₦airaland Forum

Chukdobz20:
How do I find job Ireland. I live outside Ireland but in EU with an EU partner.

Any lead will be helpful.

If you have an EU passport then you should be able to simply apply for any jobs on the popular websites like indeed.

Kaylifestyle:
Hi guys I just moved to Ireland and in Kerry for a month kinda boring over here , planning to move to a city with reasonable amount of Nigeria/Africans , please where is best to go ? And I need friends to hang around with sometimes too and for advice about life and all generally in this country

It can be kind of tough adjusting to the rural/country life but your best bet would be Dublin, Cork, Galway, Waterford and Limerick. Bigger towns but the bigger it is, the more expensive it gets. Rent in Dublin is crazy. It also depends on your work. If you work from home, then you can go to any city and be fine then. My preference would be Galway or Waterford which are a bit big but still have that rural charm and you can get a good place that won't break the bank.

shonaspark:
Please,how do I pay into the University of Limerick. The school recommended transfer mate,started the transaction online but on getting to the bank,I was told that I must have dollar account. Please house,it is urgent. Any contribution

Go to your bank and request to pay school fees with a Form A. Your bank will sort it out for you at a more favorable rate

Blueberry111112:
Careful here with the term “DeFacto partner”….this requires living together for a minimum 2years….not dating, not married, but living together. Its a term we are not very used to in Nigeria because our laws don't recognise it.

Agreed. However it is the only visa path applicable to the OP until he/she is legally married.

Efe07:
Thanks very much, I think bank statements for consistent money transfer will suffice and I will use the covid 19 as excuse for not travelling 2020 and 2021 .. I never thought of this before. thanks a million!

Another thing I would like to enquire about is that my employment contract will expire November 2024 . I have just been issued my critical work permit this months (March 2022) . Please do think my contract meets their criteria in this regards? I saw a place on Department of justice website where it says “ A copy of contract of their employment of at least 1 year from proposed date of entry giving their annual salary is required “. Any advise around this area please ?

Don't limit yourself to just financial documents. Yhe letters, emails and chats are all important as well. Just as pictures are also invaluable. A list of the documents is listed on the website.

Efe07:
Thanks a million.

My situation is that I am not married yet. My girlfriend and I have been dating for more than 7 years before I left the country 2019 , we have maintained communication throughout this period especially via WhatsApp chat and calls , we had lots of photos we took together when I was in Nigeria, we are both from the same village (our local government state of origin document can prove that) we have continued celebrating each other’s birthday through Facebook platforms. Please do you see all of these adequate enough to show evidence of our relationship history ? I am planning to travel home and get the court wedding sorted , just want to know if there is anything else I can start doing now in terms of the relationship evidence… please sir/ma advise again oooo.. thanks big big

So you will fall under DeFacto partner application. Your burden of proof will be higher than that for a marries couple. There's a particular application which you'll apply for which is defacto partner of a CSEP holder. Try and share as m7ch evidence as you can lay your hands on: emails, chats, pictures, as.much as possible!

Read the documents and you should be fine. It is well explained there!

8BitGee:
Thanks. Interesting, what changes were applied? Will you please share a link to the webpage detailing the changes?

The major changes are that birth and marriage certificates need to apostilled by the ministry of foreign affairs which means they have to be sent to Abuja. You have to get an NPC certificate and for those born before 1992 when the NPC was set up, you will get an attestation letter from the NPC.

The second is that there is a clear distinction between a deFacto partner and a spouse. The link that you shared takes you to the new site as well.

Those are the major tweaks I think.

8BitGee:
That's interesting considering the fact that it'll mean they applied after everyone did and still got their visas in record time. I would have sworn that there was a queueing system in place.

Will you please interview them so that we can benefit from the information about what was done correctly?

I will do that. They paid an immigration lawfirm who applied on their behalf. I also know that the rules for the join family scheme changed last year ending and from January it has been modified. The waiting tines that I stated were gotten from the Justice.ie site for Ireland. The new format will hopefully make things faster.

I also checked on the Irish embassy site for India and the duration for their Join family visa is just 15 working days. I wonder why ours in Nigeria takes as long as stated

8BitGee:
The examples I have highlighted are CSEP holders and Irish nationals. I want to believe your friend got theirs in 2020 before the world turned on it's head.

They actually just came in in January!

Wow! All these stories can scsre someone. A friend who applied got the family's visa after 3 months. I am sure that this thread will provide more highlights on what is needed to ensure that applications are made in the right manner and without hitches.

One thing about Ireland that I have noticed is that they are particular about finances. When submitting your bank statements, ensure that any lodgment or withdrawal N100k and above and €100 and above are well explained in your statements.

Finally, put everything to God in prayer because without Him, we can do nothing!

Efe07:
Thank you for your advise.
So I can start the process why in Ireland and have all documents submitted by my wife at Embassy in Nigeria right?

Yes! You will send her all the documents from you that she will need to complete her application. As stated above, if you have not lived together for long after marriage, you will need strong proof that the relationship is genuine. One way that I did this was that I included my wife's details as well as my kids in my application while applying for my study visa.

She will then apply online for herself and the children if you have kids. Once the online application is completed, she will choose a date to attend VFS and capture her biometrics as well as to submit all the documents.

Do note that you have to send her copies of each page of ALL your passports, both current and expired and she will also make copies of ALL passports for you and your children

Your wife will also show and explain your statement of accounts for yourself and your wife and explain lump sum withdrawals and deposits into all your accounts. You will write a letter of invitation while your spouse will write a letter of application.

I hope I haven't left anything out?

8BitGee:
Hi, welcome.

• See https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-join-family-in-ireland/joining-an-irish-national/join-family-visa/ it tells you most of what you need to know.

• You can prove communication by way of phone logs, text and instant messages. I'll advise you take copious screenshots of these over a good time period. If children are involved, showing evidence of communication with them too I have heard is essential.

• Provide evidence of visitations by way of airline tickets, hotel bookings, family photos, etc.

• You can prove dependency by highlighting regular money transfers for upkeep, etc on your bank statements.

• Ensure you show enough funds in your accounts as being on a CSEP appears not to be enough especially for families with kids. Refer to the post by purplish, above.

• Get a letter of introduction from your landlord, employer and anyone else that can attest for you.

• Your letter of invitation is very important too. Highlight particularly the need for family reunification, don't assume it's evident. Your spouse should do the same. List all documents attached, submitted and their purpose.

• The process is long-drawn-out at the moment, I'll say expect up to a 8-9 month wait to hear back after submission

• While this thread is information rich, in my view, it's a general thread as such it's difficult to find specific information sometimes. I have created a separate thread for join family applications here https://www.nairaland.com/6901221/irish-join-family-visa-enquiries

Good luck

I will also clarify that you only need to show evidence of relationship by text, chats and other means IF you have not lived together as a couple after you got married OR if you are a deFacto partner or spouse.

If you lived together for sometime after marriage and have children, I believe wedding pictures and post marriage pictures would suffice as evidence. This distinction was made on their website. It never hurts though to put as much evidence as you have in your application.

Secondly, if you have a critical skills permit and an offer that meets or exceeds the threshold stated on their website then you are good to go as well. I think the application process for those with a CSEP is faster than the 8 month period. A friend got his family permit under 3 months and the current wait times on their website is currently about 8 weeks for CSEP.

I will update more as our process progresses.

Efe07:
Good evening everyone, I trust we are all good. Please I need advised from anyone living in Ireland on Critical skill work permit who have brought his/her spouse over to Ireland. I have just been granted mine.. looking forward to start the process. Please I need to know how to commence , just anything relating to applying for visa from Nigeria will help. I have read some things online but just wanted to hear from someone who have gone through the process here. Thanks

Hi Efe! I am processing for my family as well. It seems straightforward. Get the stated documents and apply online. You can actually fill the form online first while you gather the documents. Remember that any marriage or birth certificates must be certified by the ministry of foreign affairs in Abuja. Other documents must be printed on official letter headed paper if from a company and must have a phone number, address, contact person name and email and must be signed.

Also gather bank statements, letter from employers, tenancy agreement, utility bill and application letters from you and your spouse. Ensure you make coloured copies of all pages of your current and previous passports and your family at home will pick a date for their biometrics and submission.

That's about all I believe.

ExpressBooking:
Well said Chiggs. The driving licence is something else. I passed through a lot to get the Category CE Articulated truck licence from scratch to finish. Spent over €6000 and time that I cannot quantify. The worst is going through 4 practical driving tests(B for Car, C for Rigid truck, CE for Articulated truck and Walkaround test for CPC)

Omo you try oh! Kudos to you. For those who want to drive here and you have a drivers license from home, get a letter of entitlement from home from FRSC. It will reduce the number of tests required from 12 to 6 and your period as a learner from 6 months to 3 months.

Chiggsglover:
Just avoid failing Any course. In failing and applying for extension, they'll consider this, also you shouldn't go above 40 hours, cheers

My advice would be to work within the 20 hours stipulated. The guidance is there for a reason and flouting it puts your future in Ireland in peril. When I was undergoing my MSc in UK, some students worked more than the 20 hours advised and felt they had gotten away with it, only to have their ILR denied, 7 years after, over them flouting the rule.

When you make any application in the future, your history will be reviewed and depending on the mood in the country or if the VO woke up angry that morning, this can be flagged up and used to deny your application.

The rules are clear, 20 hours during term time and 40 hours between December and January and from June 1st. Please adhere to it!

benjamin2222:
If fees is paid in full and an Educational bond is paid. Is it necessary to submit a bank statement?

Yes, you still have to explain your sources of income and explain lodgment in your account

onagamich:
Thanks a lot for this, meanwhile just for clarity's sake, Is it okay for one to use only an education bond without a sponsor and pay complete tuition for 1 year if someone is going for a 3-year bachelor's degree studies. Will it affect the visa decision as there is no proof for subsequent years after the first year

In other words how can one prove this if It's self-sponsored "Evidence that you or a sponsor have access to at least €7,000 for each subsequent year of your studies, in addition to the course fees for each of those years".

While you can use just the education bond and your personal statement of accounts, you will still be required to show or explain the source of funds. You can contact iCas for more information and guidance

opomulero:
does Ireland allow dependents or student to bring in dependents like UK?

One PHd students can bring their family along while studying

halaal:
Cam one seek Irish companies who one can work as a remote staff and maybe intern for a week to ascertain ones capabilities, tried networking with one Nigerian in Ireland and he didn't even attempt creating a legitimate opportunity, some time layer I saw him jumping into Nigeria, its like most of the Nigerians abroad want to turn the others left back to illegal immigrants so they try to fustrate one.

You cannot work in Ireland without a permit, either student or work. Remote work requires that you are present here in Ireland and other documentation which you have to apply for.

onyichick:
Thank you,its actually for my husband,he's confused on whether to go to Canada with 2 years visiting visa or go to Dublin for masters and try n remain there afterwards.

Be warned that overstaying a visit visa will lead to you getting banned for future applications. Your best bet is to go legally via study or through work

onyichick:
OK thank you for your reply

Architecture is a very good course to study as architects are in demand. Most jobs in the construction industry is in demand. Another option is to go for construction project management which gives you leverage to sedgeway into project management. You can also try my course, Sustainable Energy Engineering which is highly in demand.

Best of luck!

Babaisha:
Thank you @TheGreatOne90,
Not sure we could afford the route of citizenship by investment

Your best option is to send your wife to study in the UK. It is more straightforward and once she gets her study visa, the children are eligible as well and should get their visas as well. Plus, your kids cam go to school for free or almost free. In Ireland, you would have to apply for your wife and the children separately thereby increasing your financial outlay.

Another good option is Canada bit they are stricter with issuing visas unlike the UK which is more or less a checklist. Look for a course that is on the critical skills list and let her study that

DavidPparody:
Good day to all contributors.
Today is my first time contributing here even though I have been a silent reader who has learnt a lot on this forum and am still learning.
Pls, if a bank loan repayment appears on your bank statement, will it affect my chances with the VO

Not if it is well explained. It actually shows a positive passion to meeting your commitments

Munamoqel:
Please advice me data analyst vs business analyst Dublin bussiness school .which has better employment prospect after graduation .

My 2 cents would be to study a course where you have some experience in. This will help you greatly after the completion of your studies in landing a permanent job. There are lots of jobs here but many require you to have some experience beforehand. You might be lucky to get a graduate job but an experienced one pays better and is easier to get

Chiggsglover:
Scholarship in Ireland



At the moment, theres no full blown scholarship for masters. What we have for masters is just a discount directly from the institution you're applying to. They would deduct it from your fees. In my own case, €1000. The fees in comparison to USA isn't very high also.

Im well aware of very good scholarships for PhD, depending on the interest in big firms in your chosen Field of research. These companies see potential in your research especially if they would benefit from the findings...
If you're interested in scholarships, the link below is a must have.


https:///scholarship365

PS the link doesn't appear as it should be, hence the need to check the Telegram group.

I think there is the GOIES scholarship. A friend from India got it and it covers full tuition and €10k spending money. But one needs to apply early in the year for it

Dexter094:
Anyone plssss ...

Ireland unis and institutes do not need verification from the embassy. Just process your transcript through your school 9r if you have a copy, forward it to them and you should be fine!

Lukedge4:
Ireland embassy in Nigeria is too slow , I applied for join family visa since august , up till now have not heard anything from them . They simply tell me my application is not ready. Where as some application has spent more than 9 months. What can I do please ?

To the best of my knowledge, the join family visa takes 12 months to process as stated on their website. If the sponsor has a critical skills employment permit, then the join family application period is reduced to 6 months. You can check their website for more information.

JejeIsLife:
Good everyone, I hope all is fine please I will be starting my Irish student visa and I will need a guide, I know it is required of me to read previous post from the past but I am a working class person and it not that easy and it not that I am lazy but the nature 9f my job takes all my time.

I understand fully the demands of working in Nigeria. However, I'll advise that you take put 30 minutes daily to read and understand what you intend to commit millions of Naira into. The knowledge will come in handy and 30 minutes daily will allow you go through at least 10 pages everyday. In a week, you should have a good idea about how you should proceed.

Again, some people are scammers and reading may point them out. Finally, if you want to hand it over to someone, then iCAS is your best option and her link is in her bio

Othniels:
I agree with Dwebb55. Ideally you should start applying for full time roles as soon as you settle in with studies. The mistake many folks make is instead of focusing on the big-picture (full time good roles), they look for part-time jobs to meet up with living cost and before you know it, sometimes studies is affected or they become ok working at that level…(its ok to work part-time to supplement living cost, don't get me wrong) but there is stiff competition for the sweet jobs in Ireland. And being a black person, the odds are naturally not in your favour…. you have to be viciously smart and aggressive (People i know, applied for more than 100 roles in a 6 month period, attended over 30 interviews… at different stages 1, 2 and in some cases stage 3) in job hunting to land a good full time role. If you start looking for full time job early enough, you get to build connection with recruiters and HR leads, understand the job market and focus you attention in where you see your strength lies. You also build confidence which is critical during interviewing (which is what many lack). By June when Semester 2 is over you should have gotten a full time role, and if in the Critical Skills List, your employer should apply for you. After which you can apply for Stamp 1 residence permit even before your final results are out in September or October. Hence no need for Stamp 1G.

The thing is all those interviews and tests prepare you for the next one. My first job interview was nothing to write about. However I used the experience to prepare for the next and repeated the cycle all over until I got an offer. By my 4th and 5th interview, I knew what to expect and was better prepared. I started taking online tests since last year and by June I had a job offer, so early preparation and start is key! Best of luck guys!

Generalbong1:
ENQUIRY ABOUT VISAS/STAMPS FOR GRADUATING STUDENTS

Hello guys, Please I have some enquiries.

From what I have read, once a student finishes from a masters program (stamp 2 during masters), the student is eligible to secure 2 years visa extension after this to work, usually on a stamp 1G.

My enquiry is as regards getting a stamp 1 once the student finishes a masters. I want to understand all the options, I read about the critical skills route and the general employment permit route.

1. Can a graduating masters student upon getting results/confirmation from the school that he/she has graduated apply directly to get a stamp 1? If yes, what entails? I ask this because I want to know if a graduating student can apply for a stamp 1 without having secured a job yet as most full time jobs would require at least a stamp 1G before granting employment.

2. What added qualifications/certifications can increase chances of being granted a stamp 1 upon graduating from a masters?

Please can those who have taken the stamp 1 route please clarify and provide useful information to guide some of us who are about to graduate this month/next month so we know what to do immediately we receive our graduation confirmation from the school.

3. As regards health insurance, what is the best approach to getting the cheapest health insurance before the expiry of the health insurance given when we secured admission/1st year masters period? I heard that if one applies early it remains the same as what was paid in the first year. Please can those who have information about this also clarify.

Thanks guys for providing some feedback. I hope this will also be useful for others who are about to graduate. All the best to everyone.

The first thing to note is that you can apply for full time jobs immediately after you have completed your second semester exams, even before you graduate, that is if you have been cleared to move onto the dissertation stage. One error a lot of students make is that they wait till close to or after graduation before applying for work. Ideally, you should start applying for graduate jobs, the very month you begin your Masters as many take 6 to 9 months to complete all the processes.

Secondly, upon completion of your Masters, you are eligible for a Stamp 1G. Just send your results, the medical insurance and the letter from.the school and you are good to go. With the Stamp 1G you can work full time. Now, if you get a job offer in a Critical Skills employment permit list, you have 2 options: Apply on your own or get your employer to apply on your behalf. Note that either way, your employer must provide certain documents for you before you can secure the CSEP and most will only provide such documents only upon the confirmation of your employment after 6 or 11 months, depending on the probation period. Many companies actually sponsor such applications after the probation period ends.

For Stamp 1, you need a job offer to apply for that
Without a job offer it can be difficult to get a Stamp 1. However, remember that you are eligible for a Stamp 1G because you studied in Ireland and you do not need a job offer for that. Also note that you can work full time on a Stamp 2 between June 1 and September ending, pending the release of your results which is what I am doing.

With regards to the medical insurance, you have already stated your course duration when applying initially. Your new medical insurance which will.be used for the Stamp 1G application is the one for new graduates and I think Study and Protect has the best rates, but don't quote me.in that.

For help in securing a job, ensure you plan ahead for every aspect of your study, lay your plans before God and it really helps if you have previous experience. If you do not there are ways to use the experience you gained while conducting your Masters, your assignments, tests and exams.ti build a portfolio that you can market yourself with. Finally try and get a mentor who will help guide and advise you on how to navigate the job market in a.new country.

Best of luck and please do not mind any typos as I am typing this after a long day!