At a glance
A qualifying non-EEA graduate of an Irish institution may move from Stamp 2 to Stamp 1G to look for graduate-level work and work full time for a limited period.
- Who can apply
- Recent graduates of qualifying Irish programs
- Requirement
- Eligible Irish award and timely application from valid student status
- Limits
- Usually 12 months, with a possible second year for higher awards
Summary
The graduate route is a time-limited transition from an eligible Irish award to employment. A qualifying non-EEA graduate must apply in time while holding the required student status; finishing a degree does not automatically change Stamp 2 into Stamp 1G.
A qualifying Level 8 award normally supports twelve months, while Level 9 or higher can support two stages totaling up to twenty-four months. The graduate can work full time; a second year requires evidence of efforts to secure suitable longer-term employment.
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Qualifying award Confirm the Irish award level, written notification date, and current Stamp 2.
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Apply in time File within six months of notification and before Stamp 2 expires.
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Graduate permission If approved Register Stamp 1G and seek a qualifying longer-term employment basis.
Overall student and graduate residence limits still apply.
Eligibility
EEA means the EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
This pathway may fit when the following route-specific requirements are met:
- A qualifying Irish Level 8 or higher award completed within the program's timing rules.
- Valid Stamp 2 student permission when applying and compliance with the student conditions.
- Application within six months of written notice of the award, with identity and insurance records.
- Compliance with the overall student and graduate residence limit: generally seven years for Level 8 and eight for Level 9 or above.
What This Route Allows
Stamp 1G permits full-time employment while the graduate seeks a longer-term employment basis. Level 8 graduates normally receive 12 months; qualifying Level 9 or higher graduates may receive up to 24 months in two stages. The second year requires evidence of efforts to find suitable work.
What This Route Is Not
It is temporary, does not permit self-employment, and does not remove the need to obtain an employment permit or other permission before Stamp 1G expires.
Next Steps
- Confirm the award level and graduation date.
- Apply within six months of award notification and before your Stamp 2 expires.
- Register the Stamp 1G permission with the required documents.
- Use the graduate period to secure a qualifying longer-term employment basis.
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Sources
- Immigration Service Delivery — Permission Stamps — Stamp 1G duration and work conditions
- Third Level Graduate Program policy — program rules