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How do I register with immigration for the first time?

Sheila Mahon
Sheila Mahon
  • Updated

Upon arrival

When you arrive in Ireland an immigration officer will place a landing stamp in your passport at border control. This gives you permission to stay in Ireland up to the date indicated (typically 90 days). You must register with immigration in person before this landing stamp expires.

Before registering with Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) formally know as GNIB, students must have secured their long term accommodation. This is important as ISD post the Irish Residency Permit (IRP Card - formally known as GNIB card) to this address and short-term temporary accommodation such as hostel or AirBnb can not be used when registering with Immigration.

How to make an appointment

Important Note: You must have started classes before you register your permission in Ireland.  For students starting in September 2026 your appointment date must be after 14th September 2026. 

  • All students must register in person with Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) in Burgh Quay in Dublin.
  • Registration is by appointment only. 
  • We have linked the immigration website information on registering for the first time - here.
  • See below for the steps to make an appointment with immigration.

Firstly you must set up a Customer Service Account* with immigration, and you will need: 

  • A valid email address (you will be sent an email with a code needed to set up your account)

  • A mobile phone number (you will be sent a text message from immigration to verify the mobile phone number and download an app)

  • Your passport

Here are the steps to create your Customer Service Account with immigration:

  1. Go on the Immigration web site to create / login to your Customer Service Account.
  2. Enter your email address and a verification code will be sent to your email address. Enter the verification code received.
  3. Enter your personal details - you must give your Irish Address.
  4. Create a new password (take a note of this password for future reference).
  5. Your mobile phone number needs to be verified. A verification code will be sent with a link to download the ID-Pal App.
  6. Log on the ID-Pal App to upload your passport and take a live picture of yourself.
  7. You must wait 24h to have your identity verified.
  8. Once verified you then Log in your account and book an appointment.

For more information on the ID Pal system used by immigration please see this article https://id-pal.my.site.com/FPXQLcNgusCbNeZzjG4gRb7JAMSmFxAGKJJkvYsj/s/article/Help-using-ID-Pal-as-part-of-your-Immigration-Service-Delivery-Website-Registration

If you have any issue with receiving the confirmation email, please, contact IDPalSupport@Justice.ie

 

Checklist for Appointment 

Attend your appointment with the following documents:

First Time Registrations Documents Needed
1. The biometric page of your current valid passport(s). This is the page that shows your photograph, passport number and date of birth. 1. Passport
2. Proof of your enrolment on a full time higher education course listed on the ILEP. 2. *NCI Immigration Letter
3. Proof that you have paid college/university fees. 3. NCI fees receipt
4. Proof of your scholarship funding (if applicable). 4. NCI fees receipt shows your scholarship 
5. Proof that you have started your course. 5. NCI Immigration Letter
6. Private Medical Insurance or Travel Insurance with medical cover for accidents and medical incident including hospital stays in Ireland, valid for 12 months, or if less than 12 months for the duration of your stay. 6. Your medical insurance
7. Proof of address  7. Proof of address (You can request our Reference Letter/Proof of address Letter on NCI360/Student Letter Hub OR check other Proof of Address documents)
8. €300 to pay by credit/debit card 8. €300 to pay by credit/debit card

Up to date list of required documents can be found on the immigration website here.

  • *NCI Immigration letter – this letter is emailed to your student email address within 3 working days of your welcome meeting.  If you have attended your welcome meeting and have not received this letter please contact internationalsupport@ncirl.ie 
  • *The Registration letter that is available on the student letter hub MUST NOT be presented to immigration as the course dates are incorrect and if provided you may be issued an Irish Resident Permit (IRP) card with an earlier expiry date.

Proof of Financial Support 

If you need a visa to come to Ireland, you do not need proof of finance after you arrive here. Your ability to support yourself on arrival in the State is checked during the visa application process.

However if you did not need a visa to come to Ireland, you must prove that you can support yourself financially after you arrive here. You do this by showing at the time of arrival in the state that you have direct access to €7,000, note from 30 June 2025 this will increase to €10,000.    You can visit the immigration Information on Student Finances for further information.

Documentary evidence required;

  • An up-to-date bank statement, showing what money has been paid into and out of the account over the last six months. You must submit this whether you are covering the costs of your studies yourself or not
  • An up-to-date bank statement for each sponsor (if applicable), showing what money has been paid into and out of the account over the last six months
  • Education bond (if applicable)

Further requirements and information can be found on the immigration website here.

IRP Card Information

Your Irish Residency Permit (IRP) card is posted to you within 10/15 working days of your appointment. 

IRP cards are issued to students with a validity of 12-15 months depending on their course duration and expected graduation. 

Examples:

  • Masters programme commencing in September, expected graduation November - Your IRP card should be issued with an expiry of November.
  • Undergraduate programme - Your IRP card should be issued September - September.  You will need to renew your visa each year. Please see our article on how to renew your student visa.
  • January intake for Computing Students, expected graduation Spring - Your IRP card should be issued with an expiry of Spring.
  • January start for Business Students, expected graduation November of following year - Your IRP card should be issued for a 12-15 month period and then you will need to pay to renew your student visa.

If your Irish Residency Permit was issued with an earlier expiry date you will need to contact immigration. For more information please see our article here. 

Your Irish Residence Permit:

  • Shows your photograph and your personal details, the type of permit you or stamp you have and outlines how long you can stay in Ireland
  • Is for your personal use only, and you must always carry it with you and show it to the authorities if asked
  • Allows you to leave Ireland and re-enter the State once your permit is valid, without the need for other immigration-related travel requirements, such as a visa. However, you must bring your IRP card with you when travelling.
  • Does not allow you to travel freely or live elsewhere in European Union or the European Economic Area. 
  • Is not an identity card, but it is an important document providing you have legal permissions to remain in Ireland.

 

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