Relocation Information

Information for non-EU students who need to formalize their stay in Cork for Stamp 2 Immigration purposes.


Moving to a new country is exciting but can also feel overwhelming. This information is here to help make your transition to life in Cork as smooth as possible. Discover key tips on immigration registration, navigating public transport, and understanding Cork’s weather so you can be prepared from day one. Start your journey with confidence!

At the Airport
IRP Card Application
Show Proof of Funds
(€4680)
How to Open an
Irish Bank Account
Renewal IRP Card
Application

Leap Card /Student
bus ticket)
Apply for a Job
(PPS Number)


Your New Life
in Cork


Attendance Guidelines
Final Exam
Holiday Requests
School Closure Dates

On first arrival to the airport in Ireland you will present the following documents to the airport Immigration Officer:

1. Official School Letter
2. Medical Insurance Policy

On seeing these documents the Immigration Officer you meet at the airport will give you a specific landing stamp (a stamp showing your intention is to study in Ireland as apposed to being a tourist). 

Having this specific landing stamp in your passport will allow you do the following from the day you arrive in Ireland: 

1. Request an Immigration meeting where you will later during your stay get your physical IRP / Immigration card (stamp 2 student visa)
2. Apply for a PPS number (official number for work purposes). You can do this before you get your physical IRP card. You can do this once you have your specific landing stamp.
3. Apply for an Irish bank account. This in general is not mandatory but in some rare cases an employer might request specific AIB or BOI Irish bank details to make payments to you.

You do not need to wait until you have a physical IRP / Immigration card to apply for a PPS or Irish Bank Account. Having the specific landing stamp in you passport is enough. The stamp showing your intention is to study in Ireland as apposed to being a tourist. 

All students registered on a Work and Study Stamp 2/Visa related course need to apply for an IRP card while here in Ireland.

Applying for your IRP card – First time registrations

You must bring the following to your appointment in Dublin:

Your IRP Card will be posted to your address in Cork.

How to Show Proof of Having €4680

You need to show Immigration that you have access to €4,680 at first registration (Only applies to some students)

Show that you have access to €4680 by one of the following:

  1. Show your €4680 in a foreign bank account (your account at home for example or a parents account):

2. Show your €4680 using an Online/Digital Bank Account

3.Show your €4,680 on pre-paid credit card or debit card

Consider a Digital Account


Open a Regular (traditional) Irish Bank Account

Renewal applications can be made online at: https://inisonline.jahs.ie

The Immigration Service website provides a live processing update for online renewal applications being processed. To ensure an equitable immigration system, applications are processed in the order in which they are received.

The IRP Card Registration Fee is €300. Your IRP card will be posted to your address in Cork.

To renew you will be asked to provide:

  1. The biometric page of your current valid passport. This is the page that shows your photograph, passport number and date of birth.
  2. The front and back of your current IRP card. This is the credit-card sized plastic card you received when you last registered your permission.
  3. A letter from your school, confirming your enrolment as a student on a full time course of 25 weeks and listed on the ILEP.
    1. A letter from your school that shows you have attended a minimum of 85% of all lessons.
  4. Proof you have paid college/school fees.
  5. Proof of your private medical insurance. Insurance MUST cover accidents & medical incidents including hospital stays for the duration of your residence. Travel insurance is NOT sufficient for Visa Renewal.
  6. Exam results from previous course.

Attendance Guidelines

Final Exam Requirements

You are obliged by Immigration to take the end  of course exam (TIE or IELTS) which you selected when booking your course. The school will register you for this exam. The Academic Team will reach out to you closer to your exam date to help you prepare and give you the exam schedule.

How to Make a Holiday Request

School Closure Dates

As well as weekends the school will be closed on the following public holiday dates:

Public Holidays 2025

3rd February, March 17, 21 April, 05 May, 02 June, 04 August, 27 October.

Christmas period closure dates: 22 December 2025 to 04 January 2026.

Apply for a TFI Leap Card (student bus ticket)

TFI Leap Card is up to 30% cheaper than cash single fares. You can travel on Cork City Bus Éireann services and selected others like the Cobh Connect, for as little as:

Adult Leap Card (for as little as €1.35 per journey)

Available to all adults at most Centra shops and the bus station at a cost of €5.00. The card can be topped up with credit like a mobile phone. When you are finished with the card you can return it and get a refund.

Young Adult ( 23 years or younger) or Student Leap Card (for as little as €0.65 per journey)

Apply Online

Student Leap Card Collection Point:

How to Apply for a Job

Finding a job in Cork can be a great way to maximize your English language use in real life settings. Put what you have learned in class into practice in real life work settings.

Apply for a PPS Number

Everybody who would like to start work in Ireland will need a PPS number. You will need the following for your visit to the PPS Office in Cork:

Find more information about the PPS application at Gov.ie

Monthly Jobs Club

Remember to sign up for our Monthly Jobs Club where we help students with:

Sign-up for the next Jobs Club on the school notice board located in the student chill-out area, ground floor.

Useful Contact Information

Information Sources

Your New Life in Cork

Essential Apps for Life in Cork

The Transport apps are very useful if you end up living outside of the city center for example with host family.

TFI Go App

Perfect for paying for bus and train fares on-the-go.

TFI Live App

Real-time information about public transport in Cork.

Bike Share App

Rent a bike and easily explore the city.


Cork Safety Alerts

Stay ahead of the traffic, and weather. Get push notifications for your area of Cork.

Weather App

Met Éireann, the Irish National Meteorological Service, is the leading provider of weather information for Ireland.

Revolut Bank App

Manage your finances easily with this online bank.

Setting up a local Irish bank account is recommended if you’re staying in Ireland for a longer time.

How to Guides

Check out these How-To Guides, designed to help you navigate life in a new city with ease.

Apply for a Leap Card

How to apply for a discount student bus ticket (leap card).

Apply for a Stamp 2

How to apply for an IRP/Stamp 2 (suitable for non-EU students)

Rent a Room

How to find your own accommodation in Cork.


Prepare for the Weather

How to stay warm and dry. Seasonal tips and general temperatures.

Apply for a Job

How to apply for a job – jobs websites and Jobs Club.

How to Budget

How to budget – a guide to typical costs of living in Cork.


Meet New Friends

Get out and about, meet new friends and practice your English.

Gyms in Cork

Offering Pay-as-you-go and discounts ideal for students.

Cork Parkruns

 A free, weekly, 5km timed run with 3 locations around Cork city.

Volunteer Cork

Make connections and practice your English through volunteering.


Places to Study in Cork

Top Places to Study

Looking for a quiet spot to focus, Cork offers plenty of excellent study locations. Check out our favourites Cork City Library, Quay Co-Op Library and The Bookshelf Cafe.

Late Places to Study

Continue studying with friends after the school closes at 17:00, by exploring these late opening study-friendly spots. Check out our favourites: WebWorkHouse, Bean and Leaf and Starbucks.

Early Places to Study

Check out these near-by early opening cafes if waiting for the school to open at 08:30: Cafe Velo, Soma Cafe and Bean and Leaf.


Discover Cork

Explore Cork city’s historic buildings, narrow streets and lively markets in one of Ireland’s oldest cities.

Hotspots in Cork

Check out Cork’s favorite cafes, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Parks in Cork

Parks, green spaces and river walkways dotted around the city center and neighboring suburbs.

Beaches in Cork

Here are some of our favorite beaches near Cork City.


Places of Interest

Ring the Shandon Bells in the 300-year-old tower of St. Anne’s Church, and marvel at the French Gothic spires of St. Finbarre’s Cathedral.

Festivals in Cork

Festivals to cater for all tastes, with events in performance and visual arts, choral singing, comedy, film, folk music, jazz, literature, writing, and traditional music.

Discover Cork

Your ideal City for Learning English. Cork’s locals are warm, approachable, and always ready for a chat—perfect for practicing your English skills.


Local Websites

Check out these websites for local information, events, and community connections.

Craving Cork

A guide to Cork’s best restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Tripe + Drisheen

Independent News from across Cork city and county. 

Pure Cork

Discover top tourist attractions and things to do around the city.

Cork has everything you need for a fulfilling and enriching language stay, from its rich cultural heritage to its welcoming people and lively student life. Come to Cork, improve your English, and discover what makes this city so special.

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