Notice to non-EEA Students
The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service has extended the probationary period for non-EEA students who have been studying in Ireland for more than seven years.
Under the new arrangements, ‘timed out’ and current students who have been studying in Ireland since before January 1, 2005 can apply for a two year extension to remain in the country after completing their studies, subject to certain conditions. During this probationary period, students are allowed to enter into full-time employment. At the conclusion of the two year probationary period, those students will be eligible to apply for a more permanent status on condition that certain obligations have been fulfilled.
Family reunification cannot be applied for during the two year probationary period. The new rules do not apply to students who arrived after 1 January 2005.
Our legal team is concerned that the current arrangements for non-EEA students residing in Ireland since before January 1, 2005 are unclear, and we have followed up with INIS looking for clarification on these issues. More information will follow on this.
You can view information about the new guidelines and the extended probationary period on the INIS website here. If you think you are eligible for this probationary period or you have any questions about the new regulations for non-EEA students, please feel free to call into us during our free drop-in hours.
