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Visa Regulations for Sri Lankans Moving to Ireland

31 Oct 2024


Whether you're looking for work, want to go to college, or want to be with family again, moving to Ireland from Sri Lanka is an exciting opportunity. But before packing your bags, you should be familiar with Ireland's immigration laws and procedures. Some visas, including work, student, and short-stay visas, have their own requirements.
 

Once you have moved out, maintaining relationships with family and friends back home is important. So, Ace Money Transfer has got you covered to send money to Sri Lanka from Ireland to your family. Continue reading because this blog has all the important details of getting the appropriate visa to move to Ireland.

Understanding Sri Lankan Visa Eligibility for Ireland

Multiple visa categories are available in Ireland based on your use and the duration of your stay. It's important to know why you are going to Ireland and apply for the appropriate visa category to avoid legal issues.
 

Temporary Visas

The 'C visas,' or short-stay visas, are for people who want to stay in Ireland for no more than ninety days. Sri Lankans traveling to Ireland for vacation, family visits, quick business trips, or medical care can apply for this visa. You need to provide proof of the visit's purpose, such as an itinerary, business meeting details, or an invitation letter. Also, ensure you cannot work or study in the country with this visa.

 

Permanent Visas

However, if you intend to stay in Ireland for over ninety days, you must issue a long-stay visa, commonly known as a "D visa." Those who want to travel to Ireland to work or study usually need this visa.
 

With this visa, you must register with Irish immigration authorities when you arrive in Ireland. While settling into your new life, if you need to send money back home, choosing the best service for making a money transfer from Ireland to Sri Lanka is important for managing your finances.
 

Options for Sri Lankans for Work Visas

Sri Lankans who want to work in Ireland must apply for a work visa under one of the available categories. 

General Employment Visa

If you get a job offer from an Irish business, you can work in most sectors of Ireland using the General Employment Visa. The job must be listed as one that Ireland is actively hiring for and fulfill minimum annual wage criteria (often €30,000 or above) to be eligible.

Critical Skills Employment Permit

Another choice is the Critical Skills Employment Visa. This visa is for highly qualified engineers, IT specialists, and healthcare providers. It has many benefits, including calling your families in Ireland and quicker routes to permanent residence. To apply for this visa category, you must have a job offer in a highly skilled position, paying a minimum of €32,000 annually.

Intra-Company Transfer Visa

An Intra-Company Transfer Visa is for people moving from a multinational company in Sri Lanka to its Irish branch. To be eligible for this visa, you must meet wage requirements, have a legitimate job offer, and submit all necessary paperwork, including your employment contract and proof of qualifications.

 

Student Visas for Sri Lankan Nationals 

Sri Lankan students who want to study in Ireland for an extended period of time must apply for a long-stay "D" student visa. In the process, your first step is receiving an acceptance offer from an Irish educational institution. You must apply for it at least three months in advance to give the visa processing time.
 

Some documents needed for a student visa are the offer letter from the school, proof of tuition payment, proof of having enough money to support oneself, and proof of housing. You also need a thorough study plan and proof of medical insurance for your stay.
 

This visa also allows you to get job experience while in school. After obtaining a visa, Sri Lankan students can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during the holidays. If you need to control your spending and ensure your family gets money fast, an online money transfer from Ireland to Sri Lanka is the most convenient option. 

Process for Applying for Visas for Sri Lankan 

While applying for an Irish visa, pay close attention to the paperwork, deadlines, and details. Your application will go more smoothly if you know where to apply, how to apply, what documents you need, and how to avoid problems.
 

Where to Apply for an Irish Visa?

The Irish Embassy in Colombo is one of the major contacts for Sri Lankans wanting to apply for an Irish visa. Also, you can apply online on the Irish Immigration Service website as well. Through this platform, you can complete your visa application and attach supporting documentation.
 

After submitting your application, you must send your passport and hard copy documents to the Visa Office at the Embassy of Ireland in Colombo for verification. It's important to maintain financial planning throughout this procedure. If you need to make a money transfer from Ireland to Sri Lanka, money transfer services like ACE Money Transfer provide a quick and safe way.

 

Documents You'll Need to Apply for a Visa

Having the necessary paperwork on hand is important for your visa application to be a success. Ensure all your papers are in English or that verified translations are included. Whether it is a long-visa or a short-visa, these documents are required for all:

  • Your current passport (valid for at least six months after your intended arrival)
  • A completed and signed visa application form
  • Passport-sized pictures 
  • Verification of paying the visa application fee
  • Proof of health and travel insurance
  • Documentation proving that you are staying in Ireland (such as an invitation letter or hotel reservation)

Some visas also require additional documents. Work Visa applications require you to send these additional documents for your visa to be accepted: 

  • A letter of legitimate employment offer from your Irish employer
  • A signed employment contract 
  • Documentation of your credentials and relevant work experience 
  • Proof that you fulfill the wage requirements necessary for your particular visa type

While a student visa also requires some specific documentation, or else your visa application will be denied: 

  • An official acceptance letter from the Irish educational institution
  • Evidence of full or partial tuition payment
  • Financial statements showing that you have enough money to meet living expenses (at least €7,000 for the first year)
  • A study schedule and a motivation letter outlining your reasons for wanting to study in Ireland 
  • Health insurance that will last the whole time you are enrolled in classes

Typical Mistakes to Stay Clear of While Applying

Some errors cause many delayed or denied visa applications. Understanding these common mistakes and knowing how to prevent them is important for increasing your chances of success.
 

Read Also: Instant Remittances from Ireland to Sri Lanka

Inconsistent or Incomplete Documentation

One of the major errors is inconsistent or incomplete documentation. Make sure you submit all necessary paperwork and that your application is complete. It should also have no mistakes or mismatched names or dates. Before submitting, carefully review each document and ensure all papers are signed as needed.

Offering Insufficient Evidence of Financial Means

Insufficient evidence of financial means is another problem that candidates need help with. It's important to show that you have the funds necessary to support yourself while in Ireland. Send official, recent bank statements that satisfy the Irish government's financial standards.

Do Not Apply too Late 

If you apply too late, your trip plans can be compromised. Processing times can change, especially during busy times. Applying as soon as possible will give you enough time to handle any last-minute changes or requests for further supporting documents.

Financial Preparation for You to Move to Ireland

Financial planning is essential for a smooth transfer to Ireland. Before you get a permanent job, ensure you have enough money to pay for your first expenses, such as accommodation and everyday necessities. Opening a local bank account will facilitate easier money management upon arrival.

 

For further management of your money, ACE Money Transfer is great to send money online to Sri Lanka from Ireland to help your family at home. It offers a quick, safe, reasonably priced option for sending money across borders. Moreover, because of ACE Money Transfer's cheap exchange rates and minimal transfer costs, more money will reach your loved ones. With ACE Money Transfer, you can be sure your financial demands are met.

FAQs

What's the estimated time of arrival for an Irish Visa?

A short-stay visa usually takes 15 to 30 working days to process. The processing time is often longer for long-stay visas, usually from 8 to 12 weeks. Moreover, the General and Critical Skills Employment Permit applications take approximately 12 weeks to process. In comparison, student visa applications take approximately 8 to 10 weeks.
 

Do Sri Lankans moving to Ireland have to pay a visa fee?

Yes, Sri Lankans moving to Ireland need to pay visa fees. A single short-stay visa (C visa) often costs €60, but multiple entry visas cost €100. The usual cost for long-stay visas (D visas), such as work or study visas, is €100. The Critical Skills Employment Visa and General Employment Visa cost is €1,000.
 

What should you do after receiving your Irish visa?

After obtaining a long-stay visa, one of your first responsibilities upon arriving in Ireland is registering with the local Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) or the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service (INIS). Also, ensure you have secured housing, health insurance, and the required money for your visit. 

 

Is it possible to extend your visa while living in Ireland? 

You can renew your visa while living in Ireland under certain conditions. For instance, student visa holders can request to extend their stay as long as they match the requirements. Similarly, if someone wants to move to a new qualified job, they can apply for a renewal of their employment visa.


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