The Department of Justice has launched an urgent review of Ireland’s English-language student-visa regime amid fears it is operating as a de-facto work route. Speaking to media on 30 November, Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy confirmed officials are examining whether to cut the number of visas issued and impose stricter quality assurance on language schools.
Roughly 60,000 non-EEA student visas were granted last year, half for English courses. Officials allege some applicants enrol in short programmes merely to gain legal entry before pivoting to employment. The review comes against a backdrop of record net migration and parallel reforms to asylum and family-reunification rules.
![Student-Visa Crackdown Looms as Government Reviews English-Language Route]()
Language-school operators warn that indiscriminate cuts could wipe €1 billion from the economy in tuition fees, rent and local spending. Employers relying on student labour—particularly hospitality and retail—fear tighter supply and wage inflation. Graduate-scheme sponsors may also see fewer candidates feeding into the Third-Level Graduate Route.
Global mobility teams should monitor consultation papers due early 2026, map workforce dependencies on student employees and budget for potential pay rises. Companies sponsoring graduates into work permits may need to accelerate recruitment timelines before visa caps bite.
Roughly 60,000 non-EEA student visas were granted last year, half for English courses. Officials allege some applicants enrol in short programmes merely to gain legal entry before pivoting to employment. The review comes against a backdrop of record net migration and parallel reforms to asylum and family-reunification rules.
Language-school operators warn that indiscriminate cuts could wipe €1 billion from the economy in tuition fees, rent and local spending. Employers relying on student labour—particularly hospitality and retail—fear tighter supply and wage inflation. Graduate-scheme sponsors may also see fewer candidates feeding into the Third-Level Graduate Route.
Global mobility teams should monitor consultation papers due early 2026, map workforce dependencies on student employees and budget for potential pay rises. Companies sponsoring graduates into work permits may need to accelerate recruitment timelines before visa caps bite.
