International university students studying in Ireland and native to non-European nations will be able to renew their immigration registration online from August 26. As a test, only students living in Dublin County will be able to do it online. Up to 8,000 students are expected to benefit between September to November this year.

The new online system is a way of replacing the existing one where students have to face long lines to personally renew their student visa at the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).

The start date for the online process – August 26 – coincides with the new academic school year, which starts in September. There will be no additional fee for online registration.

Students who need to renew their visa but live elsewhere in the island will need to apply in person at the nearest Garda office.

The announcement was made by the Irish minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan,  who said: “Ireland is home to third level universities and colleges of global standing. A growing number of international students choose to study in Ireland each year. I am pleased to be able to make your interactions with immigration services more accessible and easy to use. ”

How will it work?

College students will be able to renew their immigration permission through a new online application system. They will be able to submit their application and all documents online, pay the application fee also in the virtual environment and then post their passport to INIS. A passport is required to complete the registration as permission is placed on it.

Once stamped, the document is returned by registered mail as well as the authorization card.