Short Stay 'C' Visas Ireland
Visa-required nationals who are looking to visit Ireland for a period of fewer than 90 days will need to apply for a Short Stay ‘C’ visa in order to enter Ireland.
If you need guidance with your Short Stay ‘C’ Visa, contact one of our immigration experts today at +1 844 290 6312 or chat with one of our representatives online.
Page Contents:
- What are Short Stay ‘C’ Visas?
- When do you need a Short Stay Visa?
- The various categories of Short Stay ‘C’ Visas
- Visas for Americans traveling with European Union citizens
- Eligibility requirements for the Irish Short Stay ‘C’ Visa
- Required documentation for the Irish Short Stay ‘C’ Visa
- When to expect a reply on your visa application
- What you should do once you get to Ireland
- Frequently Asked Questions
What are Short Stay 'C' Visas?
Visa-required nationals seeking entry into Ireland on a short-term basis may apply using a type of Irish visa known as the Short Stay ‘C’ Visa. This visa grants its holder the opportunity to make their way to the country for a maximum of 90 days.
"After my advice session i now know exactly what to do to fill in my visa application. Thank you kate"
Faisal Mubeen
Posted 4 years ago
"Successfully applied to renew my spousal visa. Prompt communication and clarity as to my expectations from start to finish."
Clarissa Abrams
Posted 3 years ago
"So far so good. I was contacted promptly as promised and given sound, clear advice that has given me confidence to proceed to the next level. Thank you Grace"
Grace Carol
Posted 3 years ago
When do you need a Short Stay Visa?
While citizens of various countries in the European Union, Switzerland, and others might not be compelled to make visa arrangements to gain entry into Ireland, U.S. citizens will need to apply for an Irish visa if they are entering Ireland for longer than 90 days or for purposes other than tourism or business.
Short Stay ‘C’ Visas for U.S. citizens come in different categories depending on the applicant’s intended purpose.
The various categories of Short Stay 'C' Visas
There are various categories of Irish visas available to visitors. These include the following:
Business Visa
Business Visas are designed for those traveling as part of or concerning their work. This Irish visa will make it possible for you to come into the country for up to 14 days to participate in meetings, make negotiations, and finalize deals or contracts.
Tourist Visa
The Tourist Visa is designed to serve those wishing to journey into Ireland as a tourist for a maximum of 90 days. Applicants may also include those wishing to undertake short-term studies such as language courses.
Event and Conference Visa
This visa will allow you to make your way into Ireland to participate in events or conferences that may span a range of themes, including academics or business.
Family and Friends Visa
This visa allows visitors with the opportunity to make their way into the country for a maximum of 90 days to visit with family or friends who are residents or citizens of Ireland.
Marriage Visa
After receiving an acknowledgment from the National Registrar confirming the date upon which you received a notification receipt regarding your plan to marry or form a civil partnership with an Irish citizen, you will have the opportunity to apply for a marriage visa.
Internship Visa
Should you be in a position where you are required to undertake an internship in Ireland as part of your studies or professional training, you will be able to take your application for an internship visa.
Tournament/Performance Short Visa
The Performance or Tournament Visa allows visitors from the U.S. to make their way to the country for a maximum of 90 days to put on theatrical and musical performances or participate in competitive tournaments such as athletic or sporting events.
Medical Treatment Visa
The Medical Treatment Visa allows the visa holder to access medical services such as surgeries at private medical facilities in Ireland. This visa, however, will only be issued under certain conditions.
Training Visa
U.S. citizens hoping to attend training courses in Ireland will need to apply for the Training visa. This Irish visa, however, has specific restrictions or requirements placed on it. Essentially, this Irish visa must be paid for and arranged by the organization or company that employs you.
Visas for Americans traveling with European Union citizens
U.S. citizens hoping to visit Ireland in the company of family members or nationals from the European Union (including the EEA and Switzerland) may qualify for the following visas:
Exam Visa
This visa allows applicants to journey into Ireland to take an exam necessary for their educational or professional progression. It’s important to note that your 90-day visa application may be denied should your exam be deemed unnecessary by immigration officials.
Employment (Atypical Working Scheme) Visa
This visa allows applicants to take up short-term employment within Ireland as long as they receive approval from the Atypical Working Scheme Division.
Join Ship Visa
The Join Ship visa is designed to serve applicants hoping to come into the country and join a ship departing from Ireland ports as a seafarer.
Internship Visa
The Internship Visa is available for applicants that wish to come to Ireland to take up an internship as part of their studies.
Eligibility requirements for the Irish Short Stay 'C' Visa
You will need to fulfill certain specific requirements to become eligible for whichever type of Short Stay Visa you intend to apply for. Still, several requirements will be universally applicable. These are the points that will be considered by immigration officials no matter what class of application applies to your particular circumstances, and they are as follows:
- Proof that you intend to journey onward from the country
- Evidence that you intend to leave the country within the 90-day window
- Proof that the visa applicant has access to enough funds to sustain their stay within the country and won’t have to rely on Ireland’s public welfare services
- Any evidence that can ensure that you will not break out of the CTA (Common Travel Area) by trying to gain access to the United Kingdom through Ireland without possessing a valid UK visa
- Any evidence that demonstrates that your immigration record is clean and free of any severe infringements of either UK or Irish immigration laws
- Any evidence which shows that your record does not indicate a history of any serious criminal incidents
Should it be discovered that you tried in some way to mislead Irish immigration authorities by submitting false or misleading information, your application may be summarily declined with the possibility of further legal ramifications. Under such circumstances, you might find yourself banned from making future Irish visa applications until five years have elapsed.
Required documentation for the Irish Short Stay 'C' Visa
While there might be minor variations depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, you can expect to need the following documents in almost every case:
- Copy of your online application sheet
- Application letter stating your reasons for wanting to enter the country
- Passport and photocopy of every page from passports you used in the past where possible
- A set of signed color photos of yourself (passport-sized) with your VATN (Visa Application Tracking Number) indicated upon them
- Your accommodation details for the duration of your stay
- Your financial arrangements for the duration of your stay
- Evidence that you intend to return to the U.S. after you visit Ireland
These documents need to be originals except where expressly indicated, and any official documents must be under official headed papers. Certified translations with both the original documents must be provided, for documents originally in languages other than English or Irish.
When to expect a reply on your visa application
The amount of time it takes to receive a decision regarding your Irish visa application will vary slightly from one case to the next. While the waiting time for each case will vary depending on what type of Irish visa you apply for or which application office you use, you can avoid any unnecessary delay by ensuring all your documentation is in proper order.
The DJE (Department for Justice and Equity) states that applicants should expect a response no more than eight weeks after your application, after which all your documentation will be posted back to you or returned through alternative means of your choosing.
Approved applications will come back stamped, while declined applications will be accompanied by a refusal letter detailing the reasons for the negative response.
What you should do once you get to Ireland
Your first action upon reaching the country will be to present yourself to an Immigration officer with your Irish visa, passport, and all relevant documentation. After examination of these, they may then give you official entry permission.
It’s important to understand that a valid Irish visa doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be allowed to enter the country. Immigration officials might still deny you access even though you are allowed to get to the country freely.
Last modified on September 8th, 2023 at 6:36 am
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
With our untimed Advice Session, our professional immigration lawyers will review your case and provide you with comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated caseworker will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your legal advisor will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
While you might incur additional expenses (consular fees, for example), the typical charges for Short Stay ‘C’ Visas are 60 Euros for a single-entry visa and 100 Euros for a multiple-entry visa.
Some Short Stay ‘C’ Visas types allow visitors to engage in a certain amount of work, but not all. These include the Employment Visa, Business Visa, Join Ship Visa, Training Visa, Performance or Tournament Visa, and Internship Visa. In all other instances, working is not permitted for those holding this type of visa.
Only under the most extreme and unforeseen circumstances might you be allowed to extend your Short Stay ‘C’ Visa. Should you find yourself needing a time extension, you will be required to apply for an additional separate Irish visa.