How to Apply

Before You Apply

A comprehensive guide is available to help you complete your on-line application form. Please thoroughly read this guide before applying. Click on the links below to view the guide in your preferred language. The guides are available in PDF format. See our section, “How to view PDF documents” for information on how to use PDF files.

Explanatory Leaflet to assist you in completing your on-line application form:

English version

Chinese version

Please check our General Information page for further details on applying for a visa. A full list of required documentation for each Visa Type is also available.

Complete your application online

On-line applications can be made through the following website:

www.visas.inis.gov.ie/AVATS/OnlineHome.aspx

The page may take some time to load. Please be patient. Once the page has loaded click “Apply Now” at the top left of the page to begin the application process.

All questions within the online application are in English and must be answered in English.

Help tips are available in certain fields which will explain what information is being sought.

You will need to print a summary of your application form as part of the on-line application process. You will therefore need the ability to print from the computer on which you complete your application.

We also recommend you have the following information at hand before you apply:
 

1. Passport – number, date of issue / expiry.

2. If you have held a previous passport, you must submit your previous passport with your application. If you are unable to do so, a written explanation must be provided along with any relevant police reports.

3. Copy of Chinese immigration records from the National Immigration Administration Bureau (https://s.nia.gov.cn.) This is a free service which is also available on WeChat.

4. Details of any previous Irish visa applications.

5. Contact details for your host in Ireland.

6. Itinerary.

During the application process you can save your application, exit the online form and return later to complete and submit it. (Within 30 days).

If you experience technical difficulties in using the facility, we would welcome your feedback by email to pagemaster@justice.ie

How to submit your visa application?

For all visa applicants residing in China (including Hong Kong and Macau)

The Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service has outsourced the function for collection and return of visa applications in China to VFS Global.

You will be required to pay a service charge to VFS Global. This fee is separate to the visa processing fee.

Both the visa processing fee and the VFS Global service charge must now be paid on-line. No cash payments will be accepted. You will be directed to the VFS online payments portal, following completion of your on-line visa application.

Once you have completed your online application and paid your fee on-line, you will be directed to make an appointment to attend at a VFS Visa Application Centre to provide biometrics, and submit your supporting documents.

Find your nearest Visa Application Centre.

For all visa applicants residing in Mongolia

A new procedure for Mongolian visa applications to Ireland is being introduced with effect from Wednesday, 20 November 2019. Please click here for more information.

Visa Decisions

A list of visa decisions is published weekly on this site.

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 13:36:35 GMT

Student Visa Applications

Study Visa applicants should note that with the discontinuation of “The additional form to be completed by Study Visa Applicants, form BJ(S)”, additional supporting documentation is now required with your application in China. Please refer to our Study Visa Information page for further details.

Beware of Fraud

The Irish Visa Office wishes to remind our customers to be vigilant against fraudulent activity currently being targeted at some applicants. It has come to our attention that some of our customers have been contacted by email by a person(s) purporting to be from this office advising them to click on an internet link and to enter personal passwords etc.

This is an attempted fraud. Fees for various services charged by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services (INIS) and VFS are published on Visa Fees & VFS service charge and payment methods.

Other than the published list of fees, no other fees are charged.

Do not give details of your immigration application by email or to telephone callers unless you are sure who they are. If you have received an email from this office and are unsure if it is legitimate, contact the Irish Visa Office in Beijing by telephone on + 86 10 65326945 / 65326971/72/73.

Requirement if a Solicitor is acting on your behalf for your visa application

If you employ a Solicitor on your behalf to deal directly with this office in relation to any aspect on your visa application, please remember to include a signed letter of authorisation by you the applicant allowing us to disclose personal information to your Solicitor that is relevant to, or included in the documents of your visa application.