New Online Immigration System For Non-EU Students

A new online system to allow students from outside Europe studying in Ireland to renew their immigration status will go live on 26 August, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan has announced.

The new registration will replace the existing system which currently requires Dublin-based students to present in person at the Burgh Quay Registration Office of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). The new arrangements will come into effect from 26 August 2019 to coincide with the start of the new academic year.

Minister Flanagan said: "I am delighted to announce the introduction of an online application process which will enable third level students from outside Europe who live in the greater Dublin area to renew their immigration registration with INIS without the need to present in person. This will benefit over 8,000 students this year and will free up in-person appointments for other customers."

Up to 8,000 students are expected to use the online renewal system between September and November, saving them time and freeing up in-person appointment slots for other customers. There will be no additional fee for applying online. The online renewal system will initially be available to students who live in Dublin. For anyone outside of the greater Dublin area, registrations will continue to be made in person at your nearest Garda District Office.

The Minister added: "Ireland is home to third level universities and colleges of global standing. Increasing numbers of international students choose to come to study in Ireland every year. I am pleased to be able to make their interactions with the immigration services more accessible and user-friendly."

Third level students who have previously registered with INIS, and who are progressing to the second or later year of a degree course, will be able to renew their immigration permission through a new online application system. They will be able to submit their application and all supporting documentation online, pay the registration fee online and then post their passport to INIS. The passport is needed to complete registration as their permission has to be placed in their passport in the form of the relevant immigration stamp. The updated passport will be stamped and returned by registered post and their Permit card will follow separately also by registered post.

The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) will consider extending the system to other categories of customers in line with other reform developments underway under its Customer Service Improvements Plan.

(MH/JG)