Post-Study Work Permission (Stamp 1G)

The Third Level Graduate Programme, formally known as Stamp 1G, is Ireland's post-study work permission scheme. It allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss/UK graduates who have completed studies at recognized Irish institutions to remain in Ireland after graduation to seek graduate-level employment and transition to long-term work permits. The scheme was first introduced in April 2007 and underwent significant revision in 2017 to expand eligibility and duration. It remains active and accepting applications as of March 2026, with no announced closure or expiration date.

Level 8 Graduates (Honours Bachelor's)

You will be granted twelve months of permission. Your total time on Stamp 2 (as a student) and Stamp 1G combined cannot exceed seven years.

Level 9 and Above Graduates (Master's, PhD)

You will be granted twelve months initially. This will be renewed for a further twelve months (subject to the overall eight-year limit on student conditions not being exceeded) if you satisfy the immigration authorities that you have taken appropriate steps to access suitable graduate-level employment.

The second 12-month renewal is not automatic. Immigration authorities will have regard to the Highly Skilled Occupations List, Ineligible Occupations List, and employment permit salary thresholds in assessing your efforts to secure appropriate graduate-level employment.

Full-Time Work Entitlements

You may work up to 40 hours per week and are free to pursue most types of employment while searching for graduate-level work. There is no restriction on work category or salary level. You are exempt from the requirement to possess an employment permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Restrictions

• You are not permitted to operate a business or be self-employed
• Until you obtain your Stamp 1G permission, you remain bound by the conditions of Stamp 2 (student) permission, including limitations on working hours during term time
• You are not permitted to work while your extension application is under consideration

You may undertake a part-time course while working on Stamp 1G.

Stamp 1G is designed as a bridge to long-term employment, not a pathway to permanent residence in itself. During your Stamp 1G period, you typically transition to one of the following:

Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)

As of 1 March 2026, the minimum annual remuneration threshold is €40,904. However, if you graduated from a non-EEA institution within the last 12 months, you are eligible at €36,848. After 21 months on a CSEP, you can apply for Stamp 4 long-term residency.

General Employment Permit (GEP)

As of 1 March 2026, the minimum annual remuneration threshold is €36,605. After 57 months (approximately 5 years) on a GEP, you can apply for Stamp 4 long-term residency.

Stamp 4 Long-Term Residence

Time spent on Stamp 1G does not count toward Irish citizenship, but it is a critical bridge to Stamp 4 residency, which does count. With good planning, permanent residency is achievable within 5–6 years from graduation.

• Work rights: Full-time employment (up to 40 hours per week) in any sector without an employment permit requirement
• Travel rights: You may travel outside Ireland and re-enter, provided your Stamp 1G permission remains valid
• Study rights: You may undertake part-time study while working
• Family reunification: Generally, dependents cannot join you on Stamp 1G; family can only join once you transition to a Critical Skills Employment Permit
• Path to long-term residence: Stamp 1G is a bridge to employment permits (CSEP or GEP), which lead to Stamp 4 long-term residency and eventually Irish citizenship
• No self-employment: You cannot operate a business or be self-employed
• Health and social services: Access to public health services on the same basis as Irish residents, subject to eligibility criteria