How do I register with immigration for the first time?

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.

Students that live in Dublin city or Country must register with Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) in Burgh Quay. Registration is strictly by appointment and to secure an appointment please call Freephone 1800 800 630.  

Operators are available between Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.   (You should also call this number if you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment.)

Please make sure you have your passport details and a valid email address to share with the customer service representative when you call.

The most up to date information on this service and operator availability is on the immigration website here. 

Students that live outside Dublin must register with their local immigration office at the local Garda (Police) Station . You can find your local immigration office and how to make an appointment with them here.

Checklist for Appointment
Attend your appointment with the following documents:

• 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 
• Immigration Appointment Verification - printed
• NCI Fees receipt - printed
• Passport
• Medical Insurance (If you have bought your medical insurance from your home country, you should ensure it covers all your needs and includes hospital cover. Next year when you renew your visa you must have insurance from an Irish provider.)
• Credit/Debit Card to pay fee of €300

Your Irish Residency Permit (IRP) card is posted to you within 10/15 working days of your appointment. If you have any queries for immigration, you must email immigrationsupport@justice.ie.  Please include a very clear subject line in the email e.g. Card Error or Flights booked for travel as this will allow immigration to prioritise urgent queries.

Proof of Financial Support
Proof of financial support is only required for students from non-visa required Countries. Students who do not need a visa to travel to Ireland (e.g. Taiwan, Malaysia or Brazil) must show they have direct access to *€3,000 with one of the following: * From 1 July 2023 this will increase to €4,500

• Recent bank statement from an Irish bank account
• Recent bank statement from bank account in your home country in your name. You must also have a bank card for the same account
• Recent statement from a pre-paid credit or debit card
• Education bond

Please see the requirements and documents needed to register with immigration as a student for the first time here