Do I need a GNIB card?

coastline

Hello everyone,

I am an American student and was originally in Ireland to study abroad for 90 days (maximum an American can study on a visit). This was June to August. I decided to stay after on the WHA visa that I had acquired before arriving.

I have the WHA (working holiday authorisation) and have been traveling around Ireland (not working yet).

I am bit scared (weary would be a better word to use) to get a job because I am not sure that is one of the things that they would ask for. Is it required? I also wanted to open up a bank account here...but again...would I need to have the GNIB card? I keep imagining someone calling immigration or something on me...

The GNIB card is $300, which is a pretty steep price for a card- especially considering that I am a student. I also didn't know about it (wasn't even informed about through the embassy) until I arrived. A flight here cost me 1.5k and my visa cost me $350 whilst my passport cost me $350 as well...things already added up fast and I am not sure if the GNIB card is even necessary.

If it comes down to it, I will obviously get it, but would have to ask my parents for money ...I also have never seen one being used anywhere, as I use my passport for identification.

Any advice would be very helpful. Thank you in advance.

Speedwell

Coastline, I'm confused. What passport cost you $350? I can't make a US passport come out to that (the maximum fee if you are requesting a book and card is $165 for first-time applicants, maybe as much as a total of $250 or so if you request both expediting fees and express mail). Do you hold more than one citizenship?

coastline

I had to order an entirely new one (never owned a passport before) and expedite it (extenuating circumstances). I did it through a private agency.

Dodge

If you want to stay more than 90 days, then yes, you have to register with INIS and pay €300 for the GNIB card

Here's the info you need

http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/registration-office-visit


http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/registration-fees

Speedwell

Yeah, that explains it. I did the agency thing once for work (I had to renew right before a business trip) and they really ripped me off. OK.

Here's the page with the information you need. http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/registration-working-holiday

First... don't panic, but you do need a GNIB card. Your visa allowed you into the country but you still needed to register when you got here. Since we're not allowed to give legal advice on the forum, your first stop should be an agency like this http://www.immigrantcouncil.ie/ You will need a PPS number for a bank account or a job anyway, and to get one, you will need to present a GNIB card.

Don't delay in getting advice.

Dodge

Speedwell wrote: »

. Since we're not allowed to give legal advice on the forum, your first stop should be an agency like this http://www.immigrantcouncil.ie/ You will need a PPS number for a bank account or a job anyway, and to get one, you will need to present a GNIB card.

Don't delay in getting advice.

I don't think legal advice is necessary. It's a straight forward procedure. coastline has done nothing wrong, and has nothing to fear. Make an appointment, bring your documents, get the stamp and card and then off you go to get a job.

Speedwell

Dodge wrote: »

I don't think legal advice is necessary. It's a straight forward procedure. coastline has done nothing wrong, and has nothing to fear. Make an appointment, bring your documents, get the stamp and card and then off you go to get a job.

I don't think that's entirely clear. The OP is outside his 90 days. He may not be in trouble in practice, but I think he may have needed to register for residency. That's why I pointed him at an agency who will know what steps he needs to take.