Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We welcome anyone who wants to come to Ireland to study, spend time, live here and pursue a course of study, whether part time or full time. When a non-EEA person comes to Ireland to undertake an English language course, or a course at level 6 or above on the national framework of qualifications, NFQ, a stamp 2 student permission will be granted. It was always envisaged that time spent in Ireland as a student would be relatively short and, therefore, not reckonable as residence under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. However, I can confirm that periods of residence that are spent on the third level graduate scheme stamp 1G are reckonable for residency purposes for naturalisation. When a non-EEA student has completed his or her studies in Ireland and gained an award at level 8 on the NFQ or above, that person may qualify for a stamp 1G for 12 months. Where an individual receives an award at level 9 NFQ, he or she may qualify for a stamp 1G for up to 24 months, subject to the overall limit of eight years on student conditions that applies.

Following the period on the stamp 1G, it is open to the graduate and any prospective employer to make an application to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an employment permit. If the application is successful, the individual can register on a stamp 1 immigration permission. Thereafter, it is open to any person who has been legally resident in Ireland for a minimum of 60 months, that is, five years, to make an application for long-term residency or naturalisation, subject to meeting the required criteria.

For permission to be renewed, students must prove that they are progressing in their course, for example, passing exams. For those here studying English, who are on courses at a certain level, this will not be applicable. However, where someone is a graduate, in this country for a longer term and progressing in his or her studies, that stay will and can be reckonable towards a longer term citizenship or naturalisation process.

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