Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) registers non-EEA students on Stamp 2 student conditions. ISD says clearly that this does not normally let you bring your family.

What ISD says

ISD's student FAQ asks "Can I bring family members with me?" and answers:

"No, students are typically not permitted to bring family members with them. There are some very exceptional circumstances where this may be permitted."

ISD's family page adds: "If your sponsor is the holder of a Stamp 2 or Stamp 3 Irish Residence permission they cannot sponsor others."

ISD's policy for degree students (Guidelines for Degree Programme Students, from January 2011, updated November 2024) says:

• "In general students will continue to have no rights to Family Reunification."
• "For visa-required students your husband, wife, civil partner or child will need to make their own Visa application and this application will be judged on its own merit."
• "Partners, spouses and/or children will be considered as applicants in their own right but cannot advance their application for entry or residence on the basis of their relationship to another student."
• "Students will not be permitted to be accompanied or joined by children other than those born during their stay."

On visits by children, the policy says that in general family reunification "will be achieved by you visiting your children and family during academic holidays."

The policy lists a few narrow exceptions. One is a student who can show private means each year that clearly support the student and the family without public funds and without working. Read the full policy before relying on any exception.

If you are married

• Plan your studies and your budget as if you will live in Ireland alone.
• Answer every question about your family on the visa form fully and honestly. ISD asks you to answer all AVATS questions "fully and honestly".
• Your application letter must give details of any family members who are currently in Ireland or in another EU country.

If your spouse wants to come too

Your spouse must apply for their own visa, in their own right, and meet every requirement of that visa type alone. For example, a spouse who wants to study needs their own place on an eligible course, fees, funds and English results. Being married to a student does not count towards their application.