Tag Archive for: English Language course

CHANGES TO INTERIM LIST OF ELIGIBLE PROGRAMMES (ILEP) AND IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW ‘TRUSTED IRELAND’ QUALITY MARK FOR STUDENT IMMIGRATION PURPOSES

CHANGES TO INTERIM LIST OF ELIGIBLE PROGRAMMES (ILEP) AND IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW ‘TRUSTED IRELAND’ QUALITY MARK FOR STUDENT IMMIGRATION PURPOSES

Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) has published updated criteria for programmes to be included on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP), on 21st March 2025.

A series of reforms on the student immigration system for Non-EEA students were implemented in 2015 in line with the ‘Reform of the International Education Sector and Student Immigration System’ policy statement.

The ILEP was introduced as a more restrictive list of education programmes eligible for student immigration purposes, used as a reference point for ISD, in considering visa and residency applications from non-EEA applicants wishing to study on a full-time basis in Ireland. The inclusion of programmes in the ILEP enables providers to recruit non-EEA students to study full-time in Ireland.

The ILEP was developed as an interim measure and will shortly be superseded by the International Education Mark (IEM), which launched in 2024. The Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) will award a ‘TrustEd Ireland Quality Mark’ to higher education and English language providers who demonstrate that they meet national standards to ensure a quality experience for international students.

Once the ‘TrustEd Ireland’ scheme is fully implemented, the ILEP will cease to operate. Once the ILEP is discontinued, only education providers granted authorisation to use the ‘TrustEd Ireland’ mark will be eligible to recruit students from outside the EEA to their educational programmes.

Where a provider has programmes listed in the ILEP and remains in compliance with ILEP criteria, it may continue to recruit non-EEA nationals until the ILEP ceases operation.

The final ILEP update will be published in June 2025, after which point there will be no further additions to the list.

The ILEP will then be gradually phased out in line with the implementation of the ‘TrustEd Ireland’ scheme.

Study Visas and Stamp 2 immigration permissions will then only be granted for participation in a course offered by a provider with authorisation to use the ‘TrustEd Ireland’ mark.

More information on the updated ILEP criteria is available here.

More information regarding the ‘TrustEd Ireland’ quality mark can be found here.

Berkeley Solicitors are available to provide advice in respect of all matters relating to the student visa process.

This blog article has been prepared on the basis of current immigration law and policy, which is subject to change. Please keep an eye on our blog and Facebook page where articles relating to updates and changes in immigration law and policy are regularly posted.

MINISTER FOR JUSTICE ANNOUNCES BRIDGING PERMISSION FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE STUDENTS

The Immigration Service Delivery have announced another bridging permission this year for English Language course students who have successfully completed a course and are subsequently enrolled in a Higher Education Programme commencing by end of October 2024.

The bridging permission is a short-term Stamp 2 permission granted until 30th September 2024.

This is relevant for English language students moving to higher education in the coming academic year, whose stamp will expire before they can commence their new course.

This permission is on the basis that applicants will be in a position to provide documentary evidence of a confirmed and fully paid Higher Education Programme listed on the Interim List of Eligible Providers (ILEP) and that the programme commences in September 2024.

Students wishing to avail of this bridging permission must have:

  • An in-date IRP card or a card that has expired within one month when applying for the bridging permission;
  • Successfully completed a 3rd English Language course listed on the ILEP or successfully completed a 2nd English Language course listed on the ILEP on or after 1st July;
  • Have enrolled in and paid fees in full for a Higher Education Programme listed on the ILEP;
  • Apply for a renewal (bridging permission) via their local immigration office.

The bridging permission will allow non-EEA nationals who have successfully completed their 2nd or 3rd English language courses and who are progressing to a Higher Education Course to remain in the State pending commencement of their course.

The full announcement can be found here:

https://www.irishimmigration.ie/english-language-students-stamp-2-bridging-permission-2024-update/

This blog article has been prepared on the basis of current immigration law and policy, which is subject to change. Please keep an eye on our blog and Facebook page where articles relating to updates and changes in immigration law and policy are regularly posted.