​Bank Accounts

Some students need to open a bank account in Ireland

While you're studying English in Ireland at the Galway Cultural Institute, you might need to open up a bank account. For students who have passports outside of the EEA, this is absolutely essential for their visa process. 

We will help you if you need to open a student bank account. We use the bank called AIB bank located in Salthill, which is conveniently located within a short walking distance of the school. We will support your through the whole process

Setting up your bank account also helps if you are looking to start working while studying here. The documents you need to open the bank account are simple

• a letter from the school
• a copy of your passport
• proof of address and finally
• bank Application form

When you leave Ireland, it is advisable to close your bank account.

Visa Requirements for a bank account in Ireland 

There are two types of visas for non-EEU countries.

• Visa Waivers

If you are coming from a visa waiver country, the visa process will happen here in Ireland.

• Visa Requiring

If you are coming from a visa requiring country, the visa process starts before you arrive in Ireland. (In that case the student should go to the nearest Irish embassy in their country and ask for the required documents).

At the airport when visa students arrive, the immigration officer gives the student 3 months (90 days) of visa, so they have enough time to prepare everything. We have a SAY meeting every Monday for new students, and we go through the visa process with them, and we answer any questions they may have about it. 

Once in Ireland, you will need to book an appointment with ISD by setting up an account online.

Other steps to be followed, include:

• Opening an Irish bank account to provide a bank statement at the immigration
• Request an immigration letter from the school
• Have a proof of address

The immigration appointment can take up to 8 - 12 weeks to happen and the IRP card arrives in the post to your local accommodation address approximatively 10 days after the appointment. To validate your visa after arrival in Ireland, you must take an appointment with ISD (Book Appointment here).