My Department has responsibility for immigration-related matters, including the entry and residence conditions of non-EU/EEA/UK/Swiss nationals wishing to pursue a course of education in the State.
Such students, subject to certain conditions, are granted a Stamp 2 immigration permission typically for 1 year but can vary depending on course. Such permission may be renewed provided the student is enrolled on an approved course. 60,882 student immigration permissions (Stamp 2) were registered or renewed in 2023.
Permission to remain is granted on the basis that a student's primary purpose for being in the State is to study. All applicants for permission to study in Ireland must show that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in Ireland without recourse to public funds, or the reliance on casual employment.
Since April 2001, non- EU/EEA/UK/Swiss students with a Stamp 2 immigration permission, and who are enrolled on courses with education providers listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP), including English language courses, have been afforded the opportunity to work during their stay. They may take up casual employment to supplement their income while studying in Ireland. During term time, non- EU/EEA/UK/Swiss students can work up to 20 hours per week and, during normal college holiday periods they can work on a full time basis up to 40 hours per week.
The conditions attaching to all immigration permissions are kept under ongoing review by my Department with all relevant stakeholders. However, at this time, there are no plans to revise the current arrangement for students.
Where an individual works in excess of the hours allowable, it would amount to a breach of the conditions attached to their immigration permission. Issues in relation to employment law are a matter for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
