Stamp 2

Stamp 2 is the main immigration permission for non-EEA students studying a full-time course in Ireland. It is used for approved study, usually on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes, and it carries conditions around work, progression, finances and renewal.

We help students and families prepare evidence for Stamp 2 registration or renewal. Our work depends on the student’s course and history, including any attendance, finance, insurance or progression documents that need attention.

What it allows

ISD states that Stamp 2 indicates permission to study a full-time course on the official Interim List of Eligible Programmes for a specified period, subject to conditions. The ILEP page says a person who wants to study in Ireland for longer than 90 days must choose a course from the ILEP or the TrustEd Ireland eligible programmes list.

Stamp 2 includes limited work permission. The stamps page says a student may work in casual employment for a maximum of 20 hours per week during school term and 40 hours per week during holidays. Work should stay within those limits, because breaking stamp conditions can affect renewal.

For English language students, ISD lists additional course conditions. The student should attend at least 85% of classes, show progression each year and complete the expected course requirements.

Work and study restrictions

Stamp 2 holders must observe the work limits. ISD also prohibits other business or trade, and financial need does not change those conditions.

For study longer than 90 days, check that the exact course and provider appear on the correct official list before paying fees. A similar course title does not establish eligibility.

Stamp 2 is subject to a maximum student residence period. ISD states that a student can study in the State for a maximum of 7 years and renew Stamp 2 up to that limit.

How you get it

A student normally gets Stamp 2 after entering Ireland for approved study and registering the permission. The documents should show the course, fee position, finance evidence, private medical insurance and a study plan that matches the person’s previous education and immigration history.

Finance evidence needs care. ISD’s student finance page says that, for courses resulting in residence of greater than 8 months, the student must show immediate access to €10,000. For courses of 8 months or less, the amount is €833 per month or €6,665 in total, whichever is lower.

Provide clear bank statements with explanations for large transactions. If a sponsor is supporting the student, include evidence of the relationship, income, savings and ability to continue that support.

Renewal

Renewal depends on continuing to meet the student conditions. The student should keep attendance records, exam records, progression letters, fee receipts, insurance and proof of finance in order from the start of the course.

ISD refers to three English language courses of 25 weeks. Students planning further study should check that their next course meets the study rules before applying to renew.

Check the IRP, course, insurance and passport expiry dates together and prepare the renewal before permission expires. Missing or expired documents can delay registration.

Whether it counts towards citizenship

Stamp 2 does not count as reckonable residence for citizenship by naturalisation. ISD confirms this on its immigration stamps page.

A student who later moves to Stamp 1G, Stamp 1 or Stamp 4 may begin building reckonable residence under that permission. Keep the Stamp 2 records as evidence of lawful residence, even though those days do not count towards naturalisation.

Where things go wrong

Applications may encounter problems with course progression, attendance, financial evidence or a programme that is not on the official list. ISD expects funds to be available before permission is granted or renewed, so relying on future work income can also cause problems.

We agree the work needed for each student residence application, whether that involves course records, financial evidence or documents explaining the next stage of study.

Common questions

How many hours can I work on Stamp 2?

ISD says Stamp 2 students may work up to 20 hours per week during school term and 40 hours per week during holidays. Any other business or trade is outside the Stamp 2 conditions.

Does Stamp 2 count towards citizenship?

No. Immigration Service Delivery states that Stamp 2 is not reckonable residence for citizenship by naturalisation.

Sources

1. Immigration permission/stamps — Immigration Service Delivery
2. A third-level course or a language course — Immigration Service Delivery
3. Information on Student Finances — Immigration Service Delivery

Terms