Are you a permanent resident in the US and would like to know whether an Ireland visa for US green card holder is a requirement for travel? The short answer is yes. Any green card holder who plans to enter the Republic of Ireland will need to get a visa unless they have a passport that grants them visa-free entry.
Ireland may be in Europe, but it is not a member of the Schengen zone but is a member of the European Union. This means that it has its own immigration laws and visa policy separate from its neighbors. While US citizens enjoy visa-free entry, permanent residents granted Greek cards do not. This means they must apply for a visa before traveling to Ireland unless they are from a visa-exempt country.
Before you start making plans for the trip, consult the visa exemption list o the Republic of Ireland to see if your country is on the list. If it is not, you need a visa; if it is, find out how many visa-free days you are entitled to.
Visiting Ireland
Dublin is the capital of the Irish Republic, and it also doubles as its economic nerve center and also the most developed city in the country. There are two types of visas for travelers and visitors, namely the long stay and short stay visa. Visitors arriving at the airport will be asked to submit their passports to the immigration officer to be stamped before they are let through.
Long Stay Visa
A long-stay visa is a visa that allows the holder to stay for more than three months. More than a few visas fall under this category, such as
Student Visa: A thriving community of international students in Ireland attends colleges and universities. This visa has a 3-4 year validity so the student can complete their course.
Work Visa: Another example of a long-stay visa is a work visa which allows the green card holder to work in Ireland legally. The visa also comes with a work permit.
There are other examples, but these are the most common long-stay visas issued by Irish embassies and consulates.
Short Stay Visa
This one is for people who don’t want to study for over 3 months. The type of visa issued will be based on the nature of their visit, and common examples are
Transit Visa: For travelers looking to stop in Ireland for some days before switching flights to a different country. This visa is unnecessary if you don’t want to leave the airport while waiting for your next flight.
Tourism: Thus visa is for tourists coming for sightseeing, to spend time with family, or for a holiday. It allows them to stay for up to 90 days.
Medical Treatment: A visa exists for those seeking medical treatment at an Irish hospital.
Ireland Visa For US Green Card Holder Requirements
Find below the documents required to get the visa
Irish visa application form
Valid passport
Cover letter
Invitation letter, if applicable
Proof of visa fee payment
US green card to prove legal residency
Proof of Accommodation
Information about family and friends
Copies of previous visas, if any
Proof of financial means
Employment or study documents, where applicable
Proof of return to the US or home country
Prepaid self-addressed envelope
How Much Should A Green Card Holder Have To Enter Ireland?
This question always comes up from time to time about the financial capacity of visitors. First, the law states that visitors must have sufficient funds for public utilities and casual enjoyment. This figure can be €1000 or above. How’s, for students, the minimum amount is €10,000.
What Is The Processing Time?
The processing time for that visa is eight weeks, so start early so your visa will be out as quickly as possible. The time of the year, the speed at which the embassy handles the applications, and unforeseen circumstances may cause delays.
Duration of Stay
The duration of stay is 90 days within a 180 period for short-stay visas and more for long-stay visas depending on the type of visa. EEA and other visa-exempt visitors can also stay for up to 90 days.
Single & Multiple Entry Visas
Another thing to note is that the visa issued to you may be a single or multiple entry visa. Single Entry visas can only be used once; if you leave, you cannot reuse them even if they have not expired. Multiple entry visas can be used to enter Ireland multiple times as long as it remains valid but is only issued for specific purposes.
We hope you have been better educated regarding the Ireland visa for US green card holders. So visit the Irish consulate or embassy to submit your application.