Skip to main content
MATES International Education and Visa Services
IrelandStudent Visa

Ireland's 2026 Stamp 2 bridging permission for English-language students: applications closed, permissions end 30 September

Status: Temporary measure

Immigration Service Delivery offered a short Stamp 2 bridging permission, running to 30 September 2026, for eligible English-language students moving into an ILEP higher education programme starting by the end of October 2026. ISD's notice was valid only from 1 May to 31 August 2026, so new applications are no longer accepted under it.

What changed

  • A short-term Stamp 2 bridging permission was granted until 30 September 2026, from the expiry date of the student's current IRP card.
  • ISD's notice was valid from 1 May 2026 to 31 August 2026 only. Applications were made through ISD's online portal.
  • ISD states that anyone granted the bridging permission must renew their immigration permission before it expires on 30 September 2026.

Key dates

Officially announced
In effect from
Ends

Who may be affected

  • Students who completed a third English-language course (the maximum allowed), or a second course on or after 1 July as set out in ISD's 2026 update, and have enrolled in and paid in full for an ILEP higher education programme starting by the end of October 2026.
  • Not eligible: students who completed a second English-language course before 1 July, regardless of when they apply.
  • Applicants need an in-date IRP card, or one that expired within the last month, and must have kept to the conditions of their permission.

Key takeaways

  • The application window under this notice ran from 1 May to 31 August 2026 and has closed.
  • Bridging permissions granted under it end on 30 September 2026.
  • ISD states that students whose second or third course finished on or after 1 July and who used this bridging permission are fee-exempt, with online application fees refunded when processed.

What students should do

  1. If you hold this bridging permission, renew your immigration permission before 30 September 2026, as ISD requires.
  2. If you did not apply by 31 August 2026, this route is no longer open under the notice. Check ISD's website for your current options and speak to MATES before making any decision.

Official sources

Read the Official Update(opens Immigration Service Delivery (Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration) in a new tab — you are leaving the MATES website)

Opens the government website in a new tab. You will be leaving the MATES website.

Before you act on this

Visa and immigration requirements can change. Review the linked official government source and confirm the latest requirements with MATES before making an application decision.

This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. MATES cannot influence a government decision.

Related updates

  • IrelandProcessing and Appointments
    Status: Service notice

    Irish residence permit renewals taking more than 17 weeks in Dublin

    Immigration Service Delivery reported on 13 July 2026 that renewing an Irish Residence Permit through the Burgh Quay registration office in Dublin was taking more than 17 weeks for some categories, with up to two further weeks for the new card. A temporary summer travel concession ran from 13 July to 31 August 2026 and has ended.

    Announced
  • United StatesStudent Visa
    Status: In effectKey update

    US replaces 'duration of status' with a fixed admission period for F-1 students

    A Department of Homeland Security final rule, effective 15 September 2026, admits F and J students for the length of their programme — up to four years — instead of 'duration of status'. Students who need more time must apply to USCIS for an extension, and the F-1 post-study grace period falls from 60 to 30 days.

    Announced

Ready to Begin Your Study-Abroad Journey?

Speak with a MATES counsellor and explore destinations, universities and programmes suited to your profile.

Book Free CounsellingChat on WhatsApp(opens in a new tab)