Student Permission Renewal (Stamp
2)

Stamp 2 is the immigration permission for full-time non-EEA students on courses listed on ISD's Interim List of Eligible Programmes. It's usually granted for a year or for the length of a course, so students renew it to keep studying, and ISD checks that they still meet the student rules each time. For a renewal, students must be enrolled full time on an eligible course that has started, have paid their fees (in full if they're under €6,000) and hold private medical insurance. English language students need at least 85% attendance and must have sat a recognised exam at the end of their course, while degree students must show progression in their studies. Time limits apply: English language study can last up to 2 years in total, and the overall limit on student permission is 7 years, or 8 years at level 9 or above. Renewals are made online with a €300 fee, and in October 2026 they were taking roughly 8 to 9 weeks. Students who applied before their IRP expired can usually keep working up to 20 hours a week while they wait. In exceptional circumstances, students can apply to extend their permission through the ISD Online Portal.

English language students below 85% risk refusal. Talk to us before you apply, so we can look at your options and any exceptional circumstances.

No. Students must wait until the course starts before applying.

You need to progress to a higher education course to stay as a student.

If you applied before your IRP expired, you can usually continue with your 20-hour work allowance while you wait.

Courses must progress in level, for example from English to a degree. A change can affect your renewal, so talk to us before switching.

Students are generally not allowed to bring family members, except in very exceptional circumstances.