Stamp 1G in Ireland: Stay Back After Your Degree

Who can get Stamp 1G

You can apply if you studied in Ireland on Stamp 2 and received an award at Level 8 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications from a recognised Irish institution. You must still hold valid student permission when you apply, and you must have received your results. Time already spent on the Third Level Graduate Programme counts towards your total allowance, and there are overall limits on how long you can stay on student and graduate permissions combined.

• Level 8 honours bachelor’s graduates: currently up to 12 months.
• Level 9 master’s graduates and above: currently up to 24 months, usually granted in stages.
• Your degree must be awarded by an Irish awarding body.
• Apply before your Stamp 2 expires.

How to apply

Once your results are published, you apply to Irish immigration to change your permission from Stamp 2 to Stamp 1G, usually through the online renewal system or the registration office for your area. You will need your passport, current IRP card, a letter from your university confirming your award and results, proof of private medical insurance and the registration fee. Processing can take several weeks in busy periods, so apply as soon as you can.

Working on Stamp 1G

• You can work full time in any job without an employment permit.
• The aim is to find graduate-level work; many graduates take any job at first while applying for roles in their field.
• You cannot extend Stamp 1G beyond the maximum period, so plan your job search from the first month.
• Family members cannot usually join you on Stamp 1G.

After Stamp 1G: employment permits and long-term stay

To stay longer, most graduates need an employment permit. A Critical Skills Employment Permit is for occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List, or high-salary roles, that meet the current minimum salary. Many IT, data, engineering, pharma and healthcare roles qualify. A General Employment Permit covers a wider range of jobs, with its own salary threshold and a labour market test in many cases.

Critical Skills permit holders can currently move to Stamp 4 after a set period, which gives more freedom to work and a path towards long-term residence and citizenship. Thresholds, eligible occupations and timelines are updated regularly, so check the Department of Enterprise and Irish immigration websites before relying on any figure.

Step by step

1. 1

   Finish your course

   Complete all modules and your dissertation or project on time.

2. 2

   Get your results letter

   Request an official letter from your university confirming your award.

3. 3

   Apply for Stamp 1G

   Apply before your Stamp 2 expires with your passport, IRP card, results letter and insurance.

4. 4

   Job search

   Work full time while applying for graduate roles in your field.

5. 5

   Employment permit

   Move to a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit with a qualifying job offer.

Frequently asked questions