Stamp 1G is Ireland's post-study work permission — and one of the most valuable parts of choosing Ireland for a master's degree. It allows graduates to remain in Ireland, search for jobs, and work full-time in any sector without needing an employer sponsor or a work permit, for up to 24 months. This guide covers eligibility, duration, the application process, and how Stamp 1G connects to long-term residency in Ireland.
What Is Stamp 1G?
Stamp 1G is an immigration permission granted under Ireland's Third Level Graduate Programme. It allows non-EU/EEA graduates of Irish higher education institutions to:
- Remain in Ireland after completing their degree
- Work full-time for any employer, in any role, without a separate employment permit
- Search for jobs that match their qualification level
- Build the Irish work experience needed to qualify for an employment permit and, eventually, long-term residency
How Long Is Stamp 1G?
Duration depends on the level of qualification completed:
| Qualification (NFQ Level) | Stamp 1G Duration |
|---|---|
| Level 8 (Honours Bachelor's degree) | 12 months |
| Level 9 (Master's degree) | 24 months |
| Level 10 (PhD) | 24 months (often with additional consideration) |
This is granted as a single block — there is no renewal of Stamp 1G itself. The goal is for the graduate to secure qualifying employment and convert to a work-based permission (typically a Critical Skills Employment Permit or General Employment Permit) before it expires.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Stamp 1G, you must:
- Have completed an eligible programme on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) at NFQ Level 8 or above
- Have held a valid Stamp 2 student immigration permission throughout your studies
- Apply for Stamp 1G within the validity period of your final Stamp 2 (do not let your immigration permission lapse)
- Hold valid private medical insurance
- Register the new permission with your local immigration office (or via the online registration renewal system in Dublin)
Application Process
Step 1: Confirm Your Results
You must have official confirmation of having completed your degree (conferral letter, transcript, or official confirmation from the university registrar).
Step 2: Apply for Stamp 1G Before Stamp 2 Expires
Applications are made online through the immigration service's renewal portal. Apply as early as possible — do not wait until your current permission has expired.
Step 3: Pay the Registration Fee
| Fee (2026) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Immigration registration/renewal | €300 |
Step 4: Receive Your New Irish Residence Permit (IRP) Card
Your IRP card will be reissued showing Stamp 1G, valid for 12 or 24 months depending on your qualification.
Work Rights on Stamp 1G
| Type | Rights |
|---|---|
| Employment | Any employer, any sector, any role |
| Hours | Full-time (no 20-hour restriction that applies to Stamp 2 students) |
| Employer sponsorship | Not required |
| Self-employment | Not generally permitted under Stamp 1G |
This is functionally similar to the UK's Graduate Route and Australia's Subclass 485 — the key advantage is the freedom to take any job while you search for a role that matches your qualification and can sponsor a longer-term permit.
Converting Stamp 1G to a Work Permit
The end goal of Stamp 1G is to secure a job offer that qualifies for one of two employment permits:
Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)
- For roles on Ireland's Critical Skills Occupations List (IT, engineering, healthcare, science roles) or roles paying above a minimum salary threshold (€38,000–€64,000 depending on occupation)
- Granted for 2 years
- Immediate family reunification rights from day one
- Pathway to Stamp 4 (long-term residency with unrestricted work rights) after 2 years
General Employment Permit
- For roles below the Critical Skills salary threshold but with a labour market needs test
- Granted for up to 2 years, renewable
- Pathway to Stamp 4 after 5 years
Pathway to Long-Term Residency (Stamp 4)
| Stage | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Stamp 2 (student) | Duration of programme |
| Stamp 1G (graduate job search) | 12–24 months |
| Critical Skills Employment Permit | 2 years |
| Stamp 4 (long-term residency, unrestricted work) | After 2 years on CSEP |
| Irish citizenship eligibility | After 5 years of reckonable residence |
For students in IT, data, engineering, and pharma — fields heavily represented in Dublin's multinational base — the CSEP route is the most common and fastest pathway from Stamp 1G to long-term residency.
Stamp 1G vs Other Countries' Post-Study Visas
| Country | Post-Study Work Duration | Job Offer Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland (Stamp 1G) | 12–24 months | No |
| UK (Graduate Route) | 24 months (36 for PhD) | No |
| Australia (Subclass 485) | 2–6 years | No |
| Canada (PGWP) | Up to 3 years | No |
| Germany (Job Seeker Visa) | 18 months | No (but must secure job to extend) |
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