Ireland is a popular destination among international students who are looking to study abroad. Apart from its world-class education system, the country also offers various opportunities for students to work and live in Ireland after completing their studies. If you’re an international student in Ireland, you might be wondering whether you can get Permanent Residency (PR) in Ireland after studying. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about getting PR in Ireland after study.
What is Permanent Residency?
Permanent residency allows a non-national to remain indefinitely within a country of which they are not a citizen. This includes the same rights and privileges as that of a national, such as the right to work, access healthcare and education, and the ability to travel in and out of the country freely.
Eligibility Criteria for PR in Ireland
To be eligible for PR in Ireland, you must first obtain a Critical Skills Employment Permit or a General Employment Permit. These permits allow non-EEA nationals to legally work in Ireland during their studies and also after graduation. Once you have been working in Ireland for a specified period, you may be eligible to apply for PR through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).
The eligibility criteria for PR in Ireland are as follows:
- You must hold a valid work permit.
- You must have legally lived in Ireland for at least five years (four years if you are married to an Irish citizen).
- You must have a good character and have obeyed the laws of the country.
- You must have sufficient knowledge of the English language and pass an English language exam.
- You must not have been absent from Ireland for more than six months in any one year.
- You must have paid all taxes due to the Irish government.
Steps to Apply for PR in Ireland
If you meet the eligibility criteria for PR in Ireland, you can apply through the INIS. Here are the steps to follow:
- Fill out the application form: The first step is to download and fill out the application form for PR in Ireland.
- Gather supporting documents: You will need to gather supporting documents that prove your eligibility for PR. This includes your work permit, proof of legal residence in Ireland, proof of tax compliance, etc.
- Submit your application: Once you have completed the application form and gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit your application to the INIS.
- Wait for a decision: The INIS will review your application and make a decision on whether to grant you PR. The processing time for PR applications is usually around 6-9 months.
Benefits of PR in Ireland
Obtaining PR in Ireland comes with various benefits. These include:
- The right to live and work in Ireland indefinitely.
- The ability to travel in and out of Ireland without restrictions.
- Access to healthcare and education systems.
- The ability to sponsor family members for visas or residency.
- The ability to apply for Irish citizenship after a certain period.
Conclusion
In summary, obtaining PR in Ireland after study is possible if you meet the eligibility criteria. This includes holding a valid work permit, legally living in Ireland for at least five years, having a good character, passing an English language exam, and paying all taxes due to the Irish government. PR in Ireland comes with numerous benefits, including the ability to live and work in Ireland indefinitely and access to healthcare and education systems. If you’re an international student in Ireland, it’s important to plan ahead and consider your options for staying and working in Ireland after graduation.
