Doctors
Doctors sitting PRES exams in Ireland
What you get
- An eligibility check and a review of every document
- Completion and submission of your online application (AVATS)
- Your application letter explaining the exam and why it must be taken in Ireland
About this service
Exam Visa
A short stay 'C' visa to sit an exam in Ireland that you need for your current job or course of study, such as the PRES exams for doctors, professional accreditation exams like accountancy, or exams for distance learning courses. The visa office will want to know why the exam is necessary and why you must take it in Ireland. We prepare a clear, well-evidenced application.
€615
Fixed fee
5
Areas we cover
8
Documents to prepare
5
Simple steps
Who it's for
Who this is for
Whether you're moving, hiring, staying or starting over, this is the place to begin.
Professionals
Professionals sitting accreditation exams, such as accountancy exams
Distance learners
Distance learning students who must sit exams in Ireland
At a glance
Eligibility
01
Necessary exam
The exam is necessary for your current employment or course of study
02
Why Ireland
There's a clear reason it must be taken in Ireland. For distance learning, there's no test centre in your country and Ireland is the nearest
03
Registration
You're registered for the exam, with any fees paid
04
Passport validity
Your passport is valid for at least 6 months after you leave Ireland
05
Visa conditions
You won't work in any way, including as an observer in a hospital, and won't use public services
Our promise
What's included
Exam Visa
€615
Before you start
Documents you'll need
Tick each item as you gather it. Bring whichever apply to you.
Your preparation checklist
0 of 8 ready
Tap items as you go
You're fully prepared. Let's get you booked in.
5-step journey
How it works
- 1Step 1
We confirm the exam qualifies and plan your documents.
- 2Step 2
We complete your online application and draft your letter.
- 3Step 3
You gather the exam and financial documents, and we check them.
- 4Step 4
You sign the summary form, pay the fee and post your originals within 30 days.
- Step 5
We support you until a decision is made.
Good to know
Our fee
€615 VAT included. The government visa fee is separate.
Government fee
€60 single entry or €100 multiple entry, non-refundable. Some nationalities are exempt.
Processing time
About 8 weeks at most visa offices, so apply as soon as you're registered.
Several exams
Each exam needs its own description and proof of registration.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
An exam visa is a short stay 'C' visa for people travelling to Ireland to sit an exam that's necessary for their current job or course of study. Common examples are the PRES (Pre-Registration Examination System) exams that international doctors sit for registration with the Medical Council of Ireland, professional accreditation exams such as accountancy exams, and exams for distance learning courses. The visa office looks for proof that the exam is needed and that it has to be taken in Ireland. For distance learning students, that usually means showing there's no test centre in their own country. You'll need the original confirmation of registration from the exam body and the receipt for the exam fees. Doctors should note that the exam visa doesn't allow them to stay on and work: after passing the PRES, they need an employment permit and the right visa to return. The visa doesn't allow hospital observerships or any other work, paid or unpaid.
No. You must leave Ireland after the exam. To return and work, you'll need an employment permit and the correct visa. If you fail, you must reapply from outside Ireland.
The exam visa is for exams needed for your current job or course. Tell us your situation and we'll advise you on the right route.
No. The exam visa doesn't allow observerships or any work, paid or unpaid.
Short stay refusals can no longer be appealed (since 1 June 2026). You can reapply, addressing the refusal reasons.
As soon as you have your exam registration confirmed, ideally about 3 months before the exam date.
Ready when you are
Get started with Exam Visa
€615
€615
Exam Visa