Ireland Graduate Visa 2027: Stamp 1G and Third Level Scheme Guide

Planning to stay in Ireland after graduation? The Stamp 1G visa, issued under the Third Level Graduate Programme (TLGP), lets eligible non-EU international students live and work in Ireland full-time after finishing their degree. It's the most popular stay-back route for graduates who want local work experience and a long-term path to Irish residency through the Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP). This guide breaks down eligibility, duration, costs, and the long-term pathway to residency — everything you need to know before you apply.

Stamp 1G: Quick Summary

What Is the Stamp 1G? 

Stamp 1G is not technically a visa.

• A visa is what lets you enter Ireland.
• A stamp is what determines your legal status once you're already in the country.

Stamp 1G is the immigration permission you receive after registering with Immigration Service Delivery (ISD). Once approved, your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card is endorsed with Stamp 1G status — this is what unlocks your right to work full-time while you search for graduate-level employment.

Who Qualifies for the Stamp 1G?

To be eligible for Stamp 1G under the Third Level Graduate Programme, you must meet all of the following conditions:

Nationality & Identity

• Non-EU/EEA Status: You must be a non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss, and non-UK national.  
• Physical Presence: You must be physically present inside the borders of Ireland at the exact time you submit your online application.

Academic Requirements

• Accredited Full-Time Course: You must have successfully completed a full-time, daytime course at an officially recognized Irish higher education institution.
• NFQ Level 8 or Above: Your qualification must fall under Level 8, 9, or 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications (Honours Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD).
• ILEP Verification: Your specific institution and your exact degree program must both be actively listed on the official Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP).

Immigration Status & Financials

• Valid Stamp 2: You must hold an active Stamp 2 student immigration permission and an unexpired Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card when you apply.
• Cumulative Stay Caps: You must not have already exceeded the lifetime educational limits for non-EU students in Ireland (7 combined years for Level 8 graduates; 8 combined years for Level 9/10 graduates).
• Irish Medical Insurance: You must hold a valid private health insurance policy bought from an provider based in Ireland. The policy must cover accidents and inpatient hospital care (minimum €25,000 coverage)—standard travel insurance will result in an immediate application rejection.

Application Deadline

• Apply within six months of being notified in writing by the awarding body that you have passed your course.
• The clock starts on your results notification date — not your graduation ceremony date.

How Long Does Stamp 1G Last?

The amount of time you are legally permitted to stay and work in Ireland under a Stamp 1G depends entirely on the level of the degree you completed.

Level 9 and Level 10 graduates are not granted their full 24-month permission at once. The second 12 months requires a formal Immigration Service Deliver (ISD) renewal, during which you must demonstrate active job-seeking activity, such as submitted applications, interview confirmations, or registration with recruitment agencies.

Lifetime Cumulative Stay Caps

Time spent on Stamp 1G counts toward your legal limit for educational permissions in Ireland. Your total combined time on a student permission (Stamp 2) and graduate permission (Stamp 1G) cannot exceed:

• 7 years for Level 8 (Honours Bachelor's) graduates
• 8 years for Level 9 or Level 10 (Master's and PhD) graduates

Full-Time Working Rights Under Stamp 1G

Once your Stamp 1G is approved, you may work full-time, up to 40 hours per week, for any Irish employer without needing a separate employment permit. This working right is immediate and does not require employer sponsorship during the Stamp 1G period.

There are two important restrictions: Stamp 1G holders cannot operate a business, act as a company director, or be self-employed. All employment must be as an employee in accordance with Irish employment law.

The Long-Term Pathway: Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)

Stamp 1G is a bridge, not a destination. To remain in Ireland beyond your Stamp 1G period, you must transition to a recognised employment permit. The Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) is the most sought-after route for international graduates, offering a fast track to long-term residency and eventual citizenship eligibility.

What Are the CSEP Salary Thresholds?

Securing a job offer is the first step, but to qualify for a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP), your contract must meet strict financial baselines. The Irish government divides these salary requirements into three distinct application pathways:

Ireland is actively fast-tracking residency for graduates securing roles in high-demand sectors including Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, Sustainable Green Energy, and Healthcare. After 21 months on a CSEP, graduates may apply for Stamp 4. long-term residency with full labour market access, the right to start a business, and a route toward Irish citizenship.

Stamp 1G Registration: Fees, Timeline, and Documents

Every initial Stamp 1G application and subsequent annual renewal requires an upfront government processing fee of €300 per person, paid via the official ISD immigration portal.

Documents Required

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months remaining)
• Current Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card
• Official written confirmation of your award from the awarding institution (your academic transcript or results letter — not your graduation scroll)
• Proof of private Irish medical insurance (minimum €25,000 inpatient coverage; travel insurance is not accepted)
• Proof of current Irish address
• For Level 9/10 renewals: evidence of job search activity

Stamp 1G Annual Fees

Frequently Asked Questions: Stamp IG

Final Thoughts: Launch Your Career in Ireland

Navigating the transition from student life to the professional world can feel like a high-stakes balancing act, but Ireland’s Third Level Graduate Programme (TLGP) provides an unmatched runway. Securing your Stamp 1G permission is your golden ticket to restriction-free, full-time work—giving you up to 24 months to gain immediate traction in one of Europe’s most dynamic economies. 

Remember, the Stamp 1G isn’t just a stay-back luxury; it is a strategic bridge. Use this time intentionally to expand your local network, target high-demand tech and business sectors, and lock down a role that paves the way for a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP). The six-month clock begins ticking the moment your official academic results drop, so gather your documentation early, lock in your private insurance, and take the first real step toward a thriving global career.