New immigration regime proposed for full-time non-EEA students
1/9/09 - Immigration rules for full-time non-EEA students are to be reformed under new government proposals published today. A public consultation on the plans will now run to 9 October.
The Proposed New Immigration Regime for Full Time Non-EEA Students contains more than 20 specific proposals, including capping the length of time a person can spend in Ireland as a student, introducing a two tier system "to facilitate the targeting of incentives towards the upper end of the academic spectrum", a tighter inspection regime, possible changes in respect of visas and new guidelines on work placement or internship. Some transitional measures are set out for those already in the system.
ICOS welcomes feedback on the proposals from all its members and will be drafting an organisational response in due course.
Submissions on the draft proposals can be made via e-mail to studentpolicyproposals@justice.ie or by post to:
Student Immigration Review Group
Immigration and Citizenship Policy
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS)
13/14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2
The final date for receipt of submissions is Friday 9 October 2009
Additional Links:
Ahern to overhaul student immigration regime - Department of Justice Press Release (1 September 2009)
Student immigration reforms published - Irish Times online (1 September 2009)
Time limits on foreign students proposed: Minister plans to introduce five-year maximum stay - Irish Times (2 September 2009)
Visa-scam schools face crackdown as new rules approved - Irish Independent (2 September 2009)