Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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1278. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of visas issued on an annual basis since the visa scheme was launched for persons wishing to learn English here. [20186/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department does not collate information by course type and therefore cannot supply details for English language students only.

The following table relates to study visas granted to visa-required nationals, for all types of courses including secondary level, English language and third level courses up to and including PhD (Level 10).

If a person wishes to study in Ireland for longer than 90 days, they must choose a course from the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). The following types of course are listed:

- English Language programmes lasting at least 25 weeks;

- Higher Education programmes from level 6 to 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications;

- Professional Awards; and

- Foundation programmes.

These programmes are offered by a range of education providers.

Entry visas are normally valid for three months. Each visa sticker contains a “From” date and an “Until” date. The applicant may choose to travel on any dates between and including these dates. The visa may not be used after the “Until” date has passed.

A visa does not give the holder a right to enter the State. It permits the holder to present at a port of entry. Entry into the State, for both visa required and non-visa required nationals, is solely at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at the port of entry. The onus is on the individual to have all documentation relating to their reasons for entering Ireland ready for presentation to the Immigration Officer to gain entry.

The Immigration Officer may grant leave to enter up to a maximum period of three months. They may, depending on the documentation presented, refuse entry to the State or grant a lesser period than three months.

People who wish to reside in the State should prepare documentary evidence of private health insurance, along with details of their finances to show how they will be able to maintain themselves, or be maintained, whilst in the State.

Once granted entry to the State, the student will be required to register their permission at their local registration office.