Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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1328. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if, a matter (details supplied) will be clarified in relation to the processing of foreign student applications for visa permits to attend education facilities in the State; if all information needed to proceed with an application is available to Turkish and other foreign nationalities is on her Department's website; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30021/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Ankara Visa Office has seen a more than 50% increase in visa applications received in the year to date to the end of May 2022 in comparison with the same period in 2019 (before Covid-19 related travel restrictions). Long stay study visas account for more than 60% of those being received in 2022. In addition to this increase in applications, the Ankara Visa Office has received an extremely high number of incomplete applications, which is also adding to the longer processing times, given the resources that have to go into examining these applications.

The processing time at each Visa Office and location worldwide is determined by a number of factors, such as: the volume and complexity of applications, whether investigation is required or not, individual circumstances, peak application periods, seasonal factors, and the resources available.  While every effort is made to process applications as quickly as possible, processing times inevitably vary as a result. 

Visa required individuals who wish to study a third level or English language programme in Ireland for a period longer than three months, must apply for a Type D Long Stay visa. All visa applicants are advised that they must provide as much information as possible in support of their application as this will improve their prospect of receiving a positive decision. Further details on the application process are available on my Department’s immigration website at:

www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-study-in-ireland/what-are-my-study-options/

When an applicant arrives at the port of entry, they must provide evidence to the Immigration Officer that they have immediate access to at least €7,000. This is the estimated cost of living in Ireland for a student for one academic year. 

If the duration of the course is less than six months, they must have access to €500 per month of their stay or €3,000, whichever is the lesser. All of this must be proven by documentary evidence and, where sponsors are involved, it must be clear their documents relate to them.

More information on the required finances for students coming to Ireland can be found at: 

www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-study-in-ireland/what-are-my-study-options/a-fee-paying-private-primary-or-secondary-school/information-on-student-finances/