Anne Roche Manager of Irish Visa Office March 2011

Map of Ireland

How to apply All visa applications must be submitted online: 30 days from date of creation of application to submit required documentation 600RMB for a single D (Long term) Study visa Can lodge directly with our visa public office, through the postal system or through an education agent – if you use an agent remember you are responsible for all documents submitted on your behalf. Visa applicants are not generally required to attend for an interview, however the Visa Office reserves the right to request an applicant to attend for interview on a case-by-case basis Processing times for study visas is approximately 20 working days when lodged in the Beijing Visa Office and working days for the Shanghai Consulate but this may increase at peak times during the summer months June-August. Please lodge as early as possible to ensure your application is processed in time for your starting date.

Document requirements Online summary sheet must be signed by the applicant and submitted with photos in accordance with our specifications (see website) Study Plan – details of what you intend to study in Ireland and for how long etc. Financial Details Evidence of level of English - IELTS / TOEFL / Cambridge Certificate recommended Educational Background / Academic Qualifications e.g. SMS Cert Hukou Irish Bank Statement showing the fees have been paid in advance of the visa application must be lodged with the application with the exception of applications from the Privileged Status Provinces. Further details of Privileged Status Provinces on website. Original of all documents required along with translated English version if appropriate Further details of documents required can be found on our website

Finances Evidence of a minimum 6 months savings history Evidence of the source of your funding e.g. regular savings, sale of house etc – it must be demonstrated that all monies genuinely belong to the applicant and his or her sponsor and that the money was not deposited solely for the purposes of the application. You have immediate access to at least €7000 in addition to your college/school fees to cover living expenses You must also demonstrate that you or your sponsor will have ready access to an amount of at least €7,000 for each subsequent year of your studies, in addition to the course fees for each of those years. China Everbright Certificates

English requirements We need to know your current standard of English so we can assess whether or not your study plan is feasible We strongly recommend that applicants undertake IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge

NO FALSE DOCUMENTS - Submission of false or misleading information will result in a visa application being refused REMEMBER – if an agent lodges false documents on your behalf YOU are still responsible for them and your application will be refused. FALSE DOCUMENTS = REFUSED VISA =

STUDENTS IN IRELAND Changes to student immigration rules from January 2011 All students must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) within 90 days of arriving in Ireland. When you register for the first time in Ireland you must show you have at least €3,000 in an Irish Bank Account for living fees in addition to your college fees having been paid. You must show you have private medical insurance each year you re- register in Ireland for the full duration of your study plan. A student cannot change his/her course within their first year of study. After the first year, a student can only change their course to an equivalent NFQ level course or higher e.g. you cannot change from a degree course to an English Language course or non degree course.

STUDENTS IN IRELAND Changes to student immigration rules from January 2011 The maximum time a student may stay in Ireland for the purpose of attending courses at degree level (National Framework of Qualifications Level 7) is limited to 7 years. The maximum time a student may stay in Ireland for the purpose of attending courses at Language or Non Degree level is limited to 3 years.

Right to Work 20 hours per week Holiday periods - 40 hours per week Further details on Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation website

Third Level Graduate Scheme One Year Graduate Scheme - allows third level graduates at Level NFQ 8-10 to remain in Ireland for a period of one year from date of receipt of their exam results for the purpose of seeking employment and applying for a work permit/green card. Six months Graduate Scheme – allows third level graduates at Level NFQ 7 to remain in Ireland for a period of six months from date of receipt of their exam results results for the purpose of seeking employment and applying for a work permit/green card. During this period the student can work up to 40 hours per week. For eligibility see the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation website -

Study Applications Approved RefusedApproval Rate % % %

Contact details Irish Visa Office Tayuan Diplomatic Office Building Liangmahe Nan Lu Beijing ation/

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