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ISD Announces English Language Stamp 2 Bridging Permission for 2026

Published: April 2026 | Source: Immigration Service Delivery (ISD)

 

ISD has announced a temporary permission for English Language course students who have successfully completed a 2nd or 3rd course and have enrolled in a Higher Education Programme starting by end of October 2026.

This permission will be a short term Stamp 2 granted until 30th September 2026, as long as the applicant can provide proof that they are enrolled and have fully paid for a Higher Education Programme listed on the Interim List of Eligible Providers (ILEP).

This permission does not apply to students who have successfully completed a 2nd English Language course prior to 1st July. These students have the option to take a 3rd English language course.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible, applicants must have:

  • An in-date IRP card, or a card that has expired within one month of the application
  • Successfully completed a 3rd English language course, or a 2nd English language course on or after 1st July
  • Adhered to the conditions of their current residence permission
  • Enrolled in and paid fees in full for a Higher Education Programme listed on the Interim List of Eligible Providers (ILEP)

Please note: This permission does not apply to students who completed a 2nd English language course before 1st July. These students have the option to take a 3rd English language course.

Fee Waiver

Applicants whose 2nd or 3rd English language course finished on or after 1st July will not have to pay the €300 fee. Applications made via ISD’s online portal will have the fee refunded when the application is processed.

Important Reminder

Students who receive this bridging permission must renew their immigration permission before 30 September 2026, before the bridging permission expires.

Full Details

For further details, please see the announcement here: Read the full ISD announcement here

 

MRCI is sharing this information on behalf of ISD for the benefit of our community. For queries about your specific situation, please contact ISD directly.

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