Stamp 2A is an immigration stamp that allows non-European Economic Area (EEA) citizens to study full-time in Ireland for a course that is not on the official Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) for a specified period. This stamp does not allow the holder to work or engage in any business, trade, or profession in Ireland.
Eligibility Criteria for Stamp 2A
To be eligible for Stamp 2A, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
Full-time Course of Study: The applicant must be enrolled in a full-time course of study at a recognized educational institution in Ireland that is not on the ILEP.
Financial Support: The applicant must have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Ireland, which is generally calculated as €7,000 per year for living expenses, in addition to the cost of tuition fees.
Good Character: The applicant must be of good character and not have a criminal record.
Medical Insurance: The applicant must have private medical insurance that covers them for any medical treatment they may need while in Ireland.
Benefits of Stamp 2A
Stamp 2A provides a number of benefits to the holder, including:
- Study in Ireland: The holder of Stamp 2A is allowed to study full-time in Ireland for a specified period.
- Travel in and out of the country: Stamp 2A allows the holder to travel in and out of Ireland as often as they like during the validity of the stamp.
Limitations of Stamp 2A
It is important to note that Stamp 2A has some limitations. These include:
No employment or business activities: Stamp 2A does not allow the holder to work or engage in any business, trade, or profession in Ireland.
Limited to the course and institution: Stamp 2A is only valid for the course and institution stated on the stamp.
Must maintain financial support: The holder must be able to support themselves without relying on public funds.Limited to the time period: Stamp 2A is valid for a specific period of time and must be renewed if the holder wishes to continue studying in Ireland.
How to Apply for Stamp 2A
To apply for Stamp 2A, an applicant must submit an application to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) along with the required documents, including proof of enrolment in a recognized Irish institution and proof of financial support. The processing time for Stamp 2A applications is approximately four to eight weeks.
Renewing Stamp 2A
Holders of Stamp 2A may renew their stamp for the duration of their program, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. The application process for renewal is similar to the initial application process, and the processing time is also approximately four to eight weeks.
Stamp 2A allows non-EEA citizens to study full-time in Ireland for a course that is not on the official ILEP for a specified period. While Stamp 2A allows the holder to study in Ireland and travel in and out of the country, it does not allow the holder to work or engage in any business, trade, or profession in Ireland. Understanding the eligibility criteria, benefits, and limitations of Stamp 2A is crucial for anyone considering studying in Ireland as a non-EEA citizen.