Non-EU 3rd level students who live in the greater Dublin area will be able to renew their immigration registration online from 26 August. Currently such students are required to present in person at the Burgh Quay Registration Office of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).
Online registration is available to third level students who have previously registered with INIS, and who are progressing to the second or later year of a degree course. Students will be able to submit their application and all supporting documentation online, pay the registration fee online and then post their passport to INIS.
The new arrangements will come into effect from 26 August 2019 to coincide with the start of the new academic year. Up to 8,000 students are expected to use the online renewal system between September and November. Initially the system will be limited to students who live in Dublin. For anyone outside of the greater Dublin area, registrations will continue to be made in person at the nearest Garda District Office. However the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) may extend the system to other categories of customers in line with other reform developments underway under its Customer Service Improvements Plan.
In 2018 a total of 138,400 non-EEA nationals registered their immigration permission to be in the State. This figure is up 20% on 2017 and covers a wide variety of permissions including persons coming for the purposes of work, business, family reunifications and as students. Students made up 55,000 (40%) of registrations in 2018.
For more information:
- Online student renewal applications for degree level college students in Dublin only
- Department of Justice and Equality Press Release: Minister Flanagan announces new immigration registration renewal system for 3rd level students
- Read EMN Ireland study Attracting and retaining international higher education students: Ireland
- See European Migration Network Glossary Term: Student
