Ireland is a small country in Europe, with an area of only 32,595 sqm, and has about 6.6 million people staying there. However, it is one of the most popular countries globally as many tourists visit it because of its beautiful sites and views.

Ireland is often called the “Emerald Isle” because of its numerous magnificent historical sites.

Ireland is one country with a simple immigration process, whether you come to Ireland as a recent graduate to pursue your postgraduate studies or work and live in Ireland.

Note; The Ireland immigration visa is just a pre-entry authorization, and it does not automatically give you citizenship in the country.

This article provides detailed information regarding Ireland’s immigration visas, such as the visa policies, types, applying for an Irish passport, citizenship in Ireland, and Irish visa requirements.

What is the Ireland Visa Policy?

Ireland visa policies are the rules that control the movement of people in Ireland, and it covers three categories:

1. The EU/EEA Nationals

This policy is for individuals from countries and Nations who are part of the European Union / EEA. This policy allows them to enter Ireland with only a valid passport or a National Identity card. Automatically, this means that you can stay up to three months in Ireland without disturbance.

2. Non-EU/EEA nationals who are exempted from Irish visas

This is for individuals from countries not under the EU but is exempted. Therefore, they are free to travel to Ireland without a visa.

However, the difference between them and the first stage of people is that, once they get to Ireland, they have to register at the border control with the immigration as only the immigration office will permit them.

3. Non-EU/ EEA citizens who are subject to Irish visas

These are a set of people from a country that does not have permission to enter Ireland without a visa. This means that you have to apply for a permit from your home country, and immediately you land in Ireland, you register with the immigration authority there.

Types of Ireland Immigration Visa

There are types of island visas, and it is divided based on the duration of stay and the purpose of the travel.

1. Irish Short Stay Visa(C-Visa)

As its name implies, it is given for trips that are not more than three months.

1. The Irish business visa
2. The Irish employment visa, for foreign nationals, takes up employment for a short time.
3. The Irish Business visa
4. The Irish tourist visa
5. The Irish training visas for individuals that Ireland for training purposes
6. Irish performance visa, visa for individuals in Ireland either for athletic purposes, sports events, or other performances.
7. The Irish join-a-ship visa for those embarking on a ship in Ireland within 24 hours.
8. Irish medical treatment visa
9. An Irish exam visa is a visa for those that is Ireland to take an exam
10. The Irish marriage visa for those who want to marry in Ireland has received acknowledgments from the Irish registry of civil marriages.
11. Irish internship visa.

2. Irish Long Stay Visa(D-Visa)

This is a type of visa for those who wish to stay more than three months in Ireland.

These are the type of long term Ireland Immigration Visa

1. Irish work visa
2. Irish study visa
3. Irish family visa
4. Irish Research visa
5. Irish volunteer visa
6. Irish missionary visa
7. Irish long internship visa

3. Irish Single and Multiple Entry Visa

Irish multiple entry visa is a type of visa that is issued for multiple entries into Ireland, while the single visa is usually a one-time entry. With multiple Irish visas, you can enter Ireland as many times as you provided the visa issued to you is still valid.

4. Irish Transit Visa

This type of Ireland Immigration Visa allows Travelers to change their transport vessel at an Irish airport or seaport, provided they do not pass through border control.

5. Re-entry Visas

How to Apply for the Ireland Immigration Visa

To apply for the Ireland immigration visa, You must do it online, unless you are already a resident in Ireland and want to apply for a re-entry visa.

After submitting your application, you will receive a guide on the next thing to do.

Your biometric data and fingerprints will be required, and this can take some time, usually three days for business-related travel visas, right up to 12 weeks for preclearance applications.

Here are some questions you will be expected to answer;

1. Personal Information.
2. Country of residence.
3. Residential address.
4. How long you have been living in your current country.
5. Whether you have applied for/been issued an Irish visa before, If yes, provide the reference number.
6. Passport information.
7. Employment status.
8. Marital status
9. Host details
10. Criminal conviction.

Applying for Citizenship and Permanent Residency in Ireland

You can apply for permanent residency in Ireland after lawful residence for up to 5 years. This encompasses General Employment Permit holders.

Note that for you to be considered a legal resident in Ireland, you register with the immigration and not your arrival date.

After five years of living and financing yourself in Ireland, you may be qualified to apply for citizenship. Being a citizen in Ireland qualifies you to apply for an Irish passport and vote in all Irish elections, making you an EU citizen.

Steps to Take In case of Visa Refusal

Getting your Irish with Visa can sometimes be a hard thing to do, and if, in any case, your visa appeal was rejected, here are four things you should do;

1. Write an appeal letter explaining why the rejection should be changed, including details such as your full legal name, email address, postal address, and transaction number.
2. Get your documents ready and attach the necessary ones
3. If the refusal letter indicates a document you should include for appeal, please don’t hesitate to do that.
4. You can submit the appeal yourself.

Final Words

On a final note, Ireland gives many opportunities for both work and study purposes.

There are many advantages that come with living in Ireland. Although its immigration policies can be uncertain, it will be worth it if you scale through.