How to apply for Ireland visa from Pakistan? Complete guide

An Irish visa is important as a pre-entry which is required for the people from different countries in order to be allowed to travel to Ireland. After arriving they have to get permission to stay from an Immigration Officer before they enter Ireland.  If you are a Pakistani then securing the visa is the first step you will need. In this blog we have compiled all the detailed information on getting a visa of Ireland from Pakistan.

Choosing the Visa type

In Ireland, you will find different types of visas serving different purposes. A Pakistani citizen can get these visas to stay there which are stated below:

Employment Visa: This Visa is ideal for those who have secured a job in Ireland. Apart from this, you will need to get an employment permit beforehand. This permit can be sponsored by your future Irish employer and proves that you have all the skills and qualifications for this position. The employment permit application process can be difficult. It is better to consult with an immigration lawyer who are familiar with Irish regulations.

Student Visas: Calling all the aspiring scholars. This Visa can be helpful to have full-time academic studies in Ireland. To qualify for this, you will need to have a confirmed place in the registered institution of Ireland. You can confirm your place in any university, a college that can offer certified courses or even an English language school. The basic things as an acceptance letter, along with sufficient funds and living expenses will be important for your student visa application.

Short stay visa: If you are planning to visit Ireland for tourism purposes or any business purpose, short visas are the best option. This short visa duration is up to 90 days. As the application process is similar to long-stay visas you still have to fulfill specific requirements. In this showing enough funds for your stay and having a valid return ticket is useful.

Long Stay Visa: This visa is best for those who are thinking of living in Ireland for a longer period. To meet our loved one or family member this visa is perfect. This could be a spouse, a civil partner, or a child. It’s necessary to show documentary proof of your relationship to an Irish resident. For instance, marriage certification or birth certificates are important for this visa type.

Long stay visa ( Other): This option is best for specific purposes such as research or volunteering. If your reason for visiting Ireland doesn’t fall under the specific categories make sure to visit the INIS website for the most applicable long-stay visa option for you.

Identifying the Requirements:

There are many types of visas and each has certain rules, understanding them can be quite a challenge. In order to avoid such a situation, the best thing that one can do is to follow the guidelines provided by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), which is the official source of Ireland visa information.

The website is easy to navigate, and the specific requirements of the visa you are interested in can be found on the main page after you select the type of visa you want to apply for. For example, if you are applying for a student visa, you will be led to a page indicating the student visa requirements, the documents to provide, the eligibility criteria, and the time required to process the application. By approaching the source directly, you can be sure you are getting only the latest and the most accurate information available. This is particularly relevant as the process of obtaining a visa may be different now and the INIS website is updated frequently to reflect the changes.

Filling the Online Application

The application process occurs online via the INIS’s online system called AVATS. To conquer this stage, follow these steps:

• Type in INIS in the address bar of your browser and go to the page that contains the link to the AVATS login. This link can be accessed directly from the INIS website main page or by simply typing “INIS AVATS” on any web browser.
• If you are a new user, click on the ‘new user’ link and fill in the information required to create an account while if you are a returning user, enter your user ID and password to log in to AVATS.
• Choose your category of visa from the options available for the country you are applying to. They will then get instructions for the visa category they have chosen and a list of documents that are necessary.
• When filling the online application form, make sure that you provide accurate information and that all the required fields are completed. Make sure to proofread the application for any possible spelling mistakes, or discrepancies, which might cause a delay or even the rejection of your application.
• After you have filled out the form, you should check all the entries made before you submit the form online. You can also save your progress and use it at a later time if you need to do so using the application.
• After completing the form, you will be provided with a reference number or transaction number. You should also write this number down and use it in the future to monitor the status of your application.

Collecting Your Documents

The documents which you will require will depend on the type of visa that you intend to use. However, some general requirements include:

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your planned stay in Ireland.
• Passport-Sized Photos: Two photographs of the applicant taken in the last six months and sized as a passport photograph is required.
• Proof of Visa Fee Payment: Always ensure that you have with you the receipt of the payment you made.
• Accommodation Proof: Provide proof of your stay in Ireland (accommodation bookings such as hotel, hostel, etc. ).
• Financial Muscle: Ensure that you provide enough proof that you have enough funds to meet your expenses during the intended stay through bank statements or other financial documents.
• Purpose-Specific Documents: Offer letters for employment, admission letters from learning institutions, and any other document relevant to the visa type being sought.

Biometrics and Fees

Sometimes, you may be asked to submit biometric details which include fingerprints and a photo during the appointment. However, it is important to note that visa fees should be paid online alongside the booking of the appointment.

Making a decision

You will receive updates through your email on the status of your application at VFS Global. But when a decision is made, you will be informed accordingly.