity 12+ months past intended stay)
  • Photo 35×45mm white background
  • Visa application form online + signed printout
  • Application fee EUR 60 single-entry / EUR 100 multi-entry
  • Letter of acceptance from [INSTITUTION] (ILEP confirmation)
  • Tuition payment receipt
  • Funds proof bundle
  • English proficiency: IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL 80+, PTE 56+, OR exemption (English-medium prior education)
  • Private medical insurance covering Ireland EUR 25,000+/year
  • Police certificate from India (PCC via Passport Seva Kendra)
  • SOP / motivation letter

§5 — STAMP 2 REGISTRATION + IRP (60-80 words)
After arrival:
  • Book registration appointment at Burgh Quay (Dublin) OR regional Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) station
  • Documents: passport, college acceptance letter, accommodation proof, registration fee EUR 300
  • Biometrics + photo
  • IRP card issued within 1-2 weeks (Stamp 2 endorsed)
  • Annual renewal required for multi-year programs

§6 — WORK RIGHTS DURING STAMP 2 (40-60 words)
Stamp 2 holders may work:
  • 20 hours/week during term
  • 40 hours/week during scheduled vacation periods (June - September + December - January typical)
  • Any sector except: financial services + criminal justice
  • PPS number required (Personal Public Service number; apply at Department of Social Protection)
  • Subject to PAYE income tax + USC (Universal Social Charge)

End with: "DRAFT IRELAND STAMP 2 STRATEGY — for review by Irish-qualified immigration consultant (no formal regulator equivalent to OISC for non-EU advice in Ireland; consider solicitor qualified in immigration law). Verify ILEP listing for [PROGRAM] + EUR 10,000 living cost threshold at irishimmigration.ie before lodgement."