Ireland visa for Indians

You’ve decided to hop on a plane to Ireland — home to rolling green hills, Guinness-filled pints, and more castles than you can shake a shamrock at? But before you start to mentally plan your Irish accent, there’s one little thing you need — a visa. But don’t freak out — getting your Ireland visa is far easier than chasing rainbows. Let’s break it down, so you can start your Irish adventure sooner rather than later.

Types of Ireland visas for Indians

To begin with, it’s important to determine the type of visa you need based on the purpose of your visit. Ireland offers several visa categories, each tailored to different types of visitors.

Short-stay visa (C visa)

A short-stay visa is typically required for those who wish to visit Ireland for a temporary period (up to 90 days). This visa is generally issued for:

● Tourism: If you want to visit Ireland for leisure and sightseeing.

● Business: Attending conferences, meetings, or business-related events.

● Family visits: Visiting family members residing in Ireland.

● Other short-term activities: This includes attending a wedding, sports event, or short training programmes.

Note: You cannot work, study for long periods, or extend a short-stay visa. It is strictly for temporary visits.

Long-stay visa (D visa)

If you plan to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days, for study, work, or family reunification, you will need a long-stay visa (D visa). This includes:

● Study visa: For students enrolling in full-time programmes at Irish universities or colleges.

● Work visa: For those with a job offer in Ireland.

● Family reunification visa: If you are joining an immediate family member who is living in Ireland.

Note: If you are granted a long-stay visa, you must register with the Irish Residence Permit (IRP) after arriving in Ireland.

Transit visa

A transit visa is required for passengers who are passing through Ireland on their way to another destination. You will not be allowed to leave the airport unless you have a valid transit visa.

Student visa

A student visa is required for Indian nationals who wish to study in Ireland. To qualify, the applicant must be enrolled in a full-time course that is approved by the Irish government. This visa also allows students to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week during term and 40 hours during holidays).

Work visa

There are two main categories of work visas in Ireland:

● Critical skills employment permit: For highly skilled professionals in specific sectors, including IT, engineering, and healthcare.

● General employment permit: For other skilled workers with a job offer in Ireland. This visa is subject to the labour market needs test.

Family reunification visa

This type of visa allows family members of Irish citizens or permanent residents to join their relatives in Ireland. Eligible family members include spouses, dependent children, and sometimes parents.

Step-by-step Ireland visa application process for Indians

Now that you know the type of visa you need, here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for an Ireland visa:

Step 1: Determine your visa type

Before starting your application, confirm which visa category best suits your purpose. The Irish government offers various visa types based on your intention of stay (tourism, study, work, etc.).

Step 2: Complete the online application

● Go to the official Irish immigration and naturalisation service (INIS) website.

● Complete the AVATS online visa application form. The form will ask for details about your personal information, travel plans, and supporting documents.

● After filling out the form, print the completed application and sign it.

Step 3: Pay the visa fee

Visa fees must be paid as part of the application process. Fees can be paid online through the AVATS system or at the visa application centre (VAC). The fees are generally as follows:

● Single entry visa: €60

● Multiple entry visa: €100

● Transit visa: €25

● The fee is non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected.

Step 4: Gather required documents

You will need to submit a set of supporting documents along with your visa application. Here’s a comprehensive list of documents that are generally required:

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your planned entry into Ireland.

Visa application form: The completed and signed AVATS form.

Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs that meet the required specifications.

Travel itinerary: Details of your flight booking, accommodation, and travel plans.

Proof of purpose:

Invitation letter (for business or family visits).

Acceptance letter from an Irish institution (for student visa).

Employment contract or job offer letter (for work visa).

Financial proof: Bank statements from the last 6 months, payslips, or sponsorship letter to show you can support your stay in Ireland.

Travel insurance: Insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000 during your stay.

Accommodation details: Proof of where you will stay during your visit.

Visa fee payment receipt: If paying at a visa application centre.

Step 5: Submit your application

Once you have gathered all your documents and completed the application form, submit your visa application to the nearest Irish embassy or consulate in India, or at a visa application centre (VFS Global). Make sure to include your payment receipt and all supporting documents.

Step 6: Biometric appointment (if required)

Some applicants may be asked to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photographs). This will be scheduled at the visa application centre.

Step 7: Track your application

Once submitted, you can track the status of your visa application online using the tracking number provided at the time of submission.

Ireland visa processing time

Visa processing times may vary depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications. Here are the approximate processing times:

● Short-stay visa: 15-30 working days

● Long-stay visa: 6-8 weeks

● Student and work visas: 8-12 weeks

It’s advisable to apply well in advance to avoid delays.

Common reasons for Ireland visa rejection

While many visa applications are approved, some are rejected due to various reasons. Common reasons for rejection include:

● Incomplete or incorrect application forms

● Insufficient financial proof or support

● Lack of travel insurance or incomplete documentation

● Failure to demonstrate the purpose of visit or return intention

Pro tip: The cost of visa fee, in case of visa denial by the embassy is reimbursed to the insured, provided the insured has opted for the cover before or at the time of applying for visa.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to get your Ireland visa, it’s time to stop daydreaming and start planning. Get your documents together, submit your application, and before you know it, you’ll be raising a pint in the land of green.