Post-Study Work Permission (Stamp 1G)

You apply for Ireland's post-study work permission — formally called Stamp 1G under the Third Level Graduate Programme — entirely online through the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) portal. The process begins only after you have received official confirmation from your Irish university that you have completed your degree. You must submit your application within six months of receiving that notification; this is a strict deadline and applications submitted after six months will be refused.

Before You Start: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before applying, verify that you meet these core requirements:

• You hold a current, valid Stamp 2 (student) immigration permission and an up-to-date immigration registration card (IRP card)
• Your degree is at Level 8 or above on Ireland's National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). This means:
  • Level 8: Honours Bachelor's degree (typically 4-year programmes)
  • Level 9: Master's degree or postgraduate diploma
  • Level 10: PhD
  • Note: Level 7 qualifications (3-year bachelor's degrees) are no longer eligible
• Your degree was awarded by a recognized Irish awarding body — this includes all Irish universities (Trinity College, UCD, DCU, TU Dublin, Maynooth, MTU, UCC, NUIG, University of Limerick), the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, institutes of technology, and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
• Your course was listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) at the time you studied it
• You are physically present in Ireland at the time of application
• You have not exceeded the overall time limits: Level 8 graduates cannot have spent more than 7 years total as a student (Stamp 2) and graduate (Stamp 1G) in Ireland; Level 9+ graduates cannot exceed 8 years total
• You are of good character and have complied with Irish law

If you are unsure whether your course was ILEP-listed, contact your university's International Office or the ISD directly.

Step 1: Obtain Your Official Proof of Award

You do not need to wait for your graduation ceremony. As soon as your university's International Office or Registrar sends you an official "Notification of Results" letter or completion letter confirming you have successfully completed all requirements of your programme (including any dissertation), you can begin your application.

Acceptable documents include:

• Official letter from your university's International Office or Registrar confirming the award
• Your degree certificate or parchment (if already issued)
• Your final transcript showing completion of all modules and dissertation

Keep a copy of this document — you will upload it with your application.

Step 2: Gather All Required Documents

Before you log into the online portal, prepare the following documents in digital format (PDF, PNG, or JPEG/JPG, each file no larger than 10 MB):

• Biometric page of your current valid passport (the page with your photo and personal details)
• Your current IRP card (both sides, showing your valid Stamp 2 permission)
• Proof of your award (the letter, certificate, or transcript from Step 1)
• Proof of private health insurance purchased in Ireland (travel insurance is not accepted; your policy must cover accidents and medical incidents including hospital stays). You will need to upload a copy of your insurance certificate or policy document.

Note: If any documents are in a language other than English or Irish, you must provide a full English translation.

Step 3: Log Into the ISD Online Portal and Submit Your Application

Visit the ISD online application portal. Create an account or log in if you already have one.

Select "Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G)" as your application type.

Complete the online form with:

• Your personal details (name, date of birth, passport number)
• Your current immigration status (Stamp 2)
• Your university and degree details
• Details of your award (date achieved, level on NFQ)
• Your employment history and job search plans (if applying for a second 12-month extension as a Level 9+ graduate)

Upload all required documents in the specified format.

Critical timing note: If your current Stamp 2 permission expires before your Stamp 1G application is processed, your application will be refused. The ISD strongly advises you to apply as soon as you receive your final results, not to wait until the last moment.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

The application fee is €300 per person, payable online by credit card or debit card at the time of submission. This fee is refundable if your application is denied.

Step 5: Receive Your Application Confirmation

After you submit, you will receive an email confirmation with a reference number. Keep this email — you may need it to track your application or contact the ISD.

Step 6: Wait for Processing and Approval

Standard processing time is approximately six weeks after submission, though this can vary depending on application volume and whether your documents are complete. During this time, you remain on your Stamp 2 permission and are bound by student work restrictions (typically 20 hours per week during term time, full-time during holidays).

Important: You are not permitted to work while your application is under consideration. Once your Stamp 1G is approved, you can work full-time (up to 40 hours per week) without restriction on job type or salary level.

Step 7: Receive Your Stamp 1G Permission

Upon approval, you will receive notification of your new Stamp 1G permission. Your new IRP card will be posted to you — this can take up to 2 additional weeks to arrive.

Current delays (March 2026): The ISD is experiencing significant backlogs in IRP card processing. If your card has not arrived within 2 weeks of approval, keep your approval email and any payment receipt as proof of your valid permission while you wait.

For Level 9+ Graduates Only: Applying for the Second 12-Month Extension

If you hold a Master's degree or PhD (Level 9 or above), your initial Stamp 1G is valid for 12 months. You can apply for a second 12-month extension, provided you can demonstrate that you have been actively seeking graduate-level employment during your first year.

Timing: You can only apply for extension 6 to 8 weeks before your current Stamp 1G expires. Do not apply earlier than this window.

What you must provide:

• Biometric page of your current valid passport
• Your current IRP card (showing valid Stamp 1G)
• Proof of private health insurance (purchased in Ireland)
• Detailed evidence that you have taken appropriate steps to seek graduate-level employment, such as:
  • Letters from companies or recruitment agencies confirming interviews or job applications
  • Proof of registration with graduate employment agencies
  • Correspondence with employers about graduate roles
  • Evidence of professional development or networking activities related to your field

Important note (2025 onwards): Immigration officers are now applying much higher standards to extension applications. A simple request letter is no longer sufficient. Your application must be detailed, well-structured, and carefully argued, with supporting documents that clearly demonstrate your genuine efforts to secure graduate-level work. Many DIY applications are being refused; consider seeking professional advice if you are uncertain.

Processing time for extensions: Since July 2024, extensions submitted via the online portal typically take around one month to process — a significant improvement from the previous 6-month wait.

Critical warning: You are not permitted to work while your extension application is under consideration. Plan your finances accordingly.

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Item	Cost
Stamp 1G Application (initial)	€300
Stamp 1G Extension (Level 9+ only, second 12 months)	€300
Total for initial application	€300
Total for initial + extension	€600

Important notes:

• The fee is refundable if your application is denied
• There is no separate visa fee — Ireland does not charge a visa application fee, making it cost-effective compared to other countries
• These fees do not include: private health insurance (mandatory but not a government fee; typically €50–150 per month depending on coverage), employment permit fees if you transition to a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit (€1,000–€1,500), or IRP card replacement fees if your card is lost or damaged

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Initial Stamp 1G Application

Standard processing: Approximately 6 weeks after submission, though this can vary based on application volume and document completeness.

Critical deadline: You must apply within 6 months of receiving official notification from your university that you have achieved your award. Applications submitted after this deadline are automatically refused.

Stamp 2 expiry risk: If your current Stamp 2 permission expires before your Stamp 1G is approved, your application will be refused. Apply as soon as you have your final results to avoid this.

IRP card delivery: After approval, allow up to 2 additional weeks for your new IRP card to be posted to you. As of March 2026, the ISD is experiencing significant backlogs; if your card has not arrived within 2 weeks, keep your approval email as proof of valid permission.

Extension Application (Level 9+ Graduates Only)

Processing time: Since July 2024, extensions submitted via the online portal typically take around 1 month to process.

Timing window: You can only apply 6 to 8 weeks before your current Stamp 1G expires. Applications submitted outside this window may not be accepted.

No work during processing: You are not permitted to work while your extension is under consideration.

Overall Permission Duration

Level 8 graduates (Honours Bachelor's):

• Initial Stamp 1G: 12 months
• No extension available
• Maximum total time in Ireland as student + graduate: 7 years

Level 9+ graduates (Master's, PhD):

• Initial Stamp 1G: 12 months
• Second 12-month extension: 12 months (if you can demonstrate active job-seeking)
• Maximum total time in Ireland as student + graduate: 8 years

Current Operational Delays (March 2026)

Be aware of these real-world delays affecting your timeline:

IRP card renewal backlog: The ISD is currently processing approximately 68,000 pending online renewal applications. As of March 2026, only applications submitted on or before 6 December 2025 have been processed. New applications are facing delays of around 10 weeks. If your IRP card expires before your renewal is processed, you are considered out of permission and cannot legally remain or work in Ireland. Apply for renewal well in advance of your expiry date.

Employment permit processing delays: If you secure a job and need to transition to a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit, be aware that processing times remain significant. General Employment Permits (GEP) submitted in late November 2025 are only now being examined (as of March 2026), with typical end-to-end timelines of 9–11 weeks. Critical Skills Employment Permits (CSEP) are faster, averaging 5–6 weeks. Plan your job search and employment permit application accordingly.

IRP card concession: If you submit an IRP renewal application before your card expires, you can continue working for up to 12 weeks after expiry while waiting for your new card, provided you keep proof of your renewal application (confirmation email, OREG number, or payment receipt).