Other than Googling what the best restaurants are or what sites you want to see, the VISA process and your ability to work in a new country, are generally the next top searches you will have to look up. Irish Student VISA hmmm…I don’t think anyone is ever excited to look up this information, but it’s a must when wanting to live, work or study in a new country. Most of the advice that will come out of this blog will be for students not from an EU country, but it does give advice about Cork specific issues that anybody could benefit from. This post will not have every detail, but rather will focus on issues that may not be given on the government websites or the University sites.
Coming from the USA, I’m lucky enough to not have to pay for entry into Ireland for a normal 90-day visitation VISA, but a lot of friends of mine have to pay to enter Ireland and depending on your country, it can get expensive. Unfortunately, Ireland is not part of the Schengen Zone, so you will not have any other countries included on any of the visas you’re applying for. This means that you’ll have to get another travel visa for any other country you want to travel to, even the UK, which can add a lot of cost onto a weekend trip. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied in Ireland and you’ll never have to leave us…Little creepy, sorry about that, but it’s true, Ireland is beautiful and can cater to constant ‘getaway’ trips.
So, once you have arrived to Cork and have stepped out of the airport or bus, where do you go? Well, you don’t have to race to the VISA office right away, you have three months to complete the process, but I wouldn’t recommend waiting that long. The image below shows the locations of the VISA office and PPS# office in relation to the UCC campus.
Map from University College Cork to PPS# office (Purple) and Immigration and VISA Office (Red)
When I first arrived to Cork, there was one lady that was responsible for processing every VISA application. As of last year, their workforce has doubled…So, my advice is to suck it up and get to the VISA office as early as possible to avoid waiting all day.
WILL THE QUEUE END AT SOME POINT?
The VISA office opens up at 8:30 am, but you’re allowed to wait in the lobby before opening hours. It’s located in the Police station, so it’s open 24 hours. I would recommend arriving at 6:30-7:00 if you would like to get out of there before 10:00 am. If you arrive at 8:30 or later, it’s a good chance that you’ll be waiting until 12:00. The office closes from 12-2:00 for lunch and if you leave your spot during those times you’ll have to start all over again. Just do yourself a favour and get there early, you’ll probably make some friends in line or get ahead in some schoolwork.
THE REQUIREMENTS
Now, the requirements for the VISA aren’t too difficult (Student VISA Requirements), but there is a specific one that gives people a bit of a panic attack. To get a student VISA, you must show evidence that you have an Irish bank account and within that bank account, you must have at least €3,000. Yes, this is a bit scary, but it is for your own good as well. To live in a new country, you need at least this much to get started. This is just the Irish way of ensuring that you have a safe stay while in Cork.
One reason not to wait too long before going to the VISA office is that you must show that you have €3,000 within 24 hours of your visit to the office. The evidence of this amount is only accepted by a bank statement sent to your house or a ‘miniature bank statement’ that can be printed off at the bank you’re affiliated with. You can also ask the bank to mail you a statement in order to obtain a proof of address. All other required paperwork will come from the school. At UCC, the international office is extremely helpful and will hold your hand all the way through the process. Just make sure you arrive at the allotted time they give you at the beginning of the semester, it will make the whole process a lot faster than running around like a chicken without a head.
WORKING 8 DAYS A WEEK
Once you have your VISA sorted, the PPS# is simple. Literally, all you have to do if you’re a student is to bring your passport, your VISA and your proof of address and BOOM! You have your PPS# and you can go and find a job. Finding a job in Cork is pretty simple, but if the idea of finding one in a new country is intimidating, these guys can help smooth out the process Jobs in Cork. Working in Cork is also a good way to get away from your comfort zone and meet new people that you would generally not have the opportunity to run into, plus, having some money is nice.
I hope this helps and remember, you’re very close to the fun bits, just have to wade through the bureaucratic pool first.
Sincerely,
The Obvious American
