Student Visa FAQs
All Your Questions Answered!

Visa applications must be submitted at least 21 working days before your course start date. Applications submitted after this may be returned without a decision.

The standard processing time is 6 to 8 weeks, but it may vary depending on the volume of applications and your individual case. Apply early to avoid delays.

Essential documents include:

• Passport (with validity & blank pages)
• Offer letter and fee payment receipt
• Academic documents
• IELTS/PTE/TOEFL/DUOLINGO certificate
• Updated Resume & Personal Statement
• Financial documents (proof of funds, sponsor details)
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
• Medical insurance (ODON preferred)
• Completed AVATS form & student questionnaire

Check our Ireland Visa Checklist blog for the full list.

AVATS is the online visa application portal for Ireland.
🔗 Fill your form here: https://www.visas.inis.gov.ie/AVATS/OnlineHome.aspx

You must show:

• Tuition Fee (paid minimum 50%)
• €10,000 for living expenses
  Funds can be shown through savings, FDs, education loans, PF/EPF/PPF, or approved financial investments

You must pay at least 50% of your tuition fee. If your total tuition fee is under €12,000, you must pay a minimum of €6,000 to qualify for visa processing.

Eligible sponsors include:

• Self, Mother, Father, Spouse
• Brother, Sister, Grandparents, In-laws

While allowed, the embassy prefers a mix of loan + family funding. You must provide supporting documents such as FDs, PF, LIC, etc., along with a Loan Disbursement Letter.

Apply online via the Passport Seva portal:
🔗 http://www.passportindia.gov.in
Carry required documents (passport, address proof) to your appointment.

You may show:

• Savings account (min. 6 months)
• FDs (older than 6 months)
• Education loans (with disbursement letter)
• PF/PPF/LIC/Mutual Funds
• Sale of Property (with all transaction records)

Unacceptable: Gold loans, OD, chit funds, loans against recent FDs.

• Identity proof (Passport/PAN/Aadhar)
• Sponsorship Letter (signed)
• 3 years ITR or Form 16 / Pension Letter
• Relevant financial proof (bank statement, FDs, PF, etc.)

• Yes, NRIs can sponsor your studies. Required documents include a sponsorship letter, proof of relationship, salary slips, employment documents, visa copy, and ITRs/Form 16.

• You must provide a valid English language test certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or DUOLINGO) meeting the minimum requirements set by the Irish Immigration Service.

• No medical test is required. However, you must have valid medical insurance, such as StudyandProtect or other Private medical Insurance, before submitting your visa application.

• In most cases, no interview is required. However, the visa officer may request an interview or additional documents in special cases.

Yes, you can work 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during holidays on a valid student visa.

If you defer your course after visa approval, you will need to apply for a fresh visa with the new offer letter and updated documents.

You must disclose all past visa refusals (for any country) and attach a copy of the refusal letter(s). Failure to declare may lead to automatic rejection.

No, an Irish student visa is not a Schengen visa. However, you can apply for Schengen visas separately for short visits to other EU countries.