PR in Ireland: A Comprehensive Guide for Indian Students

The Irish government is set to leverage its attraction to international students yearly.

Do you know how they do this?

With one of the world’s finest education systems and the easiest PR process compared to most countries.

Probably you could think – Is getting an Ireland PR easy?

Yes.

Getting a PR in Ireland is trouble-free, and as a matter of fact, Ireland ranks among the top 5 countries to offer PR to international people without any hustle.

So, if you’re considering studying in Ireland, then it’s good to know their PR pathway. This country has one of the strongest PR systems in the world since it enables multiple benefits for you.

Ireland PR Benefits

PR in Ireland for international students is one of the best globally and grants them eligibility after five years of work and stay in the country.

So, what can you do in Ireland with a Permanent Residency status? Here are some of the top PR benefits you get in Ireland:

• Irish PR will get you a Stamp 4 on your passport, valid for 5 years and renewable
• PR status is a pathway to Irish citizenship
• Your PR can pave the way to get your Naturalization in Ireland. This is when you get the Irish passport
• PR status allows individuals to live and work in Ireland without any restrictions
• You can start a business of your own
• Business people can enjoy attractive tax regimes
• PR holders are eligible for public health and education benefits
• You are eligible to buy property in Ireland
• Child benefits

Limitations of PR in Ireland

PR in Ireland does not confer a few benefits exclusively reserved for Naturalization and full citizenship.

• You need to renew your stay time after every 2 years
• You don’t have the right to vote in the country
• With an Irish passport, you can travel to 28 EU countries, as well as to the UK. You can work, study, and even buy property there. While a PR in Ireland doesn’t offer you these benefits

PR in Ireland for Indian students: Eligibility

• You should have lived in Ireland for at least five years on a General work permit or two years on a Critical skills visa
• Hold a valid work proof
• Hold good character conduct in the country
• Ireland Permanent Residency document checklist
• Copy of your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) or GNIB Card
• Copy of Employer offer letter
• Copy of Critical skill work permit, if any
• Copy of your passport & visa

After submitting these documents, the Ministry of Ireland gives a letter stating your eligibility for the next step in the process. This letter should be submitted to the immigration department for receiving your stamp 4, aka PR in Ireland.

It can take six to eight months for your permanent residency application to be processed once you submit all your documents.

Is a Post-Study Work Visa Considered for Naturalization in Ireland?

After completing your level 9 graduation, you are eligible to work in Ireland on a two-year post-study work visa.

Before a few years, the period of stay during your post-study visa wasn’t considered if you wanted to obtain a Stamp 5 on your passport.

Recent changes have been made by the Irish government to consider your time as a graduate worker when granting naturalization. The period of study, however, is not considered.

Want to know more about the 2-year Post Study Work Visa in Ireland?

General Work Permit and Critical Skills Work Permit in PR Process

Example of how a student navigates her PR process on a general work permit visa:

Rachael was staying in Ireland for her 1-year Masters after which she got a General work permit of a two-year duration. Later, she extended her permit for three more years.

After these 5 years on her General Permit, Rachael became eligible to apply for permanent residency and naturalization in Ireland.

Upon application, she receives her PR within 8 months; however, the Naturalization process may take longer. Until then, she can remain on PR.

Now, let’s see how another student gets a PR on a critical skills visa:

After completing his Master’s in Ireland, Branden received a Critical skills employment permit. This means he was able to secure a job under the critical skills occupation list in Ireland.

Having worked in the country for 2 years on this permit, he has become qualified to apply for permanent residency. Getting eligible for a PR in this short period is one of the main benefits of a critical skill work permit.

However, Branden must wait for 3 more years on his PR to complete his 5 years of eligibility before he can apply for naturalization.

Final Note:

Whether it’s a post-study work visa or one of the easiest PR processes, Ireland offers a complete package of benefits that makes it so popular with international students.

This is a sign that the nation is committed to making itself one of the prime destinations for talent-seeking international education.

Now, we want to ask you a question – Could you be one of those talented individuals the country is looking for?

There is no doubt that you are. Then it’s time to get started.

For more information on studying and living in Ireland, explore our articles on why study in Ireland and the education system in Ireland.

Please book your FREE personalized profile scanning with our expert study in Ireland consultants now and take the first step towards being admitted to a top-rated Irish university.